Sponsor Opportunities

For 39 years running, the Steamboat Classic has been the premier running event in Central Illinois. But it’s more than a running event…it’s a community event. A dedicated force of hundreds of volunteers and sponsors has made the Steamboat Classic an event that impacts Central Illinois in a positive way throughout the year.

Attracting runners from around the world and around the block, the Steamboat Classic is an equal opportunity athletic event.

With over 5,000 participants expected, the Steamboat Classic provides an opportunity to enhance your company’s visibility and to reach a concentrated mass of your target audience for the Steamboat Classic weekend. The Steamboat Classic Training Programs and Promotional Programs provide an opportunity to reach targeted groups over an eleven week span.

TRAINING PROGRAMS

BUILDING STEAM, in its 19th year, is designed to introduce running fitness to the novice adult runner/walker with the goal of completing the Steamboat Classic Four Mile Race. Building Steam expects over 600 participants and 100 volunteers in 2011. This program runs from early April through mid-June.

SCOUTING STEAM enters its 7th year as a complimentary program to Building Steam. This program unites Boy Scouts and their parents/guardians with the Scouts working to satisfy the requirements for their Personal Fitness Merit Badge. Over 100 Scouts and the parents are expected to participate in 2012.

TEAM STEAM, in its 17th year, is designed to help experienced runners improve through track workouts, hill running, time trails, etc. In 2012, Team Steam will have over 200 runners preparing for the Steamboat Classic Four Mile and 15 Km races.

RISING STEAM, in its 3rd year, joined Scouting Steam. This program unites youth (both girls and boys – grades 6 through 9) and their parents/guardians to introduce running/walking fitness with the ultimate goal of the Steamboat Classic Four Mile Race, with over 100 participants expected in 2012.

ACCESS STEAM, in its 3rd year is a unique initiative designed to provide an opportunity for individuals with disabilities – cognitive, developmental, physical, etc. – and their families to experience our event. IVS has partnered with Advocates for Access; Easter Seals; Heart of Illinois Special Recreation Association; and other agencies to ensure that our training programs and our event are accessible and inclusive for individuals with physical, cognitive, developmental, and/or other disabilities and their families.

PROMOTIONAL PROGRAMS

CORPORATE STEAM – in cooperation with the Employers’ Association, is an initiative by the Illinois Valley Striders to promote and educate health and fitness to employers, their employees and family members throughout the community as a part of the Steamboat Classic and Training Programs. The benefits to employees, their families and the community are countless, such as: better health, camaraderie, better morale, team spirit, fun & family and office competition.

UNIFORM STEAM is focused on recognizing those in uniform – both from military service branches and community service branches (first responders). In 2012, the Steamboat Classic will introduce and promote friendly team competitions between and across the various uniform branches.

BENEFITS OF SPONSORSHIP

Increased Sales
Product Sampling
Enhanced Product Credibility
Association of your business or product with a positive, health related community event.
Participation in one of the most popular races in the Midwest.

PRINTED MATERIALS

Sponsors of the Steamboat Classic will receive sponsorship recognition on all printed and electronic advertising materials such as applications, posters, and both the Steamboat Classic and Illinois Valley Striders web-sites.

MEDIA RELATIONS

The Steamboat Classic is supported by local and regional media/public relation efforts. The Steamboat Classic will ensure that all sponsors receive the maximum exposure.

ON-SITE PROMOTION

The Steamboat Classic offers sponsors the opportunity to exhibit and display their products and services at the Steamboat Classic Race Expo at the RiverPlex on June 17 from 12:00 to 8:00 p.m.; and again on race day, June 18, from 6:00 to 11:00 a.m.

Possible On-Site Promotional Ideas:

Sales
Signage
Merchandise Giveaways
Product Sampling

TELEVISION PROMOTION

The Steamboat Classic offers an exciting opportunity to sponsor the award–winning, locally-produced television program of the event. For information, call Race Director Philip Lockwood at (309) 657–2478 or Chris Dierker at (309) 698–3785.

