Click here for Sydney Marathon pages on Coolrunning
FLORA now supports two of the world's great marathons
28 August 2001Announces major sponsorship of Sydney Marathon
Unilever Australasia today announced a major sponsorship for the Flora brand of the Sydney Marathon, commencing with the 2001 event to be held on 28 October.
The support by Flora of the Sydney event – which will now be known as the Flora Sydney Marathon and incorporates the Sunday Telegraph Bridge Run – complements its long-standing major sponsorship of the London Marathon.
The sponsorship was brokered by Sporting Frontiers Australia, which owns the commercial rights to the Sydney Marathon and is jointly staging the event with Athletics Australia and the NSW Government.
Flora Brand Development Director, Ms Kay Carey, said: "The Flora commitment is long-term and reflects the company’s belief that the Sydney Marathon is well on its way to becoming one of the world’s great marathons."
"The marathon event at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games created some of the most memorable and spectacular memories of what was proclaimed to be the best ever Games," Carey said.
"This year’s marathon will continue the Olympic tradition, with runners once again following the now famous blue line over the Sydney Harbour Bridge, past the Opera House and onwards to Homebush Olympic Park."
Carey also said the successful Flora sponsorship of the past six London Marathons was a critical factor in its decision to support Sydney’s event.
"Our UK team’s investment in the London event has demonstrated the success of associating its brand with what is not only one of the world’s leading marathons, but also a spectacular community event."
"Needless to say the health and community aspects of an event such as the marathon and fun run sit well with the Flora brand commitment to promoting a balanced diet and regular exercise to all Australians."
"Sponsoring both events also gives us great cross-promotional opportunities," Carey said. "We’ll be investigating the possibility of sending some Sydney runners to London, and vice versa."
The Managing Director of Sporting Frontiers Australia, Michael Porra, said the support of the Flora brand gives the Marathon an enormous boost as it begins its new life as a stand-alone event.
"There is no doubt that the 2000 Olympics and the international media coverage it received has given the Sydney Marathon an enormous boost in its goal to become one of the world’s greatest marathons, along with London, New York and Boston," he said.
"Flora is a great brand for a healthy, community event, and the fact that it is already associated with marathon running is just a bonus."
The Chief Executive Officer of Athletics Australia, Simon Allatson, is equally confident that the event has attracted the right sponsor at the right time.
"The Flora Sydney Marathon is on the crest of some great things, and we are more than happy to think that Flora has already recognized the benefits of establishing a long term relationship with the event."
About the 2001 Flora Sydney Marathon
This year’s Flora Sydney Marathon will take place on 28 October, and follow the same route established for the 2000 Olympic Games.
Australia’s Steve Moneghetti is supporting the event and helping others relive his memories of competing in a home country Olympic marathon, while the winner of the women’s event, Japan’s Naoko Takahashi, will be attending as race ambassador.
Runners will follow the now famous blue-painted line past some of Sydney’s most spectacular scenery, including the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, Centennial Park, Darling Harbour and Anzac Bridge, before finishing up at Homebush Olympic Park.
The more dedicated marathon runners will also be joined by tens of thousands of fun runners, who will get the opportunity to follow a small part of the Olympic course in the 10km Sunday Telegraph Bridge Run.
The marathon is open to all people over 18 years of age, including wheelchair athletes with racing chairs.
Jointly staging the event are Athletics Australia, Sporting Frontiers Australia and the NSW Government. The same SOCOG management team that successfully planned, developed and implemented the Sydney 2000 marathon is also managing this year’s event.
For entry details visit www.athletics.org.au or phone 1800 647 699.
For further information:
Chris Muldoon via Phone: 02 9437 9968 or 0411 157 914Click here for Sydney Marathon pages on Coolrunning
