Quick, what’s the first corporate sponsor that might come to mind for a huge distance race? If “McDonalds” didn’t spring to the forefront of your mind, you aren’t alone. However, the folks at Rock n Roll Marathons see some opportunity there, as they have teamed up with the big M to sponsor several of their upcoming races.
From the press release:
San Diego, CA – May 23, 2012 – Competitor Group, Inc. (CGI), the leading media and event resource in the active lifestyle industry, today announced a partnership with McDonald’s USA as the official quick service restaurant sponsor of five upcoming events in the popular Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series. The sponsorship kicks off in Southern California at the Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego Marathon & ½ Marathon benefiting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society on Sunday, June 3.
“In addition to our global Olympics sponsorship, McDonald’s has been a long-time supporter of sports programs and active lifestyle events in local communities across the country,” said Cindy Goody, PhD, MBA, RD, LDN, Senior Director of Nutrition for McDonald’s USA, LLC. “The Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series events offer us an ideal opportunity to engage with participants around our menu, as well as our commitments to nutrition and to helping our customers make choices that are right for them when visiting McDonald’s.”
McDonald’s will introduce runners and spectators in San Diego, Seattle, Chicago, Philadelphia and Denver to wholesome menu choices, while also encouraging a balanced approach to nutrition and activity. McDonald’s long-standing support of sports initiatives includes programs that promote physical activity at the local, national and global levels through partnerships with thousands of sporting associations.
Don’t get me wrong, I love a delicious burger after a race. The best post-race meal I have had was at the Good Stuff Eatery after the Rock N Roll DC Half Marathon. But I have a hard time wrapping my head around a fast food chain sponsoring races! I know McDonalds has tried to clean up their menu, but let’s be honest-in no universe is a McD’s oatmeal better for you than homemade or even plain instant, and their Egg McMuffins are tasty but completely unnatural. It’s just an odd fit for a challenge that by its very nature encourages physical fitness and proper nutrition.
Maybe Blondie put them up to it?
Do you find this to be an odd pairing or an example of corporate synergy at its finest? Let us know in the comments!
I’m all for ways to make running something more appealing to people, to get more people active and participating, etc. I’m not personally a huge McDonalds fan, and I’m also not a fan of these huge mega-events like the Rock n Roll races, so it’s not likely to get me to sign up for their event. But, that’s just me. I’ll simply thank McDonalds for helping to sponsor these races and let’s hope that the money goes into making the races better and not the organizers richer.
Well said!
‘Quick Service Restaurant’ … haha I love it! 🙂
It does make me vaguely worried there will be a “quick service fuel stop” complete with big macs.
On the other hand, if the competition is eating a big Mac that greatly improves my chances of passing them in the last few miles…