Skechers Signs Long-Term Deal With Houston Marathon

The company will be the official footwear and apparel sponsor for the race.

The Chevron Houston Marathon and Skechers have announced a long-term deal that will see the shoe company serve as the official footwear and apparel sponsor for the race.

This means the Manhattan Beach, Calif.-based company has joined the likes of Nike, adidas, Saucony and others as sponsors of large races.

“This partnership further solidifies our position as a major player in the performance business,” Skechers president Michael Greenberg said in a press release. “Since launching the Skechers Performance Division in 2011, our award-winning innovative footwear has been embraced by the media, elite runners like Meb [Keflezighi], and casual fans of the sport.”

This really is a big deal for Skechers, which struggled to break into the performance market of running shoes.

The Skechers Performance Division will have a high-visibility presence at events surrounding the Houston Marathon, including the Ironman Sports Medicine Institute at Memorial Hermann pre-race expo. Further, marathon workers and volunteers will wear Skechers merchandise. Runners will be given Skechers finishers shirts.

“We’re extremely thrilled to welcome the Skechers Performance Division to our team,” said Steven Karpas, the managing director for the Houston Marathon Committee. “Skechers shares our vision and is totally committed to ensuring that Chevron Houston Race Weekend is a can’t miss event on the running circuit for years to come.”

The 2014 Chevron Houston Marathon is scheduled for Jan. 19.