FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon Wins
Graphic Design Award for Advertising Campaign
CLEVELAND (Dec. 28, 2009) – The Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon, Half Marathon
& 10K has been awarded the distinguished American Graphic Design Award from
Graphic Design USA. The marathon's advertising agency, Highland Public
Relations, received the award in recognition of the marathon's identity
campaign, launched in 2009, The Cleveland Experience.
The American Graphic Design Awards is a national competition open to
everyone in the graphic arts community. It honors outstanding works of all
kinds in 23 different categories ranging from print and packaging to
Internet and interactive design.
Executive Race Director Jack Staph said the goal of The Cleveland
Experience campaign was to bring the heart of Cleveland and its rock and
roll roots to life. Staph said, "Our runners really embraced the fun,
hippie-themed brand and enjoyed wearing the branded gear."
The Cleveland Marathon staff received feedback from runners who, in keeping
with the theme of the campaign, were happy to share how much they enjoyed
creating their own Cleveland experiences during race weekend in May 2009,
Staph said.
"The positive feedback from runners is the greatest reward. Receiving the
American Graphic Design Award for our marketing efforts is also something
of which I'm quite proud," said Staph.
During the race, many runners and observers were dressed in the colorful
branded running gear they purchased that weekend at the marathon's expo.
Staph said seeing so many people wear the marathon's shirts was proof that
The Cleveland Experience connected with the crowds.
"This award means a great deal to those of us that work so hard to put on
this event and bring health and fitness to Cleveland," said Staph. "The
second aspect of the 'Cleveland Experience' is using the course to show off
the best and brightest parts of the city. I'm a firm believer that once
people experience Cleveland, they will be fully impressed with the city."
The Cleveland Experience campaign consisted of full page, full color ads in
a number of regional and national running publications, as well as national
online banner ads, a branded website and email campaign and other
collateral materials that were also part of the award submission.
"Highland PR has worked tirelessly to help create a strong brand for the
Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon," Staph said. "It's obvious through this award
and the response of the runners that with their help, we've struck the
right chord with our marketing efforts."
The Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon has experienced 140 percent growth in
participation since 2003, with 12,500 registered runners in its May 17,
2009 events. One of the 50 oldest marathons in the country, it is a Boston
Marathon qualifier and sits in the top five for fastest median time for
marathon finishers nationally.
The Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon offers the following opportunities for
people to participate in the event: full marathon, half marathon, 10K, full
marathon walking division, half marathon walking division, 10K walking
division, a new 5K (run or walk), Kids' Run and 10K Corporate Team
Challenge. The events take place May 15 and 16, 2010.
To register for any of the events, or learn more about the Rite Aid
Cleveland Marathon, visit www.clevelandmarathon.com.
Akron, Ohio's Highland Public Relations is the marathon's agency of record.
It has been responsible for developing the marathon's advertising strategy
and campaign creative since 2003. The agency also handles the media
relations responsibilities for the marathon. Highland Public Relations is a
full-service public relations, marketing and advertising firm located in
the Highland Square district of Akron. Information can be found at
www.HighlandPR.com.
About the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon, Half Marathon & 10K:
The Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon, Half Marathon & 10K is in its 33rd year of
providing a running experience for all individuals who want to participate
regardless of their abilities. More than 260,000 runners have
participated, generating more than $12 million annually to benefit the
Cleveland community.
###
|
