Posted: March 6, 2006

Athletics: Brooks Sports® Steps in Stride with OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon

Performance Running Company Sponsors 9th Largest U.S. Road Race

BOTHELL, Wash. - Brooks Sports, Inc., a leading running company headquartered in Bothell, Wash., has signed a multi-year sponsorship agreement with 500 Festival, Inc. The new partnership names Brooks the official shoe and technical apparel sponsor of the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, Finish Line 500 Festival 5K, 500 Festival Training Series and the e-Training Team.

"Brooks is so proud to be a part of an event that carries such excitement and pride of participation from the Midwest region," said Brooks Events Marketing Manager Kim Anderson. "With great organization, engaging entertainment and a robust lineup of related activities for runners and their families, the Indy Mini definitely ranks high on the list of must-do running events."

The nation's largest half-marathon and 9th largest U.S. road race of all distances, the Mini-Marathon will celebrate its 30th running on Saturday, May 6, 2006. The 2006 race sold out in record time, despite the fact event organizers increased the field from 30,000 to an all-time high of 35,000 participants. A unique and fast course, the Mini-Marathon takes participants on a full lap around the famed oval of the Indianapolis 500 racetrack.

"We're all thrilled to have Brooks on board as the official shoe and technical apparel sponsor of the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon," said Kirk Hendrix, president and CEO of 500 Festival. "As the nation's largest half-marathon with 35,000 participants, it's fitting that Brooks would serve this role, given the company's commitment to quality and its reputation within the running community."

Brooks will provide runners training, gear and raceday tips in advance of the festival weekend, and participate with onsite advice and gear in the Finish Line booth at the Mini-Marathon Expo.

"Brooks is a valued brand partner of Finish Line and a leader in technical running product," said Kevin Flynn, Finish Line's Senior Vice President of Marketing. " Finish Line is the exclusive retailer of official event merchandise, and we believe that the Brooks partnership in the Indy Mini and their creation of event product will be a win for everyone involved."

Visit the race website at: 500Festival.com.

Ryan Lamppa, Running USA Media Services Director
385 Oak View Lane
Santa Barbara, CA 93111

(805) 696-6232, fax (805) 967-5958
Ryan@RunningUSA.org
www.runningusa.org.

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