The Washie 100 is the ultimate 100 mile Race in South africa and is recognised by the International Centurion Club. (Where a runner must complete 100 miles in under 24 hours). The race takes place on the first full moon in July every year. |
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Washie 100 Become a Washie 100 Sponsor
Washie 100 Become a Washie 100 Sponsor
| Washie 100 Sponsor |
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Dear Prospective Sponsor, As the current chairman of the Buffalo Road Runners, I would like to invite your company to come on board as a sponsor for the very prestigious Washie 100 Miler extreme endurance road run scheduled for Friday 19th July 2013. The Washie 100 is one of the annual events which have ensured the Buffs a significant place in the history of road running in the sub-continent. It was first run on July 12, 1977 and was a monumental undertaking by a young club with a relatively small membership, to consider organising an awesome ultra marathon over 100 miles, or 160km, of a rugged coastline road between Port Alfred and East London. The 12 runners who finished the race within the stipulated 27 hours could hardly have imagined they were the first of many super athletes who would test themselves over a distance almost twice the distance of the Comrades. The 12 were the trailblazers of other 100-milers that followed in their footsteps. The Washie is held annually, from Port Alfred to East London, with the prize-giving - at the Buffs' club on the Sunday morning after the completion of the race - considered an ultimate in spirit, achievement and camaraderie. There are no money prizes, but everyone who has completed the Washie wears with great pride the coveted very special tracksuit, and ensures that the handmade trophy given to all finishers has a prime place in the trophy cabinet. The founder chairman of Buffs, Viv Rex, said the first Washie was "a fantastic success - it is here to stay." How right he was. But perhaps not even the far-seeing Viv could envisage that the Washie ultra marathon would become the true quality event it is, even attracting international entries. The significance of the event in enhancing the city of East London, and the attendant economic and social benefits, has yet to be fully realised. The great traditions of the Buffs have also been enhanced by the many splendid performances at all distances, both regionally and nationally by their men and women athletes. And not to be discounted is the enduring and stirring Buffs' own song, "Hallelujah I'm a Buffalo" . . . which has always been a highlight of any club event and gathering. The motto "Once a Buff always a Buff" is a truism rather than a boast. What does a Washie sponsorship get you? • History – the Washie 100 Miler is the oldest “100 mile race” (160 km) in South Africa. • Fame – the Washie is SA’s best known (nationally and internationally) 100 miler. • Exclusivity – the Washie is the ultimate 100 mile Race in South Africa and is recognised Internationally. The Washie tracksuit is highly coveted inside and outside of running circles. • Recognition & Coverage - This event has achieved national recognition and has enjoyed dedicated TV coverage in respect of the Old Mutual World of Endurance (two programmes to date) and Patricia Glynn’s - Point blank programmes. The event also benefits from extensive local radio and print media coverage. • “Celebrity” Participation - This race has attracted well known running personalities including the 1998 Comrades Ladies winner. • Advertising – Runners from all provinces participate who invariably bring family and friends to enjoy the hospitality of the event and the Eastern Cape. In the order of 60 - 100 runners participate with up to five seconds each. The Buffalo Road Runners Club benefits from a well hosted and up-to-date web site. • Pride – The Washie is such a well known brand and all East Londoners can share in this proudly EL event. What happens with the sponsorship? Sponsorship is ploughed back into the event by way of wearing apparel, medical facilities, soup kitchen, goody bags for runners, traffic control, signage and control/refreshment points ¼, ½ and ¾ way. What are the special plans for the next race? The Buffalo road Runners would like to do everything possible to grow the event and to ensure more widespread coverage for the new sponsor. Due to the extreme endurance of the event, there are only a limited number of “hard core” athletes out there willing to give it a go. We therefore decided to introduce a 50 miler this year to provide those runners that are not quite confident enough to commit to the 100 miler, with an option of a shorter distance. We are confident that this will provide them with a taste of what makes Washie so special, allowing them to mingle with other runners, see some of the course, do a bit of night running and provide them with the desire to enter the full event next year. There are also plans around utilising sub clubs of the main Buffalo Sports Club to host the ¼, ½ and ¾ to help boost festiveness at these crucial points in the race. Furthermore, it is planned to better market the event and to do everything possible to ensure that there is guaranteed television coverage of next year’s race. What is the value of the sponsorship required? For next year’s race we would like to request a sponsorship to R 45 000.00 for the hosting of the complete event. We would also like to negotiate at least a three-year sponsorship deal to ensure continuity in the event regarding branding and growth. What makes Washie so special? I have taken the liberty of attaching a copy of Stuart Wainwright’s writings, which he submitted on the Runner’s World Forum after his first Washie 100 Miler. Please take the time to read his eloquent race report which will provide you with an insightful look at what it is to be a Washie 100 Miler runner. To end, I would like to request that you sincerely consider sponsoring this prestigious event. Our sports club, like many others, rely entirely on corporate sponsors for the direct costs involved. Our love of the sport, pride in our city and joy at the end of an event well run are what drives us. Please come and join us as part of the team! Yours Sincerely,  Kerryn Newey Chairman: Buffalo Road Runners Contact me here |
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...before the 2013 Washie 100
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