Posted: November 11, 2005

Athletics: Des Moines Marathon - IMT Insurance Agrees to Multi-year Sponsorship

Des Moines, IA…IMT Insurance Company will retain its role as title sponsor for the Des Moines Marathon for the next three years. A three-year agreement for the 2006, 2007 and 2008 events has been made between the West Des Moines, Iowa insurance company and the Marathon, which will enter its fifth year of racing in 2006.

“We are thrilled to announce our continuing partnership with IMT Insurance,” said Chris Burch, Director of Racing and Events with the Des Moines Marathon. “IMT’s sponsorship is the cornerstone of our foundation for a great marathon in Des Moines.”

Burch continued, “We have lofty goals for the Marathon. With IMT’s agreement to serve as title sponsor for the next three years, we are definitely on our way toward making the IMT Des Moines Marathon one of the Midwest’s premier road racing events.”

The 2005 Des Moines Marathon registered 2,786 athletes; over 1,500 participated in the Half Marathon and over 1,200 in the Full Marathon. Runners came to Des Moines, Iowa from over 40 states, 4 countries and 2 provinces in Canada. The overall men’s winner of the Full Marathon was from New York, NY and the female winner hailed from San Antonio Texas.

“Everyone at IMT is excited that we have signed on to be the Des Moines Marathon’s lead sponsor for the next 3 years. The race in September proved to be an unbelievable success and we are happy IMT can help this event achieve even greater things in the future. We know that if the whole metro area gets involved they will embrace this event as much as we have,” said Rich Nauman, Director of Marketing with IMT Insurance.

The 2006 event will introduce a 5K Road Race and Five Person Marathon Relay Challenge in conjunction with the Half and Full Marathon. A Kid’s Run is also scheduled to return to the race agenda. All racing will take place on Sunday, October 15, 2006. The Sports & Fitness Exposition will feature national speakers and vendors over the course of race weekend culminating in a pasta dinner celebration the night before the race.

In 1884 the Iowa Mutual Tornado Insurance Company was formed to provide wind and tornado insurance to farmers. As the company grew and expanded into other states the name was changed to IMT Insurance Company (Mutual). It has become a financially strong Midwestern property and casualty organization with more than 115 years of proven performance. Today, it provides many different forms of protection for home, auto and business. For more information, visit their website at www.imtins.com.

For 2006 Des Moines Marathon event information, please visit the website at: www.desmoinesmarathon.com.