Official PublIcation of
MARCH 20 1 2
LOW-FAT INGREDIENTS FOR SUCCESS Central Market(ing), a Natural Runner and Active Cultures!
Fire Up Your Training! DEAN KARNAZES Ultramarathon Man and The Greek Gods Greek-style Yogurt Spokesman
Team In Training Ignites the Grill in the Spring and Heats Up Balloons in the Fall
We’ve Been Busy Forming Unique Relationships!
DFWRUNS Can Manage
Events to Build Your Brand Too
Looking Back and Moving Forward DFWRUNS Organized
a Social Run and Check Presentation at Rahr & Sons Brewing
She Said Yes!
DFWRUNS Took the
Crowd by Storm at The Generational Equity Cupid Dash!
Letter from the Editor Chief Running Officer, Eric Lindberg
I wish Father Time would have screamed, “ON YOUR LEFT!” to me 18 years ago when I walked into Market Square Arena in downtown Indy. It was 1994 and I was presented the opportunity to be an intern in the ticket sales department with the Indiana Pacers. One of the projects I worked on that year was the NBA Draft with the top 3 picks (Glenn Robinson, Jason Kidd and Grant Hill) all becoming NBA All-Stars and one a Dallas Maverick… or should I say two. I wasn’t a runner. I was a buffalo wing eater. Little did I know an internship with the Pacers would put me on a career path in sports and eventually launch an agency focused on active lifestyle marketing. This was all pre Jerry Maguire, before there were university programs in sports management, heck, I just thought it was cool that I had business cards from the Indiana Pacers. It was a great group of interns, all of whom I stay in contact with to this day. Looking back, we were really our own company as we were separated from the fulltime staff and really any supervision. As a group, we sold $1,000,000 worth of season and group tickets that summer — not bad for a bunch of college kids trying to get their respective feet in the door to work in sports. As I “run” down memory lane, I recall sitting in MSA being asked, “What do you want to do in sports?” My answer was to own an NBA team. Okay, Cuban beat me to it but I am
I recall sitting in MSA being asked, “What do you want to do in sports?” My answer was to own an NBA team.
We don’t just romanticize about the success of your active lifestyle event, brand, or corporate wellness program. We get right at it by utilizing our own promotional ambassadors, our relationships in media, and strong presence in the running community. Interested in a good time? Call 214-339-7867.
WHO’S SHOUTING “On Your Left!”?
You have heard it before and you will hear it again. Think of the DFW in our name as an airport code. We work coast to coast.
OWNERS & EDITORS IN CHIEF Eric Lindberg – elindberg@dfwruns.com Sharon Lindberg – slindberg@dfwruns.com
DESIGN Cathy Hutzler – chutzler@dfwruns.com
WRITING & EDITING Cherilyn Wilson – cwilson@dfwruns.com
CONTRIBUTORS Lindsay Musielak – lmusielak@dfwruns.com Paul Hutzler – phutzler@dfwruns.com Caitlin Baird – cbaird@dfwruns.com Kelli Conway – kconway@dfwruns.com Seth Gonzales – sgonzales@dfwruns.com Gabriella McCord – gmccord@dfwruns.com Rosemarie Coletto – rcoletto@dfwruns.com
CATCH US! (IF YOU CAN)
MARKETING // PUBLICITY // SPONSORSHIP
