SPARTAN RACE PARTNERS WITH RUNNER’S WORLD
…World’s most influential running media brand teams with global leader in obstacle racing

EMMAUS, PA (June 30, 2014) — Runner’s World, the largest and most influential media brand in the running space, has signed a partnership with Spartan Race™, the global leader in obstacle racing since 2005, that includes custom digital content, racer-focused benefits, training plans and event activations.

The collaboration between these two premier fitness brands kicked off in the July issue of Runner’s World magazine, which reaches over three million people monthly in print. Highlights ofRunner’s World’s involvement in Spartan Race events include: Customized Spartan Race training plans designed by Runner’s World experts as well as exclusive stories and videos to be available only on Spartan.com; Runner’s World content on Spartan.com; and a Runner’s World presence at select Spartan Race events. 

“Non-traditional running events such as the Reebok Spartan Race have really taken off in the last five years,” said Runner’s World Publisher Molly O’Keefe. “Our core mission is to welcome and engage all runners, and this new partnership with Spartan Race allows us to continue on that path with obstacle racers. The growth of Spartan Race into a global brand underscores their ability to create and deliver a first-class experience, showcasing the social and physical benefits of running and ultimately attracting new runners to our sport.”

According to a Running USA Study, in just five years, the number of estimated finishers in non-traditional events has grown from low six figures in 2009 to four million in 2013, a nearly 40-fold increase.

“We’re excited to kick-off the partnership with Runner’s World,” said Colby Connell, Spartan Race’s Vice President of Marketing. “Our goal is to expand the way people view health and fitness. While we provide people with an alternative to more traditional running events, Spartan Race is still a race at the end of the day and our heritage comes out of distance running.

“We believe that Runner’s World’s knowledge of training, nutrition, and race day preparation will greatly help our current race community. We also believe the alliance will help educate those in the traditional road race and trail running communities on how to optimally train for a Spartan Race.

“This partnership is yet another key factor in growing the emerging sport of obstacle racing along the proper channels and helping millions of people off their couch and out the door, living fitter lives.”

About Runner’s World

Rodale’s Runner’s World, the largest and most influential media brand in the running space, is the essential guide for everyone who runs. The brand provides all runners—men and women, from beginners to hardcore marathoners—with the advice and information they need to pursue their goals, the inspiration and entertainment they crave, and a sense of authentic community they won’t find anywhere else. Runner’s World is everywhere its readers and customers are—in print, online, on-screen and on the ground. Through authentic events such as the award-winning Runner’s World Challenge, the award-winning Runner’s World Half & Festival (www.RWHalf.com), and the Runner’s World Heartbreak Hill Half & Festival (www.HHHalf.com), Runner’s World editors forge deep connections and have meaningful interactions with our readers as an organic part of the running community. Runner’s World publishes 18 international editions: Argentina (2014), Australia/New Zealand, Belgium, Brazil, China, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, The Netherlands, Norway, Philippines, Poland, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom and the United States. For digital updates, visit www.runnersworld.com, Twitter (@runnersworld), Facebook (Runner’s World Magazine), as well as the brand’s mobile apps.

About Spartan Race, Inc.

Founded in 2010, Spartan Race is the global leader in the sport of obstacle racing. Spartan races cater to everyone from the “ordinary Joe or Jane” looking to get off the couch and leading a fitter lifestyle, to elite endurance athletes seeking out the ultimate physical test. Currently, Spartan offers three primary race formats,  “Sprint” (3+ miles; 15+ obstacles), “Super” (8+ miles; 20+ obstacles) and “Beast” (13+ miles; 25+ obstacles), along with a shorter format race for children. Unlike other obstacle-focused events, Spartan Races are always timed and competitors are encouraged to accumulate completion medals at each of the primary race distances to achieve “Trifecta” status. With over 40 races slated for the United States in 2014, and 70 races taking place across 17 countries internationally, Spartan Race encourages you to change your life by signing up to race today at Spartan.com.

What are your thoughts? Do you think this will impact the sport of OCR and Spartan Race in general. Share you comments.