What's the deal with sponsoring a race?

In 2023 there are many ways to advertise. You can go old school and purchase an ad in a local newspaper or magazine. You can go high tech and put some big money behind clicks on Google. You can leverage your social media and tell the world who you are. And you can… sponsor a race?

I know, I know. Sponsoring a race is probably not the first thing that comes to your mind when you think about your businesses’ advertising budget. But I’m here to tell you that it’s worth your while and gives some serious bang for the buck. Advertising via a race is providing a service for the community, outsourcing your advertising to someone else, and crafting a positive narrative around your business all wrapped up into one… and only for the price of a few traditional ads!

When sponsoring a race there are a variety of ways for businesses to participate — each a different tier that gets you different perks. For instance, at the lowest (and cheapest!) level of sponsorship, a business can pay to advertise via race packets (as well as have their logo on race tees and the website which comes with all the tiers). This means you get to give each runner something from your business: a coupon, promo item, free consultation — whatever you think will get them to respond to your ad! This is effective because runners are always excited to dig around in their race packet for all the freebies and goodies! Want to get your name out there even more? You can purchase the naming rights for the race (example: The Blackhorse 1st Street Beer Mile, sponsored by Blackhorse Brewery or the Visit Cleveland Half-Marathon and 5k sponsored by the Cleveland Chamber of Commerce) or purchase one of our social media packages, where we will shout your business’ name from the rooftops Instagram/Facebook/Internet/blog/everywhere. Want to meet your potential customers or offer them an onsite service? Choose a tier that includes finish line set up and meet runners as they cross the finish line — again, runners love samples, free consultations/massages/stretches/etc. Want something tailored to your business? Just let us know! We are happy to work with you.

Not convinced?

Here are my top 6 reasons for why you should think about advertising with us through a race:

Guaranteed Reach

People pay money to run in races; this is an engaged audience! Instead of just hoping that someone sees an ad or you can reach hundreds (even thousands!) of new, local leads guaranteed through race packets, finish line set up, and social engagement through Terra Running.

Positive Brand Association

We don’t mean to brag but we are very proud of the reputation that we have built over the years. Terra Running Company in known as a local business that cares about the community… because we do! We strive every day to provide the best customer service, support our neighbors and be approachable. And not only are we an award winning local business, we are also a nationally recognized business — winning A Best Running Store award in 2022 and 2019.

Relevant Leads

While we believe any business is going to benefit from attaching their name to a Terra Running race, this impact will be magnified if upper middle class individuals with an interest in health and wellness are some of your target customers. Get information about your business into our runners hands and convert leads!

Add Tangible Value

This is my favorite part about sponsoring a race. Your name isn’t just up on a billboard, your business is helping provide a service through this creative form of advertising. Having quality races improves the quality of life in a community and brings in people from out of town. Potential customers see your business’ name attached to a race and know that you care about keeping the community engaged and active. This further builds a positive brand name for your business!

Affordable and effective

We know that advertising isn’t cheap. But instead of paying hundreds of dollars for just one ad in a newspaper, or thousands of dollars for a billboard, your business can sponsor a race and add to the quality of life of our community, while still gaining the perks of both traditional and creative advertising! It’s a win, win, win.

Stand out

Event sponsorship means less advertising competition. With only a few businesses per event, you are guaranteed to be seen. You can stand out even more if you purchase naming rights!

If you are curious to learn more about sponsoring a race or event with us, don’t hesitate to contact us! We always have something on the calendar and are eager to work with other businesses in our area to put on quality events for our community and beyond.

Summer Events Downtown and Beyond in Cleveland

By Brittany Katz

Tennessee’s summers are the best time to enjoy the great outdoors! Here are some of the summer events we are most excited about in downtown Cleveland and beyond. Take advantage of the longer days and warmer nights with these great summer events!

MainStreet Cruise-In: MainStreet Cruise-In is the last Saturday of each month from May until October from 1pm to 6pm in historic downtown Cleveland around the Courthouse Square. Car enthusiasts show off their vehicles as all types of cars are displayed from classics to special interest and current models. Come enjoy the cars, shop, and grab a coffee or ice cream at Cleveland Coffee & market. The car shows are free family events, and a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon downtown.

First Friday Festivals: Let’s Go Downtown for Friday Festivals with live music each Friday in June! Enjoy great music and food at First Street Square, bring your family & chairs for free entertainment. Sponsored by WACKER Charleston and presented by MainStreet Cleveland and the Cleveland Bradley Chamber of Commerce Tourism Development. The music lineup in 2021 is great!: 

June 4 – The Tommy John Band featuring Yattie Westfield

June 11 – Greg Erwin & 200 Proof country favorites

June 18 – Just Us Bluegrass

June 25 – The Dexter Thomas Band

Movies in the Park: The Community Foundation’s Emerging Leaders Council has planned three movie nights taking place this summer in Greenway Park. This event is FREE to the public; all you need to bring is your family, some chairs or blankets, and anything else you need to make your movie night under the stars comfortable. Food trucks will be available to purchase concessions starting at 7 p.m., with the feature beginning at dusk (around 8:30 p.m.). Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent. This summer’s movies are as follows:

May 21: Ralph Breaks the Internet

June 25: Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker

July 16: Trolls World Tour

Keg, Cork, and Barrell at the Museum Center at 5ive Points, June 12th, 3-7pm

Courtyard (General) Admission $50, VIP Admission $100

Come join us at our premiere beer, wine, and spirits festival. Seated in the heart of downtown Cleveland, the Museum will be hosting a summer festival of local and regional craft beers and wines. The courtyard will feature more than 18 different beer and wine suppliers along with local food vendors. For an additional $50, 100 guests will have the privilege of entering our VIP lounge, in addition to the Courtyard. The VIP lounge will feature premium wine, mixed drinks, a tonic bar, and hors d’oeuvres. All food and drink is free with the cost of admission. One free tasting glass is included with the ticket purchase.