MSN and NYRRC Take 1999 New York City Marathon Online Worldwide

REDMOND, Wash., Sept. 7, 1999 — Microsoft Corp. and the New York Road Runners Club Inc. today announced the launch of the official New York City Marathon® Web site, http://nycmarathon.MSN.com/ . For the first time in its 30-year history, the NYC Marathon TM , the largest marathon in the world, will have an official Internet sponsor – Microsoft’s MSN TM network of Internet services. MSN and the New York Road Runners Club (NYRRC) have joined to make this year’s New York City Marathon accessible and fun for spectators around the world, providing the exclusive place for people to find all the NYC Marathon information they need.

“From start to finish, runners and spectators alike can find everything they need online at MSN,” said Rob Bennett, director of marketing for Microsoft’s Consumer and Commerce Group. “Microsoft is thrilled to work with the NYRRC to provide engaging information and activities for race participants and running enthusiasts everywhere.”

The NYC Marathon Web site offers a unique way for people around the world to check NYC Marathon official times for the 30,000 runners. As soon as they become available, race statistics will be posted online exclusively to the site and, for the first time, will be searchable by bib number, last name, age group, country, city and state. Statistics will remain listed for two weeks following the NYC Marathon.

In addition to race-specific content, the Web site gives enthusiasts and participants all they need to make the most of their NYC Marathon experience. The site is filled with exhilarating content and race-related features for runners and devotees, including live chats with running professionals, the public unveiling of the official 1999 NYC Marathon artwork, the inside scoop on this year’s runners, and expert tips for marathon training.

“We are excited about this relationship with MSN and the many benefits technology brings to people who follow the New York City Marathon,” said Scott Lange, executive vice president, chief marketing officer, New York Road Runners Club. “As the NYC Marathon continues to evolve into a global sporting event, it is ideal to pair with Microsoft, a global leader in the Internet space.”

The New York City Marathon will take place Nov. 7, 1999. The official New York City Marathon site on MSN will be available at http://nycmarathon.MSN.com/ from Sept. 7 to Nov. 21, 1999.

About MSN

MSN is the network of Internet services from Microsoft that helps people get stuff done on the Web. The network of MSN services, located on the Web at MSN.com ( http://MSN.com/ ), helps people easily stay in touch with friends and colleagues, make smart and secure purchasing decisions, and get more done. MSN offers award-winning e-mail functionality; personal communications services; wireless services information; customizable access to news; popular sites for travel, investing, automotive services, shopping and more; an online community; a Web search engine and directories; and top-rated Internet access.

About NYRRC

From a humble beginning in 1958 with a membership of just 47, today the New York Road Runners Club (NYRRC) is the largest, most active running organization in the world. The NYRRC is a not-for-profit dedicated to promoting the sport of running for health, recreation and competition, and provides full professional services related to all aspects of racing, including course certification, computer scoring and event promotion. The club has a full-time staff of more than 60 employees, supplemented by a network of thousands of volunteers, serving more than 34,000 members from every U.S. state and over 100 countries across the globe.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.

Microsoft and MSN are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries. New York City Marathon is a registered trademark and NYC Marathon is a trademark of the New York Road Runners Club Inc.

Other product and company names herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Note to editors: If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft® Web page at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/ on Microsoft’s corporate information pages. If you are interested in viewing additional information about NYRRC, please visit the home page at http://www.nyrrc.org/ .

Related Posts