much happier owning DFWRUNS — something I started at the ground floor, literally, of my house. I am writing this introduction to our new eZine format of On Your Left! from Orlando, Florida as a guest of the NBA at the 61st All-Star Game. Two years ago, DFWRUNS developed a partnership with the NBA and the Mardi Gras Run as All-Star weekend drove a fast break through Dallas. The following year, the NBA hired DFWRUNS to produce the first NBA All-Star FIT Run, Walk and Dribble as a part of the 2011 All-Star events in Los Angeles. (You have heard it before and you will hear it again. Think of the DFW in our name as an airport code. We work coast to coast.) And now we are in Orlando and in planning mode for Houston in 2013. A lot has changed since 1994, from my waist line to digital media, but one thing remains consistent — my passion for event marketing and promotion. And all brought on a new passion; one for living an active and healthy lifestyle! With that, I am excited to meet Dean Karnazes, Men’s Health magazine’s “Fittest Man on the Planet”, and to share his passion for inspiring kids (and adults) to live a healthier lifestyle at the Central Market Thrill of the Grill 5K. Thanks Greek Gods Yogurt for bringing him to us. I am even more ecstatic about improving how we update you on the amazing things that DFWRUNS is doing in the active lifestyle space with the launch of this On Your Left! eZine. My pledge is to bring you a fun and innovative way to keep pace with our clients. Whether you are a runner who simply wants to participate in an event we are producing, a marketing professional who needs a strategy to reach active lifestyle consumers, or a corporate wellness manager who needs some activation around your program, I hope you’ll be inspired to invest in our mission. Reach out to DFWRUNS and find out why we are always on a runner’s high! — Eric Lindberg
Low-Fat Ingredients for Success
Central Market(ing), a Natural Runner and Active Cultures! Ultramarathon Man, Dean Karnazes, to Run the 4th Annual Central Market Thrill of the Grill 5K
L
Like Hermes- the fleet-footed, Greek messenger with wings on his heels, DFWRUNS has lots of news to deliver! This year, we’re not only thrilled to introduce a new, flat race route, but are excited to announce the participation of The Greek Gods® brand along with their spokesman, Dean Karnazes! Their message? The importance of helping children and students live a healthy, active lifestyle. We appreciate the opportunity to work with Central Market, The Greek Gods® brand and the “Fittest Man on the Planet”, Dean Karnazes, to raise money for the Plano ISD Education Foundation. When we take on a great event like the 4th Annual Thrill of the Grill 5K, we’re used to wearing many hats — race director, marketing marathoner, promotional pace leader, sponsorship sprinter, and we’ll be wearing the 2012 funky grill chef’s hats April 21st! Get your chef hat at packet pick-up, or give $100 dollars and see what else you’ll get!
We bet you’ve never run in a toga before!
ENTER THE TOGA DIVISION: $100
WHAT YOU GET: • Corralled with Dean Karnazes • Autographed copy of “Run! 26.2 Stories of Blisters & Bliss” • Photograph of you and Dean Karnazes • Commemorative “I Ran With Dean” Tech Shirt
VOLUNTEER FOLLOW US
UPCOMING EVENTS
Proceeds from the entry goes directly to the Plano ISD Education Foundation
The Original Mud Run DFW Saturday, April 14, 2012 RACE WEBSITE
Seton Soles 5K Saturday, April 14, 2012 RACE WEBSITE
Big D Texas Marathon Sunday, April 15, 2012 RACE WEBSITE
Central Market Thrill of the Grill Saturday, April 28, 2012 RACE WEBSITE
THRILL OF THE GRILL 5K Central Market, 320 Coit Rd, Plano Saturday, April 21, 8:30am
REGISTER NOW
Bandits Wanted! ...that is, Birthday Bandits!
This year we kicked off the DFWRUNS Birthday Bandits Club. Each month we host an “exclusive” social run (location will vary monthto-month) to celebrate all the bandits who have birthdays that month. Asphalt and good cheers will be provided to all … AND did we mention, an EPIC gift for all the Birthday Bandits.
