Publix is the new title sponsor for the Georgia Marathon and Half Marathon. The announcement was made Tuesday.
Publix has a two-year contract with the race, which last year had about 12,600 finishers. It replaces ING, which had been the title sponsor of the race since its inception in 2007 but decided to end its sponsorship.
"The timing was good," Publix spokeswoman Brenda Reid said. "We're looking at expanding our reach into the race and running community."
Greg Laird, founding partner and CEO of U.S. Road Sports, which owns and operates the marathon, said there were other companies that had shown interest in becoming the title sponsor, "but this was the best one." It comes at a time when many sporting events have had trouble landing sponsorship deals.
"It's not a robust sponsorship environment, but the cream rises to the top," Laird said. "Publix is clearly one of the best businesses in the Southeast."
The 2011 race will be held March 20. Laird said registration numbers are 25-30 percent ahead of last year's.
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