CITGO Named the Official Fuel Sponsor of the Boston Marathon

BOSTON, February 2, 2017 /3BL Media/ - CITGO Petroleum Corporation and the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) today proudly announced the beginning of a multiple-year sponsorship agreement, making the Houston-based oil refining and marketing company the Official Fuel Sponsor of the Boston Marathon. 

Since 1965, CITGO has had an iconic presence along the Boston Marathon race route, with the signature CITGO sign in Kenmore Square letting runners know they are one mile from the finish of the Boston Marathon. Now, as the Official Fuel Sponsor of the Boston Marathon, the CITGO presence within the event will extend beyond race day to the months leading up to the 121st running of the Boston Marathon on April 17, 2017. 

As the Official Fuel Sponsor of the Boston Marathon, CITGO will be the presenting sponsor of a digital campaign titled “The Road to Boston” that provides year-long event information to participants of the Boston Marathon. In addition, CITGO branding will be located just outside the Athletes’ Village in Hopkinton, and at the “One Mile to Go” mark of the Boston Marathon. 

New this year, a CITGO cheer zone will be located at mile 25.2 beneath the iconic CITGO sign landmark, encouraging runners as they take their final steps towards the Boylston Street finish line.

“We’re pleased to add CITGO into our family of Boston Marathon sponsors,” said B.A.A. Chief Executive Officer, Tom Grilk. “When participants envision the Boston Marathon, one of the most memorable images is that of the CITGO sign and the final strides to the finish. Having CITGO as the Official Fuel Sponsor of the Boston Marathon connects one iconic brand with our race and participants.”

“For decades the CITGO sign has inspired thousands of runners to reach the finish line,” said CITGO Vice President of Supply and Marketing Rick Esser. “We are excited about the opportunity to cheer for them at mile marker 25.2.” 

CITGO will have athletes fueled with inspiration and ready to race the Boston Marathon beginning with their first steps in Hopkinton. After departing the Athletes’ Village in Hopkinton, all participants will pass through the “Fueling Good Runway, presented by CITGO."

Approximately 30,000 participants are registered for the 2017 Boston Marathon, to be run on April 17, 2017. The Boston Marathon is the oldest continuously run marathon in the world, spanning 121 years of history. 

ABOUT THE BOSTON ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION (B.A.A.)
Established in 1887, the Boston Athletic Association is a non-profit organization with a mission of promoting a healthy lifestyle through sports, especially running. The B.A.A.’s Boston Marathon is the world's oldest annual marathon, and the organization manages other local events and supports comprehensive charity, youth, and year-round running programs, including high performance athletes and running club. Since 1986, the principal sponsor of the Boston Marathon has been John Hancock Financial. The Boston Marathon is part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, along with international marathons in Tokyo, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York City. More than 60,000 runners will participate in B.A.A. events in 2017. The 121st Boston Marathon will be held on Monday, April 17, 2017. 

ABOUT CITGO
CITGO, based in Houston, is a refiner, transporter and marketer of transportation fuels, lubricants, petrochemicals and other industrial products. The company is owned by CITGO Holding, Inc., an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A., the national oil company of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. For more information, visit www.CITGO.com.