SIGN UP HERE
HOUSTON Wild West Adventure Race Saturday, May 5, 2012 RACE WEBSITE
ALBUQUERQUE Jeremy Paster• 2012 GPCC Saturday, May 12, 2012 RACE WEBSITE
The Five and Dime Run Saturday, May 12, 2012 RACE WEBSITE
The Original Mud Run Houston Saturday, May 26, 2012 RACE WEBSITE
MARKETING // PUBLICITY // SPONSORSHIP
Karnazes truly has an exceptional list of accomplishments. He has run 350 continuous miles, not even pausing for a night’s sleep for three days. He has braved the most extreme physical elements from running a marathon in the South Pole in negative 40 degree temperatures to winning the “world’s toughest footrace” — the Badwater Ultramarathon. Dean succeeded in winning this race; covering 135 miles non-stop across Death Valley in the middle of the summer, battling temperatures of up to 120o F. He has completed 50 marathons in all 50 states in 50 days. In 2011, Dean succeeded in running 3,000 miles- starting from the California Coast and ending in New York City! We at DFWRUNS fashion ourselves after Dean, not only by wearing running shorts on the job, but by taking strides to cover long distances if it means beating the toughest marketing competition. Like Karnazes, we too promote the active lifestyle- through fresh marketing strategies and unique branding, and by rallying healthy sponsors like Team In Training, Academy Sports + Outdoors, and The Greek Gods® Brand Greek-Style Yogurt. Our methods are proven and our list of accomplishments is growing as fast as the Central Market Thrill of the Grill 5K. Over the past 3 years, we’ve cultivated this race from 225 participants into a full-on smokin’ event with athletes, young and old, to exceed 2,500 runners and walkers in 2012. It’s no myth, so don’t underestimate a small, local company- Dean’s not the only one who’s covered ground from California to the eastern states! We too have run to clients in LA, Kansas City, Portland, Connecticut, Atlanta and New Jersey and might just check off all 50 states like DK did! Now, grab your favorite flavor of The Greek Gods® Brand Greek-Style Yogurt, a perfect snack as part of a pre-race meal and meet us out there! — Cherilyn Wilson
Fire Up Your Training! Team In Training Ignites the Grill in the Spring and Heats Up Balloons in the Fall
N
ow that we’ve got you excited about coming out to the Central Market Thrill of the Grill 5K and meeting the amazing Dean Karnazes, let us tell you about some of our other incredible friends who will also be there April 21st! Team In Training will be cooking up some teams for the 2012 Summer season, so run over to their tent to learn how you can use your athleticism to help The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society find cures for leukemia, Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma and myeloma. By running or walking in your Team In Training T-shirt, you’ll build awareness of diseases that strike over 100,000 people in the U.S. each year. This is your chance to do something extraordinary! Join The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team In Training and complete an endurance event like a cycle century ride (100 miles), full or half marathon, hike adventure or triathlon. They’ll provide you with all of the coaching, support and inspiration you need to be successful. If you miss them April 21st at the Thrill of the Grill 5K in Plano, don’t worry, they’re catching a runner’s high with us again at the Plano Balloon Festival in September!
For more information on Team In Training, call 866-510-TEAM
UPCOMING EVENTS
VISIT WEBSITE
Patriot Half Marathon Monday, May 28, 2012 RACE WEBSITE
Dash for Dad Chicago Saturday, June 2, 2012 RACE WEBSITE
Gladiator Rock’N Run San Antonio Saturday, June 2, 2012 RACE WEBSITE
Dash for Dad South Bay Saturday, June 16, 2012 RACE WEBSITE
We've Been Busy Forming Unique Relationships! DFWRUNS Can Manage Events to Build Your Brand Too
O
n February 25th, DFWRUNS staff were in rare form at 4am as we awoke and headed to One Arts Plaza. We were wired on Community Coffee and ready to ensure sponsor tents were in place, streets were clear, zones properly barricaded, and medals were polished. By six o’clock the dim light of the race day sun below the Dallas skyline prepared to set the Wyly Theater, the W, and Fountain Place aglow. But not before 1,000 bright green race shirts began emerging from the darkness seemingly illuminating the plaza. These runners and walkers eager to experience the inaugural Form Follows Fitness 5K on a course never run through downtown before! We had live music, food and drinks lined up to welcome and to later congratulate participants. The diverse crowd was made up of novices and beginners, architecture firms, interior design companies, construction, printing, and manufacturing companies too! Though we love to brag about our race directing skills as much as Art Vandelay would of his amazing work, we admit this event was structured upon a strong foundation through the sponsorships and donations of these firms. And as long as we’re tooting horns, check out the winners of our cool Team Awards!
