FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Ryan Stirpe
Executive Director
Austin Marathon Foundation
210.352.6967
John Conley
Director
Austin Marathon Foundation
AT&T TEXAS ANNOUNCES TITLE SPONSORSHIP OF THE
2007 AUSTIN MARATHON
Austin Marathon Heads Into Its 16th Year With a Rejuvenated Focus
AUSTIN, Texas, Aug. 16, 2006 — AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) announced today that
AT&T Texas will be the title sponsor of the 2007 AT&T Austin Marathon. The
sponsorship reinforces AT&T’s role as a strong corporate citizen by
furthering its commitment to the city of Austin and its residents.
Since its conception in 1992, the marathon has grown to become the
15th-largest in the United States, attracting more than 10,000 runners and
50,000 spectators to the city of Austin and generating more than $5.5
million for the local economy. Because of its growth, the Austin Marathon
Foundation, a nonprofit corporation, was formed in July 2005 with the
mission and goal of organizing a world-class marathon that unites the
community, brings national attention to the region, promotes health and
fitness, and benefits both local and national charities.
"This new sponsorship allows us to take the Austin Marathon to a new level
that will completely redefine our runners’ experience," said John Conley,
who has served as executive director of the Austin Marathon for 10 years.
"The Austin Marathon has grown steadily each year, and bringing strong
corporate sponsors like AT&T Texas to the event ensures that growth and
innovation remain hallmarks of the marathon."
According to Paul Carrozza, founder and chairman of the board of the Austin
Marathon Foundation, the race has generated tremendous loyalty,
transcending sponsorship boundaries. "Many community sponsors will remain,
and we will continue to build on the tremendous momentum that we have
generated in the community."
With nearly 3,000 employees and retirees who live and work in the Austin
community, AT&T has a strong presence and looks to expand its reach through
its sponsorship of the run. In 2005 alone, AT&T’s local and corporate
employee groups, including the AT&T Pioneers and the AT&T Foundation,
combined to donate more than 400,000 hours and nearly $1.9 million to
Austin-based charities and organizations, including the Texas Book
Festival, YMCA of Austin, Communities in Schools, Austin Public Library and
the American Diabetes Association’s "Tour de Cure" cycling event.
"The Austin Marathon has always brought an atmosphere of excitement and
community involvement to the city," said Brooks McCorcle, AT&T vice
president and general manager for Austin and southwestern Texas. "We look
forward to events like this because they, in many ways, encompass what AT&T
stands for — connecting families, friends and neighbors."
Mayor Will Wynn is especially pleased about the ongoing success of the
marathon, saying, "Austin is proud of its Marathon and we welcome AT&T
Texas as a new sponsor. Part of the magic of Austin is that so many of our
citizens use the marathon as a way to stay in shape year round. We are
looking forward to next year’s race and encourage more Austinites to
participate in this great Austin event." The 2007 AT&T Austin Marathon
and Half Marathon will be held Feb. 18. For more information and registry
information, call (512) 478-4265.
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