Chicago Marathon Runners Leave Smelly Washers in the Dust

BENTON HARBOR, Mich., Sept. 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- When nearly 40,000 Bank of America Chicago Marathon runners cross the finish line this October, they will take home more than just the satisfaction of completing this prestigious accomplishment, they will also be bringing back some sweaty, smelly laundry. And when these athletes go to clean their athletic wear, they will be relying on their washing machine to go that extra mile.  

To help leave smelly washers in the dust, affresh™ cleaners, from Whirlpool Corporation, has committed to a new multi-year agreement to become an official sponsor of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon.

Affresh® Washer cleaner helps keep washers performing at their best and smelling fresh by reducing or removing odor-causing residue that can accumulate in washing machines, particularly when too much or the wrong type of detergent is used, and when not properly maintained and cleaned on a regular basis.

"As an athlete myself, I understand the time commitment any type of training takes. Whether the end goal is a marathon or a run around the neighborhood, sticking to a schedule can be tough," said Michael Colston, brand manager of affresh™ Cleaners. "We are thrilled to have affresh™ Cleaners supporting the Bank of America Chicago Marathon as part of our ongoing commitment to help runners maintain their washers at their best."

During race week, the affresh™ brand team invites runners and spectators to visit the affresh™ Cleaners booth at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon Health & Fitness Expo for free product samples. Visitors to the booth can enter for a chance to win a Maytag® Bravos® washer and dryer. Affresh™ brand will also be giving away prizes to consumers who check-in at their booth on Foursquare. Affresh™ Cleaners congratulates the 2011 34th annual Bank of America Chicago Marathon runners and the family and friends that support them.

About affresh™

The affresh® brand of products are formulated to help keep appliances operating at peak performance, when used in conjunction with a regular maintenance routine as indicated in the appliance's Use & Care Guide. First introduced in 2007, the product portfolio has evolved to include washer cleaners, dishwashers and garbage disposal cleaner, and a new line of cleaners designed to help clean everyday kitchen food spills and stuck on residue. Affresh products are owned and distributed by Whirlpool Corporation, the world's leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, with annual sales of approximately $18 billion in 2010, 71,000 employees, and 66 manufacturing and technology research centers around the world. Affresh™ cleaners can be found at Wal-Mart, Target, Lowes, Home Depot, and other local retailers. For more, visit www.affresh.com.

About the Bank of America Chicago Marathon

In its 34th year and a member of the World Marathon Majors, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon annually attracts 45,000 participants, including a world-class elite runner and wheelchair field, and an estimated 1.7 million spectators. As a result of its national and international draw, each year, the iconic race assists in raising millions for a variety of charitable causes while generating $170 million in economic impact to its host city according to a report by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign's Regional Economics Applications Laboratory (R.E.A.L.). The 2011 Bank of America Chicago Marathon will start and finish in Chicago's Grant Park beginning at 7:30 a.m. on October 9. In advance of the race, a two-day Health & Fitness Expo will be held at McCormick Place Convention Center on October 7-8.

SOURCE affresh