CITGO presence to extend beyond race day to the months leading up to the event on April 17.
CITGO Petroleum Corp. and the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) announced the beginning of a multiple-year sponsorship agreement, making the Houston-based oil refining and marketing company the Official Fuel Sponsor of the Boston Marathon.
Since 1965, CITGO has had an iconic presence along the Boston Marathon race route, with the signature CITGO sign in Kenmore Square letting runners know they are one mile from the finish of the Boston Marathon. Now, as the Official Fuel Sponsor of the Boston Marathon, the CITGO presence within the event will extend beyond race day to the months leading up to the 121st running of the Boston Marathon on April 17, 2017.
As the Official Fuel Sponsor of the Boston Marathon, CITGO will be the presenting sponsor of a digital campaign titled “The Road to Boston” that provides year-long event information to participants of the Boston Marathon. In addition, CITGO branding will be located just outside the Athletes’ Village in Hopkinton, and at the “One Mile to Go” mark of the Boston Marathon.
New this year, a CITGO cheer zone will be located at mile 25.2 beneath the iconic CITGO sign landmark, encouraging runners as they take their final steps towards the Boylston Street finish line.
“We’re pleased to add CITGO into our family of Boston Marathon sponsors,” said B.A.A. CEO, Tom Grilk. “When participants envision the Boston Marathon, one of the most memorable images is that of the CITGO sign and the final strides to the finish. Having CITGO as the Official Fuel Sponsor of the Boston Marathon connects one iconic brand with our race and participants.”
“For decades the CITGO sign has inspired thousands of runners to reach the finish line,” said CITGO Vice President of Supply and Marketing Rick Esser. “We are excited about the opportunity to cheer for them at mile marker 25.2.”
CITGO will have athletes fueled with inspiration and ready to race the Boston Marathon beginning with their first steps in Hopkinton. After departing the Athletes’ Village in Hopkinton, all participants will pass through the “Fueling Good Runway, presented by CITGO.”
Approximately 30,000 participants are registered for the 2017 Boston Marathon, to be run on April 17, 2017. The Boston Marathon is the oldest continuously run marathon in the world, spanning 121 years of history.