MAZDA GOES THE DISTANCE, SPONSORS THE ROCK 'N' ROLL MARATHON

IRVINE, Calif., Nov. 14, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Mazda is excited to bring its partnership with the Rock 'n' Roll marathon series as the "Official Vehicle" sponsor to Las Vegas.  Racers will first see Mazda at the Health & Fitness Expo Friday and Saturday November 15 & 16 at the Las Vegas Convention Center and then again on Sunday's race day in the Starting Line Village.

The sponsorship rolls into Las Vegas this weekend at the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon and Health Expo (Nov. 15-16), where Marathon Expo attendees can visit the Mazda display to have their photo taken at the SpeedCam photo booth, refuel at the Mazda Fueling Station with free food and beverages, and share stories of personal inspiration and motivation at the interactive #GAMECHANGER wall. On November 17, at the marathon, runners and supporters can stop by the Mazda Creation Station at the Start Line Village to pre-select a customized event t-shirt.

"Mazda is proud to support the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series and its participants," said Russell Wager, Vice President of Marketing for MNAO. "Marathon runners who push their bodies to the limit for a good cause are true Game Changers. They embody Mazda's brand values to excel beyond what is possible."

Sponsorship activities include free food and beverages, screen-printed t-shirts, and ride-and-drive opportunities for marathon participants and supporters at each event.  Mazda's sponsorship continues at the Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon & Half Marathon (Jan. 17-19, 2014).

"Partnering with Mazda was a natural fit given our brands share a passion for performance and dedication to developing innovative ways to engage consumers through unforgettable event experiences," said David O'Connell, VP Sponsorship Sales of Competitor Group, operator of the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series. "We look forward to providing Mazda with a fully integrated event platform for the brand to engage with affluent athletes across the country."

In addition to providing onsite activities, "Team Mazda" runners will participate in each Mazda sponsored Rock 'n' Roll Marathon. A full list of Rock 'n' Roll Marathon cities and dates is available online at www.runrocknroll.com. 

Organized by Competitor Group, the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series is the 'World's Largest Running Series' with more than 500,000 runners taking part in events around the world every year. Started in 1998, the simple idea of making running fun has transformed the U.S. running landscape by infusing the course with live bands, cheer teams and entertaining water stations, creating a block-party atmosphere for participants and spectators alike. Today, the series of marathons and half-marathons has spread to more than 32 destination cities, drawing visitors from around the world.

Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through nearly 700 dealers.  Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City.  For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at www.mazdausamedia.com.

SOURCE Mazda North American Operations