Sports Authority Teams Up with Competitor Group to Announce Title Sponsorship

Sports Authority Rock 'n' Roll Denver Marathon & ½ Marathon set for Sunday, October 9, 2011

DENVER - Sports Authority, the nation's premier full-line sporting goods retailer, has announced that it has partnered with sports marketing and event management leader Competitor Group, Inc. (CGI), to become title sponsor of the Sports Authority Rock 'n' Roll Denver Marathon & ½ Marathon set for Sunday, October 9, 2011.

"As a leading sporting goods retailer, it is essential we continue raising brand awareness with high-profile strategic partnerships that fit the core values of our customers," said Jeff Schumacher, Chief Marketing Officer for Sports Authority. "We are thrilled to be
teaming up with a premier organization like CGI as we broaden our commitment to the sport of running."

Sports Authority and CGI have built outstanding reputations in the running community, sharing common values when it comes to managing, marketing and sponsoring premier race events. The partnership is a multi-year agreement that involves naming rights as well as a variety of marketing, promotional, hospitality and retail components. Together, Sports Authority and CGI hope to make the "Sports Authority Rock 'n' Roll Denver Marathon" even more successful by enhancing the experience for runners, spectators and everyone involved.

"With our corporate headquarters located in Colorado, we're looking forward to a terrific event that annually brings runners, spectators, employees and the community together in a positive and memorable way," said David Campisi, President and CEO of Sports Authority.

"CGI assumed management of the Denver Marathon in 2009 and has since rebranded the event as part of the Rock 'n' Roll Series to increase its visibility on the national stage," said Scott Dickey, President of Competitor Group. "Our partnership with Sports Authority only adds to the prestige of the event and reinforces our commitment to the Colorado community. We invite all runners to experience the excitement of the Sports Authority Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Denver on Sunday, October 9."

Last year, the event sold-out with more than 15,000 entrants, featuring live local bands and fanfare every mile along the route. The 26.2 and 13.1-mile scenic courses showcase many of the city's most celebrated landmarks and parks.

For more information, or to register online, go to: Competitor.com

Special thanks to
Ryan Lamppa, Running USA Media Services Director.
385 Oak View Lane
Santa Barbara, CA 93111
(805) 696-6232, fax (805) 967-5958
Ryan@RunningUSA.org
http://www.runningusa.org