FASTEST TEAM: HKS Architects LARGEST TEAM: RHA Architects TOP FUNDRAISING TEAM: Perkins + Will BEST DRESSED TEAM: Purdy-McGuire
VIEW RACE RESULTS We have ideas to make your business stand out and we know how to draw a crowd. Let us draft you a plan! Write us at: info@dfwruns.com
Texas weather sure does fluctuate, but the groundhog did in fact see his shadow so expect to get some more use out of our compression tights and long-sleeved race shirts. Even if the forecast calls for a cold start, go ahead and leave your gloves at home the morning of the Big D Texas Marathon, Half & 5K on April 15th! Instead, just wrap your hands around a cup of Community Coffee pre and post race. According to the National Coffee Association, coffee increases stamina and has even been proven to lessen muscle pain. Now there’s something the running community can appreciate! Visit the Big D Registration Page or Community Coffee Company to learn more about the largest family owned and operated retail coffee brand in America. Community Coffee Company participates in many events where you live and work, and is always searching for opportunities to get involved in the Dallas community. DFWRUNS thanks Community Coffee for warming up our participants at the Texas Half back in January as well as the Form Follows Fitness 5K.
GIMME A W!
We’ve kicked off 2012 with exclusive DFWRUNS contests making it easy for our faithful followers and friends to win prizes like specialty store gift cards, Dallas Stars suite tickets and in-the-action Mavs seats! Want to know how you can score great stuff too? It’s easier than Dirk making the free throw! Just stay tuned to our Facebook page and be ready to catch what we’re passing! Our goal is to keep our fans in game! W-I-N! Win! Win! Win!
Wake up and smell the opportunity to connect with our massive network of businesses active in your community! Call 214-DFWRUNS!
REACH OUT!
Learn how DFWRUNS can help grow your brand or event. Contact us today!
PHONE: 214-DFWRUNS EMAIL: info@dfwruns.com WEB: www.dfwruns.com
MARKETING // PUBLICITY // SPONSORSHIP
THE BEST WARM-UP FOR EVERY RUNNER!
Looking Back and Moving Forward
DFWRUNS Organized a Social Run and Check Presentation at Rahr & Sons Brewing Co.
O
n February 11th, owners of DFWRUNS, Eric and Sharon Lindberg, were on hand where the Rahr is permanently on tap. It was the 2nd year since the Rahr & Sons Brewery roof collapsed under unusually heavy snow, (a tragedy which brewed a relationship with Trinity Habitat for Humanity), so Fritz and Erin Rahr decided to have a little anniversary event. The morning started with a fun social run of the Rahr & Sons Oktoberfest 5K course, then moved right onto great food and pints of Snowmaggedon, a brew honoring those who stood by and supported the rebuild and available annually in late February to celebrate the rebirth of the brewery. Well, there were plenty gathered under that roof 2 years later to celebrate! Hundreds came out and enjoyed live music with their food before the anticipated check presentation. It was so cool to witness the giant check donation of $6500 being handed over to Trinity Habitat for Humanity — builders of quality and affordable homes to those in need around Johnson, Parker, Tarrant and Wise Counties. All that money was a direct result of frauen and mannen dressing in dirndl and lederhosen in pursuit of the ultimate beer belly stein award. DFWRUNS was thrilled to manage the logistics of this event along with their great friends at Rahr, and even more excited about the big surprised we’re planning for this year’s Oktoberfest race. We felt so proud, you might say we got kind of a large head about it. It was a great day, but the fun doesn’t stop there. It just keeps coming as we move forward toward race day (September 29th, 2012). We’ll continue to combine these fun, free social runs with the popular brewery tours EVERY 3rd SATURDAY of EVERY MONTH leading up to race day. Be sure to sync your calendar with Rahr’s by tapping the Rahr Oktoberfest 5K Facebook page.
