Chicago Marathon Is New Title Sponsor of New York City Marathon
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The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is the new title sponsor of the New York City Marathon, both events announced today. The arrangement, an apparent first in the world of big-city marathons, takes effect immediately, according to a statement posted online.
“We are delighted to step into the role of title sponsor of the New York City Marathon,” said Chicago Marathon race director Peter Cetera. “The Chicago Marathon is known around the world as an unparalleled marathon experience, and so is the New York City Marathon. It really is a match made in heaven.”
The New York Road Runners, which organizes the New York City Marathon, also said the deal made sense for both parties.
“We have long admired and respected our friends at the Chicago Marathon, so we couldn’t be happier with their stepping into the role of title sponsor of the New York City Marathon,” said Mel Blanc, a spokesman for the NYRR. “It’s a perfect fit.”
Today’s news came as a surprise for many, given that the event’s former title sponsor, TCS, signed an eight-year contract with the NYRR just two years ago. The online statement made no mention of TCS, except to “thank them for their past partnership” and to “wish them the best.”
Sources at the NYRR, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the abrupt change likely happened when TCS executives realized that, despite their multi-million-dollar investment, “Not a single runner or spectator knows what TCS is, or what they do, or make, or whatever.”
Early reaction among runners seemed mostly positive.
“This makes so much sense,” wrote one marathon enthusiast on Twitter, responding to the news. “Good for them.”
“I can’t wait to run this year’s Bank of America Chicago Marathon New York City Marathon!” replied another.
“I just Googled ‘TCS’ and I still don’t know what they do,” wrote a third.
Repeated calls and emails to TCS were not returned.
