German sportswear company Puma has entered into a partnership with mass participation event organiser Nova International to sponsor its UK long-distance running property the Great Run Series.
Puma will become the official merchandise supplier of the Great Run Series’ 14 events, including its flagship Great North Run.
The company will open an online store on the Great Run Series website to sell limited edition Great Run Series footwear and apparel. Merchandise will also be available in race villages at Great Run Series events across the country.
Puma will also use the partnership to activate its sponsorship and ‘Forever Faster’ mission through various ambassador and retail events, multi-channel digital communications and public relations.
“This new partnership with Nova International is an important one for us, most notably for the strong brand and retail presence it offers across the Great Run Series," Puma UK, Ireland and Benelux general manager, Paul Spencer, said. “Nova events attract phenomenal participation and inspire runners of all abilities to run faster and achieve personal goals. Teaming up with them is a key strategic step in expanding our running business throughout the UK.”
The next event in the 2014 Great Run Series will be the Great North 10K, which will take place in Gateshead on July 13.
Brendan Foster, chairman of Nova International, added: “Our aim has always been to provide our runners with an exceptional event experience – from their first training run, to crossing the finish line – Puma’s expertise in footwear and apparel will undoubtedly help them achieve their goals.”
Terms of the deal were not disclosed.