How the Seattle Rock N Roll received Millions of Impressions

Rock N Roll: June 25th, 2011
By: Julie LeVeque
Advertising Assistant

This year, I made it my goal to complete a half marathon with my sister. We both signed up for the half marathon back in January and had more than enough time to train. After months of training, long runs and new running shoes we were ready. I had no idea what to expect, as this was my first race and a large race at that. The infamous Rock N Roll race is well-known throughout cities in the United States. Pre- race day all runners had to pick up their race number from the Qwest Field Expo. I had no idea so many sponsors, samples and giveaways were being held at the expo. As I picked up my race number, bag and shirt, I already had free samples from Jelly Bean- Sports, GU, Adam's Peanut Butter and coupons from restaurants like PF Changs and the Old Spaghetti Factory to name a few. This was a great way for brands to get their products in the hands of prospective consumers. They also had stands and products to sell like Brooks running shoes, Sports Authority or Super Jock N Jill to get you prepared for race day.

Rock N Roll Race Day:
After waking up at 4:30, the morning of June 25th, and arriving at the downtown Seattle Westin by 5:30, we stood in a large line for the shuttle to Tukwila. As I prepared for the race, I started to notice all sorts of product placement and event sponsors. I had known for a while Dodge was the main title sponsor and started to see more brands throughout the race. Every three miles or so, volunteers wore shirts promoting their brand such as Starbucks, Alaska Airlines, Seafair etc. as runners would take a chug of a beverage and continue running. This was a great way for brands to reach out to the runners at specific miles during the race, as I remember them quite vividly. They not only promoted their brand, but reached the 26,000 runners on race day. Talk about a great way to receive impressions! Overall, the race was full of energy, bands, a large group of supporters, volunteers and sponsors that made the race day very memorable. Let us know if you ran the Rock N Roll and what brands or products stuck out to you.