FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 20, 2017
Contact: Julie Armstrong, Marketing Communications Director
831-625-6226 / Julie@bsim.org
Media Contact for HOKA
Alex Kurt, HOKA PR
alex.kurt@deckers.com
805-967-7611 x1305
Big Sur is “Ready To Fly” with HOKA ONE ONE
Big Sur International Marathon and HOKA Form Partnership for Iconic Race
Carmel, CA — The Big Sur Marathon Foundation has announced that HOKA ONE ONE® is the new Official Athletic Footwear Partner of the iconic Big Sur International Marathon. The two companies, both based in coastal California, inked a three-year deal in mid-December.
“We’re excited to welcome HOKA to our Big Sur Marathon weekend of events,” said Doug Thurston, race director and executive director of the Marathon Foundation. “They are a great fit with our mission to create beautiful events that benefit our community.”
Named after a Maori language phrase loosely meaning “fly over the earth,” scores of HOKA wearers will be ‘flying’ along California’s Highway 1, one of the world’s most scenic marathon courses, on the last Sunday in April. The dramatic road, a designated National Scenic Byway, offers incredible views of the steep wooded hills that rise from the rocky shores and crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean. The Big Sur International Marathon is consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful, and challenging, marathons. It has also been reviewed as the “best destination marathon” and annually draws runners from all 50 states and more than 30 countries.
Mike McManus, Senior Sports Marketing Manager for HOKA ONE ONE, said “We’re particularly excited to team up with a race that has such a huge draw from around the United States and across the globe, and which is just up the coast from our global headquarters. The Big Sur Marathon is a world-class event and a fitting partner for us as we see more and more of our shoes on participants’ feet in this and other events worldwide.”
Two top HOKA-sponsored athletes are past Big Sur champions. Ultra runners Michael Wardian won in 2014 and 2017 and Magdalena Boulet was the female champion in 2016.
As the Official Athletic Footwear Partner, HOKA will have a major presence at the two-day Health & Fitness Expo and the marathon’s finish village. They will also activate on course with a fully-branded “Time to Fly” zone which will be enjoyed by runners from the race’s six different distance events: the marathon, 21-Miler, 11-Miler, 12K, 5K and marathon relay.
The Big Sur International Marathon will celebrate its 33rd presentation this April with approximately 10,000 total entrants. All distances are expected to sell-out; currently, there are still openings available in the 11-Miler, 12K and 5K races. To learn more or register, visit www.bigsurmarathon.org.
About the Big Sur Marathon Foundation
The Big Sur Marathon Foundation is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to create beautiful running events that promote health and benefit the community. Under the brand are four individual races: Big Sur International Marathon in April, Run in the Name of Love 5K and 2K in June, Salinas Valley Half Marathon in August, and the Monterey Bay Half Marathon in November. In addition, the Foundation oversees the award-winning JUST RUN® youth fitness program. www.bsim.org #bsimevents
About HOKA ONE ONE®
HOKA ONE ONE® is the fastest-growing premium running shoe brand in the world. Two life-long runners launched HOKA in 2009 after years spent handcrafting and shaping lightweight shoes with extra-thick midsoles. Initially embraced by ultrarunners because of their enhanced cushioning and inherent stability, HOKA now offers shoes for all types of athletes who enjoy the shoes’ unique ride. For more information, visit hokaoneone.com or follow @hokaoneone #hokaoneone.
