Inaugural Cape Odyssey sponsor announced

Adventure sports company Salomon announced its sponsorship last week of the inaugural Cape Odyssey, a trail running stage race which takes place 16 – 20 October 2007 on the Cape Coast and Winelands.

Says Kevin Vermaak, director and founder of the Absa Cape Epic and Cape Odyssey, “We're delighted with the announcement of the Salomon sponsorship as the brand personifies the Cape Odyssey and its participants. We hope to establish this race as one of the most prestigious of its kind in the world and delivering on the marketing promise to Salomon.”

Internationally, outdoor sports has allegedly shown unprecedented growth in the past decade, with three times more trail races specifically planned since the year 2000, and a 44% increase in the participants of those races. On this note, Salomon has seen the potential to grow the South African market with the same vigour, and is now the presenting sponsor of the Cape Odyssey.

The Cape Odyssey is intended to symbolise the essence of what trail running across the globe has come to stand for – a fresh challenge to both amateur and professional runners.

According to Eric Ichikowitz, MD of Salomon South Africa, “We are very excited to be a sponsor to the Cape Odyssey... Those who participate in this trail running race have the lifestyle choices and mentality of the core Salomon consumer – someone passionate, loyal, energetic and tough, interested in the outdoors, likes a good challenge, and knows great sports gear. Participants in trail running have come to know Salomon for its technical performance and commitment to product innovation”.

Only 50 team entries (100 runners) will be available for the inaugural race. All entries are allocated on a first come first served basis via an online registration system. There are 4 running categories for teams to participate in, namely Men, Ladies, Mixed and Masters. Go to www.cape-odyssey.com for more.

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