LEVELS OF SPONSORSHIP

TITLE SPONSOR

Company logo printed the back of the official Steamboat Classic T-shirt design as presenting sponsor. (A maximum of one presenting sponsor will be accepted for „back-of-the shirt“ sponsorship.)
Company logo printed on Steamboat Classic Poster.
Company banner and logo displayed at Start and Finish Lines.
Company banner and logo displayed at Expo.
Additional banners positioned along the race route.
Company name included in all press releases and public service announcements.
Company logo on all publications and race results.
Pre and Post event photo opportunities.
Complete listing of all participants in the Steamboat Classic.

This sponsorship can be created through a monetary or in-kind contribution of $100,000.00.

PRESENTING SPONSOR

Company name printed on front of official T-shirt. (A maximum of 6 T-shirt sponsors will be accepted for the front of the T-shirt.)
Company logo printed on Steamboat Classic Poster.
Company banner and logo displayed at Start and Finish Lines.
Company banner and logo displayed at both Expositions.
Additional banners positioned along the race route.
One full page add in the Steamboat Classic Souvenir Magazine
Company name included in all press releases and public service announcements.
Complimentary tent at the Finish Line Exposition.
Company logo on all publications and race results.

This sponsorship can be created through a monetary or in-kind contribution of $25,000.00.

MAJOR SPONSOR

Company name printed on Steamboat Classic T-shirt.
Company log printed on Steamboat Classic Poster.
Company banner and logo displayed at Start and Finish Lines.
Company banner and logo displayed at Expo.
Additional banners positioned along the race route.
Company name included in all press releases and public service announcements.
Company logo on all publications and race results.

This sponsorship can be created through a monetary or in-kind contribution of $10,000.00.

SUPPORTING SPONSOR

Company banner and logo displayed at event.
Company banner and logo displayed at Expo.
One banner positioned along the race route.
Vendor Booth for product sampling or giveaways at the Expositions.
Company name included in all Steamboat Classic materials from the date of sponsorship.

This sponsorship can be created through a monetary or in-kind contribution of $5,000.00.

HOSPITALITY EVENT SPONSOR

Company banner and logo displayed at the Expo.
Company banners positioned at the hospitality event (see examples below)
Vendor booth for product sampling or giveaway at the Expo.
Company name included in all Steamboat Classic materials from the date of sponsorship.

This sponsorship can be created through a monetary or in-kind contribution of $1000.00.

STEAMBOAT CLASSIC HOSPITALITY EVENTS

The Steamboat Classic holds a variety of press conferences and receptions in honor of our sponsors, volunteers and athletes of all ability levels. Hosting one of these receptions is another excellent sponsorship opportunity. Listed below are a few of the events your organization could support through monetary donation or in-kind contributions.

Starting Line Party
This is the „kick-off“ event of the year, held in March for Sponsors and the 100% volunteer Race Committee.

Press Conference & Media/Sponsor Party
A media event held in May to present the invited world-class athletes and information about the upcoming race.

Steamboat Classic Awards Ceremony
Post-Race Awards event held at The Landings in RiverFront Park immediately after the race to present special awards and awards to race winners.

Steamboat Classic Post-Race Celebration
Post-Race Party at Peoria’s RiverFront for participants and volunteers to celebrate the successful completion of another Steamboat Classic!

EXPO BOOTH SPONSOR and/or COUPONING

Vendor Booth for product sampling or giveaways at the exposition.

This sponsorship can be created through a monetary or in-kind contribution of $250.00.

Combined with a Vendor Booth, place a coupon or flyer directly in the hands of all of the 4,000+ participants. We will insert your advertising into the packets that are handed to all participants.

This sponsorship can be created through a monetary or in-kind contribution of $500.00.

Bundled Sponsor receives Vendor Booth at the exposition, coupon or flyer inserted into race packets, and Race Day Booth set-up at the after race party.

This sponsorship can be created through a monetary or in-kind contribution of $650.00.