2008 Event Press Releases -
Publix Super Markets Steps Up Partnership To Become Title Sponsor of Gasparilla Distance Classic Race Weekend
Gasparilla Distance Classic Association Press Release
October 2, 2007
The Gasparilla Distance Classic Association announced today that Publix Super Markets, America’s highest-ranking supermarket for customer satisfaction for 13-consectutive years, has committed to the Title Sponsorship of the Gasparilla Distance Classic Race Weekend.
Publix, a Presenting Sponsor of the Gasparilla running events since 2000, will now join the City of Tampa in hosting the 2008 Publix Super Markets Gasparilla Distance Classic Race Weekend, Publix Super Markets Gasparilla Distance Classic 15K & 5K and Tampa’s Gasparilla Marathon, Half Marathon and Marathon Relay on February 8 – 10.
“We are thrilled that Publix Super Markets deems the Gasparilla Distance Classic worthy enough to stand beside the Publix brand,” said Susan Harmeling, Gasparilla Distance Classic Association Executive Director. “This will be a wonderful partnership based on shared values of giving back to the community and encouraging and helping people to live healthier, more active lives.”
Race Weekend, which began in 1978, has grown into a three-day sporting event with tremendous support from the Tampa Bay community, but also a major destination race for runners and walkers that generates $6 million for the local economy and has donated $2.6 million to local youth organizations.
"We recognize our customers are living more active lifestyles and we are committed to the total health and wellness of our customers and their families," said Shannon Patten, Media and Community Relations Manager for Publix. "We are excited to continue our relationship with the Gasparilla Distance Classic Association and we are proud to be a Title Sponsor of the 2008 Race Weekend."
Beginning in December, 2007 Publix Super Markets Gasparilla Distance Classic Registration Brochures will be available for pick-up in every Publix location in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Polk, Manatee, Sarasota, Hernando, Highlands and Citrus counties.
The Publix Super Markets Gasparilla Distance Classic is produced by the Gasparilla Distance Classic Association in cooperation with the City of Tampa.
Publix Sponsors Races
A staff and wire report, Tampa Tribune
Published October 2, 2007
Publix Super Markets has signed on with the Gasparilla Distance Classic as the title sponsor of the annual 15-kilometer and 5-kilometer running events in Tampa, race director Susan Harmeling announced Tuesday. In June, Bank of America announced it was withdrawing as Gasparilla’s title sponsor after an eight-year partnership. Harmeling would not disclose financial terms of the two-year contract.
Gasparilla gets title sponsor
By Joey Knight, Times Staff Writer
Published October 2, 2007
http://www.sptimes.com/2007/10/02/Sports/Gasparilla_gets_title.shtml
Publix Super Markets, a presenting sponsor of Gasparilla running events since 2000, was named Tuesday as title sponsor of the 2008 Gasparilla Distance Classic Race Weekend, set for Feb. 8-10.
Publix replaces Bank of America, which announced last summer it was pulling its sponsorship of the Gasparilla marathon, half-marathon, 5K and 15K races after seven years.
"We recognize our customers are living more active lifestyles and we are committed to the total health and wellness of our customers and their families," Shannon Patten, media and community relations manager for Publix, said in a news release.
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