FOLLOW US REGISTER NOW
ZIKE ZAKE! ZIKE ZAKE! RUN RUN RAHR!
To learn how DFWRUNS can get your event teamed up with our local and national partners call 214-DFWRUNS (339-7867) or visit us online!
DFWRUNS Took the Crowd by Storm at The Generational Equity Cupid Dash! When We Make a Commitment, We Make a Commitment!
T
he weather may not have been ideal for the dash’s debut but the participants and event staff played the cards they were dealt. They were all hearts of course! On February 18th, 450 runners splashed through puddles of love at the Generational Equity Cupid Dash in support of Make A Way Charities and even though Cupid’s wings were cold and wet, his arrows were still warm and pierced many hearts. The highlight of the event took place just minutes before the 5k and 10k start. It was then that participants witnessed an actual proposal and engagement. The diamond engagement ring was donated by Zales and given to the winner of the “Submit the Best Love Story” contest prior to the race.
SHE SAID YES! The Shops At Legacy in Plano, proved to be an excellent backdrop for Cupid’s Village and the post race Kids Zone. My Fit Foods provided breakfast for the runners and Make A Way Volunteers, while laMadeline won over everyone’s hearts with delicious chocolate covered strawberries. The flat course offered up even more water with two water stops for runners and plenty of Cupid’s directional arrows to lead all in the right direction. The course start and finish were by the Marriott at Legacy Town Center and the route showcased the streets of Democracy, Tennyson, Parkwood, Legacy Drive and Windcrest. Irving’s Agustin Hernandez and Plano’s own Jennifer Pope captured the men’s and women’s overall 10K titles. Hernandez completed the 6.2mile course in 32 minutes, 14.8 seconds. Pope finished in 43 minutes 34.8 seconds. Joshua Trevino of Dallas and Sarah Kincaid from McKinney grabbed the men’s and Women’s overall 5K awards. Trevino completed the 3.1-mile course in 15 minutes, 49.2 seconds. Kincaid finished in 20
Get your corporation or event engaged in the active lifestyle by emailing info@dfwruns.com and let us propose a plan for you!
5K RACE RESULTS
10K RACE RESULTS
MARCH IS MUSTACHE MARATHON MONTH! We “Mustache” You to do Something About that Facial Hair!
W
e had a hootin’ hollerin’ good time at the Cowtown Expo with all the folks who “flashed their stache” for our cameras at the Wild West Adventure Race booth! We don’t want the fun to end, so for the entire month of March, you can enter our newest contest for a chance to win our Jack Black Mustache Buster Package! Just post your best mustache picture on the Wild West Adventure Facebook page and you’re in the running! The rule is; THERE IS NO RULE! Your mustache can be authentic, or a stick-on! You can draw it with crayon or it can be made of milk! Anything goes in this fun and friendly shoot-out! The winning fool will be announced on Facebook April 1st!
SO DO IT NOW — DON’T “SHAVE IT” FOR LATER!
REACH OUT!
Learn how DFWRUNS can help grow your brand or event. Contact us today!
FOLLOW US REGISTER NOW!
PHONE: 214-DFWRUNS EMAIL: info@dfwruns.com WEB: www.dfwruns.com
MARKETING // PUBLICITY // SPONSORSHIP
minutes and 35.8 seconds. All runners showed a lot of heart and were commended with a medal at the finish line to commemorate their lovely efforts. All in all, this first year event rose to the occasion and provided a unique family friendly atmosphere while serving as a great platform to create awareness for Make A Way Charities. Look for The Cupid Dash to take place the Saturday after Valentine’s Day for years to come. Roses are red, violets are blue, DFWRUNS will be there, how about you?!? — Paul Hutzler
PHONE: 214-DFWRUNS EMAIL: info@dfwruns.com WEB: www.dfwruns.com /dfwruns
@dfwruns