Posted: March 21, 2007

Athletics: ING Tied to Distance Running -- With Races and Laces

Global Financial Service Company is Title Sponsor of Four Major U.S. Races and Leading Grassroots Effort to Get Kids Running for Health; Inaugural ING Georgia Marathon Set for Sunday, March 25th ATLANTA, March 21 /PRNewswire/ -- In the sport of distance running, orange is in. In 2007, ING, a global financial services leader, is tying its premiere running sponsorship to local communities with orange laces. Runners and non- runners alike can lace up their shoes with ING Run for Something Better orange shoelaces and take to the street to support kids' physical fitness. "As a financial services company, ING sees the parallels between running and financial planning," said Toby Hoden, chief marketing officer, ING U.S. Financial Services. "Whether it's encouraging healthy, active lifestyles or planning for one's financial future, ING believes it's about starting small, setting goals and staying committed for the long run. ING's goal is to make it easier for people to achieve success in both arenas." 2007 ING-Sponsored Races In 2007, ING will extend its support for the sport of running and sponsor some of the most notable races in the country. The inaugural ING Georgia Marathon, which is expected to have one of the largest fields of any first-year marathon in the country, will take place this Sunday, March 25, traveling through the city's most historic and notable areas. The company also sponsors the ING Bay to Breakers 12K in San Francisco on May 20, the ING New York City Marathon, on Nov. 4, ING Miami Marathon, scheduled for Jan. 28, 2008, in multi-year agreements running through 2010. ING creates vibrant ING Cheering Zones at each race for the community to gather and rally together to cheer on the runners along the race course. ING chooses locations where spectators can encourage participants by banging bright orange noisemakers, making the most unique "GO" sign, listening to music and providing a much-needed boost to those running at key points in the race. ING in the Community Since 2003, ING Run for Something Better has supported kids' running programs in its race communities. Through this program, ING is committed to donating more than $2 million to community and youth running programs that will get kids running 500,000 miles by 2010. "ING has a distinct opportunity to connect with the next generation and help them start off on the right foot," said Hoden. The 2007 expansion of ING Run for Something Better allows individual runners and the public at large to lace up and get involved. Individuals who donate $10 or more to the ING Run for Something Better charitable fund will receive a special pair of orange shoelaces that symbolize how they are "tied" to supporting kids' running programs in their communities. Proceeds from every donation made in conjunction with an ING-sponsored race directly benefit the kids' running programs in that community. "Childhood obesity is a serious health concern in the U.S., and the ING Run for Something Better is our commitment to helping every child get and stay fit and to have a healthy start to life," said Hoden. "The sport of running helps build stronger minds and bodies, which benefits kids' overall wellness. Research has shown that students who are physically fit achieve greater academic success, and ING wants to help these kids reach their potential." Runners and interested individuals can find out more about ING Run for Something Better or make a donation at www.ingrunforsomethingbetter.com. NOTE: The orange laces will be used to fund youth fitness programs in select markets. The amount of an individual's contribution is tax deductible, less the cost of the merchandise, valued at $1. Funds will be managed and allocated by the ING Foundation. About ING ING is a global financial institution of Dutch origin offering banking, insurance and asset management to over 60 million private, corporate and institutional clients in more than 50 countries. With a diverse workforce of over 112,000 people, ING comprises a broad spectrum of prominent companies that increasingly serve their clients under the ING brand. In the U.S., the ING family of companies offer a comprehensive array of financial services to retail and institutional clients which include life insurance, retirement plans, mutual funds, managed accounts, alternative investments, direct banking, institutional investment management, annuities, employee benefits, financial planning, and reinsurance. ING holds top-tier rankings in key U.S. markets and serves over 14 million customers across the nation. For more information, visit www.ing.com. SOURCE: ING U.S. Financial Services