Wipro is title sponsor of San Francisco Marathon 2012

NEW DELHI: Wipro Technologies is the title sponsor of the San Francisco Marathon (TSFM) 2012.

In addition to being the title sponsor of the 2012 Marathon, Wipro will provide consulting and technology recommendations to TSFM to enhance user and participant experience. The recommendations are based on research Wipro did with local running communities and athletes, to better understand their needs. The services include enhancing the Marathon’s existing web pages with video based content from local experts. The videos will cover inspirational local stories of determination and courage, tips for optimal performance, nutrition, running and event-specific tutorials.

In 2011, Wipro began its partnership with TSFM as a ‘Presenting Sponsor’ of the race. The San Francisco Marathon has been known as the “tech marathon,” offering cutting edge technology resources including runner and spectator mapping and tracking to participants, as well as virtual couponing and high tech apparel.

In May 2012, Wipro will launch its first corporate iPhone app which will include a “Sport” feature.

The app will include details on all Wipro sponsored Marathons, including The Wipro San Francisco Marathon and can be used by runners train for the marathon by using the in-built digital pedometer.

Rahul Kadavakolu, head - global field marketing & branding at Wipro Technologies, said: “As a global leader in information technology with strong ties to the Bay Area community, Wipro is proud to sponsor The Wipro San Francisco Marathon – a landmark event that showcases the inspiring stories of dedicated athletes from around the world. Sport has always had the ability to transcend language and cultural barriers to inspire a universal connection. Wipro recognizes the tremendous opportunity in harnessing the power of sports – It’s a great platform to engage your customers and employees, in a more direct way and give back to the community.

To further promote participation in the race, Wipro will present the inaugural Wipro Team Challenge at this year’s marathon. The Wipro Team Challenge is a new addition to TSFM that not only tests endurance, but also celebrates team spirit.

The 35th annual Wipro San Francisco Marathon will take place on 29 July in San Francisco, California.

The first marathon held in San Francisco was run in 1977 and has since evolved into one of the most celebrated and challenging urban road races in the United States, with over 2,000 of the 25,000 participants traveling from around the world, to be part of the event. It is also a fundraising event which has generated about $11 million for charitable causes since 2002.

The Wipro San Francisco Marathon is rated one of the top marathons in the US, is the largest marathon in Northern California, the 13th largest marathon in the US and is a qualifying race for the Boston Marathon. In 2011, TSFM runners raised more than $250,000 for charitable organisations such as such as The Nature Conservancy, The National MS Society,Train for Autism and The ‘Shanti Project’.

Wipro San Francisco race director Pamela Madigan said, “TSFM and Wipro’s unique partnership showcases the spirit of camaraderie that the Marathon embodies. Through this alliance, we can achieve the technology and charitable goals that we’ve set for ourselves."