ING, one of the world's leading financial services companies and one of the running community's most committed supporters, announces that it has partnered with sports marketing and race management powerhouse Elite Racing, Inc., a division of Competitor Group, Inc., to become title sponsor of the ING Philadelphia Distance Run Half Marathon.

This partnership is a multi-year agreement that involves naming rights as well as a variety of marketing, promotional, hospitality, and charitable components. It brings together two of the nation's most well-respected and recognized names in distance running event management and sponsorship.

"We're thrilled to be teaming up with a premier organization like Elite Racing as we broaden our commitment to the sport of running," said Harry Stout, Head of Wealth Management Market Segments for ING. "One of ING's principle businesses is located in the Delaware Valley region, and we're looking forward to a terrific event that brings runners, spectators, employees, and the community together in a positive and memorable way. As a leading provider of insurance and asset management solutions for retirement, ING sees the parallels between distance running and financial planning - it's about starting small, setting goals, and staying committed for the long-run."

"Elite Racing assumed management of the Philadelphia Distance Run in 2005 and has since worked hard to uphold its high standards and increase its visibility on the world's stage," said Adam Zocks, the race's general manager. "Our partnership with ING only adds to the prestige of the event. We invite all runners to experience the tradition and excitement of the ING Philadelphia Distance Run on Sunday, September 21, 2008."

The ING Philadelphia Distance Run has been one of the most popular and respected half marathons in the country for thirty years. The 13.1 mile scenic course showcases many of the city's celebrated and historic sites. In addition to outstanding performances by international elite athletes, the event features live bands every mile as well as races for children between the ages of three and twelve.

Last year, more than 14,000 runners, walkers, and wheel-chair participants registered for the event and nearly 12,000 finished. This year's event will be held on September 21, marking its 31st anniversary.

ING adds another premier running event to its portfolio of race sponsorships around the globe.

In the United States, ING became the first ever title sponsor of the ING New York City Marathon in 2003. Today, ING's list of title running sponsorships has grown to include the ING Miami Marathon, the ING Georgia Marathon, the ING Bay to Breakers 12K in San Francisco, and, most recently, the ING Hartford Marathon which will commence October 11. The company is also a major sponsor of the Denver Marathon and the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon.

Both ING and Elite have built outstanding reputations in the running community, each sharing common values when it comes to managing, marketing, and sponsoring premier race events. Working together, their goal is to make the ING Philadelphia Distance Run even more successful by enhancing the experience for runners, spectators and everyone involved.

As title sponsor, ING brings plans to encourage spectator participation by "painting the town orange" - the company's trademark color - and setting up special cheer zones along the race course. The company will draw upon its nearly 700 employees based in West Chester, Pennsylvania as Brand Ambassadors to help staff the race along the course. ING will also activate its ING Run for Something Better program locally.

ING Run for Something Better is the charitable companion to the company's running sponsorships which provides funding to local community and school-based running and fitness programs. The initiative is designed to encourage a healthy, active lifestyle in the fight against childhood obesity. Since its inception in 2003, the ING Run for Something Better has encouraged thousands of children, parents, and teachers to adopt healthier lifestyles. It has donated more than one million dollars to youth running initiatives in those regions.

Delaware Valley area residents can also participate in the ING Run for Something Better campaign by donating $10 or more to the charitable fund at www.orangelaces.com. Each person who contributes will receive a special pair of orange shoelaces as a token of support to show they are "tied to kids' fitness." All proceeds directly benefit local ING Run for Something Better youth running and school-based fitness programs.

ING Philadelphia Distance Run Half Marathon