I’m not really sure what this means for our neighborhood, but it doesn’t sound good to me. According to this DMN column, Wellstone Communities, title sponsor of the White Rock Marathon backed out of a multi-year agreement. "Wellstone president and CEO John Lowery said the slow residential real estate market in the Dallas area makes it difficult for his company to justify the cost of sponsorship."
More than 15,000 participated in the 2007 Wellstone White Rock Marathon — race officials say the lack of a sponsor won’t directly affect runners but that it could affect the race’s reputation. Sponsor or no sponsor the 2008 marathon (half marathon and 5-person relay) is scheduled for Sunday, December 14 and they are already accepting registrations. I guess it's time to start training.
I never thought Wellstone was a good fit for what the Marathon wants to do: become a well known national race. No one knows who Wellstone is, so they received more name exposure from the deal.
The rock is a great event as is, if they feel compelled to make it bigger they need a strong national or regional brand to hitch their wagon to. Preferably one with strong local ties; I've always thought Southwest Airlines would be a great fit.
Posted by: JD | May 30, 2008 at 03:57 PM
How about Exxon-Mobil, they're local and obviously have a LOT of money sitting around.
Posted by: Chas | May 30, 2008 at 04:03 PM
Sure, Exxon-Mobil has lots of money. But they're also one of the most widely despised corporations in the world. Do you really want them associated with this event?
Posted by: Lee G. | May 31, 2008 at 04:50 PM
If Exxon Mobil is good enough for PBS (Public Broadcasting Services; they are responsible for Masterpice Theater support, it is certainly good enough for the WR Marathon.
Posted by: Robert | Jun 02, 2008 at 04:08 PM