#1 Online Destination for Participatory Sports, Active.com, Helps Drive Running and Endurance Market Expansion through Community Building and Strategic Partnerships
SAN DIEGO, CA – March 14, 2011 – Active.com®, a media property of Active Network®, and the leading online community that connects people with the sports and activities they love to do, today announced the results of a three year study on the rise of participation in running events. According to the study by Active Network’s Consumer Insights and Access team, which analyzed race registrations nationwide on Active.com from 2008 to 2010, there has been a 203% increase in marathon race participation over three years. Half marathon race participation rose 154% during the same period, while 10K events and 5K events rose by 155% and 144%, respectively. Over the period, Active.com handled just under 23 million running event registrations.
"We believe the Active Network has had a tremendous influence in increasing participation in our customers’ running events over the past few years," said Dave Alberga, chief executive officer of Active Network. "This is due in large part to driving more awareness and value to the millions of consumers who visit Active.com each month. We’ve also renewed and expanded important relationships with leaders in the Endurance market including Competitor Group Inc., which operates the well-known Rock and Roll Marathon Series in 19 major markets nationwide as well as numerous other events, and World Triathlon Corporation, which holds more than 160 events worldwide."
Promoting healthy and active lifestyles through participatory sports has been intrinsic to Active Network’s mission for many years. Weight loss inspiration, YouTube phenomenon and Active.com brand ambassador, Ben Davis, credits running with helping him achieve his weight loss goals within a year and leading a more active and happy life. He is not alone, as more and more people are turning to ‘casual’ running both for personal reasons and to support their favorite charity or cause.
The business of running appears to be one industry that remains healthy and growing despite the economic recession, as evidenced by the growth in races each year, the advent of new running-related publications, and the increased participation in organizations such as Running USA, which reported record attendance at its annual conference last month, and the newly-founded Triathlon America.
About The Active Network, Inc.
The Active Network, Inc. is a technology and media company that helps millions of people locate and register for activities and helps organizations increase participation in their events. The Active Network's technology solutions help community organizations improve customer service capabilities, increase revenues, and reduce the cost and complexity of managing programs, activities and events. For more information about The Active Network, Inc., please visit www.ActiveNetwork.com.
Media Contacts:
Mona Klausing, Active Network
Mona.Klausing@activenetwork.com
858-964-3813
Brinlea Johnson, The Blueshirt Group
Brinlea@blueshirtgroup.com
212-551-1453