New partnership will extend the reach of
“America’s Toughest Road Marathon”

ROANOKE, Va. (August 14, 2012) – Organizers of the Blue Ridge Marathon, America’s Toughest Road Marathon, today announced that Roanoke-based Foot Levelers has signed on as the new title sponsor for the event.

The race, with more elevation change than any other on-road marathon in the United States, will be known as the Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon through at least 2015.

“We are looking forward to our new partnership with Foot Levelers,” said marathon chair Pete Eshelman. “Foot Levelers already has great connections in the running world by virtue of its products. We expect to be able to use those connections to take the message of the Roanoke event farther than we have in the past.”

“We are so excited to be the title sponsor of America’s Toughest Road Marathon,” said Kent Greenawalt, CEO of Foot Levelers. “Foot Levelers has a lot of activities planned to create awareness about the race nationally and focus on the runners’ overall health. Runners know the importance of taking care of their bodies from the ground up and we plan to motivate and help all participants perform at their maximum ability as they run over the Blue Ridge mountains.”

Foot Levelers, a major sponsor of the 2012 event, bringing in running great Bill Rodgers to speak at the pre-race pasta dinner and at the race start, will work with the marathon committee to enhance the reach of advertising in national and regional running publications and trade publications, as well as online and social media outlets. The company’s in-house graphic design team will also help create materials for trade shows and other events. They are also working with the committee to develop a number of other unique marketing initiaves.

“Foot Levelers makes a product that improves people’s total body wellness by supporting their feet. They have specific orthotics for runners and other active people – and they are based in Roanoke,” Eshelman said. “This is a perfect fit.”

About the Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon: The Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon was created by a group of runners and outdoor enthusiasts who share equal enthusiasm for the Roanoke Valley of Virginia. A portion of the event takes place on the Blue Ridge Parkway and proceeds from the marathon benefit the non-profit Friends of the Blue Ridge Parkway. To learn more, please visit www.blueridgemarathon.com.

About Foot Levelers: Foot Levelers specializes in products that are designed to improve the quality of life. From individually designed Stabilizing Orthotics, to customized footwear and support pillows—Foot Levelers wants people to live a pain free and healthy life. By stabilizing and balancing the feet, Foot Levelers’ orthotics enhance the body’s performance and efficiency, reduce pain, and contributes to total body wellness. www.footlevelers.com.