 | You have seen the announcement that Kill Cliff has joined us as the Title Sponsor for our race. This is a VERY important step because they allowed us to move into our crowdfunding phase with their backing. Finding major sponsors is one of the most difficult parts of starting a new event, if not THE most difficult part. We started by approaching a lot of companies that we had existing relationships with through the ultra and other running contacts. But for understandable reasons, it is difficult to get companies to take a big risk on a new event. |
Although I drink Kill Cliff regularly (Kill Cliff/Vodka...just try it) it was actually my brother, Nick, who brought up the idea when he ordered a ton of Kill Cliff for our 24 Hour Destin Beach Ultra Runs. They had sponsored our CrossFit competition, Son of a Beach Athlete Challenge, from 2012-2014. But we had to reschedule to 2015 event due to some scheduling conflicts and they had dropped off my radar. Kill Cliff had tested the running waters a few years ago by agreeing to sponsor my friend and ultra runner, Mike Morton, in his quest to regain his Western States title (he finished 3rd with a Master's course record). So I built on these relationships and reached out again to Kill Cliff Founder, and former Navy SEAL, Todd Ehrlich about the possibility of sponsoring our marathon.
Todd was interested in the idea and we started working with his staff almost 2 months ago. We needed to come up with a partnership that was a win-win for both parties. Add into that mix that we are the first event (that I can find) that has crowdfunded a major running race and you have some complex issues to work out.
Luckily, Kill Cliff was excited about our innovative ideas and the chance to test the running market for the Kill Cliff Destin Marathon before we both poured in a ton of resources. Most of our agreement rides on our ability to meet our $50,000 Indiegogo crowdfunding goal in 38 days, starting May 4th.
The more I work with the Kill Cliff team the more I know we made the right choice in Title Sponsors. These are folks are professionals, who truly care about giving back to the military community through their business and are excited to help our runners support the Navy SEAL Foundation. I couldn't me more happy with how the Title Sponsor search ended up and I'm excited to introduce Kill Cliff to the marathon community.
Luckily, Kill Cliff was excited about our innovative ideas and the chance to test the running market for the Kill Cliff Destin Marathon before we both poured in a ton of resources. Most of our agreement rides on our ability to meet our $50,000 Indiegogo crowdfunding goal in 38 days, starting May 4th.
The more I work with the Kill Cliff team the more I know we made the right choice in Title Sponsors. These are folks are professionals, who truly care about giving back to the military community through their business and are excited to help our runners support the Navy SEAL Foundation. I couldn't me more happy with how the Title Sponsor search ended up and I'm excited to introduce Kill Cliff to the marathon community.
Now, onto the most important step of creating our event. Raising $50,000 (pre-registering about 1,000 runners) on our Indiegogo campaign. This kicks off on Monday, May 4th and runs for 38 days. I hope to see you all visit the site and at least give $1 to show you support what we are trying to do. Thank you!
