Garmin announces signature Garmin Marathon Series
Rhea-AI Summary
Garmin (NYSE: GRMN) has announced the launch of its proprietary Garmin Marathon Series, marking a significant shift from traditional race sponsorships to full event ownership and production. The inaugural series will debut in Fall 2025 with events in Toledo, Ohio (September 21) and Tucson, Arizona (November 15).
Each event will feature four USATF-certified race distances: a full marathon (Boston Marathon qualifier), half marathon, 10K, and 5K. The series will include a two-day expo showcasing Garmin products and technology, edition race gear, and meet-and-greets with Garmin-sponsored athletes. Post-race festivities will include a finish line festival with local food and live entertainment.
The locations were selected based on existing race schedules, running communities, cultural highlights, and weather conditions. Additional locations are planned for 2026.
Positive
- Direct entry into event management business, creating new revenue stream
- Strategic expansion of brand presence in running community
- Multiple revenue opportunities through race registrations, expo sales, and merchandise
- Potential for geographic expansion in 2026
Negative
- Significant operational costs and logistics management required
- Weather and location-dependent event risks
- Initial scale with only two locations in 2025
News Market Reaction
On the day this news was published, GRMN declined 4.00%, reflecting a moderate negative market reaction.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Each event will create a unique experience with four race distances, an expo and finish line festival
With debut locations set for the fall in
"This is an opportunity to go above and beyond conventional sponsorships and create something truly special in our running communities. For decades, Garmin has been with runners through every step of their training, and now we are excited to be with them in an even more meaningful way on race day."
– Susan Lyman, Garmin Vice President, Consumer Sales and Marketing
The Garmin Marathon Series team selected two US locations for 2025. Factors included each city's existing race and event schedule, regional run communities, local and cultural highlights around the course and favorable weather conditions. More locations are planned for 2026.
Initial Garmin Marathon Series locations and dates are as follows:
In each city, the event will include a USATF-certified and Boston Marathon qualifier full marathon, USATF-certified half marathon, 10K and 5K. A two-day expo showcasing Garmin products and technology will precede race day and be open to the public. Attendees can expect limited edition race gear from Garmin, meet and greets with Garmin-sponsored professional athletes and additional items from select sponsors. Directly following the race, a finish line festival – also open to the public – will give runners a chance to celebrate with local food, live entertainment and other activities.
Registration for the Garmin Marathon Series is currently open for all race distances in
Engineered on the inside for life on the outside, Garmin products have revolutionized the aviation, automotive, fitness, marine and outdoor markets. Dedicated to helping people make the most of the time they spend pursuing their passions, Garmin believes every day is an opportunity to innovate and a chance to beat yesterday. Visit the Garmin Newsroom, email our media team, connect with @garmin on social, or follow our blog.
About Garmin International, Inc. Garmin International, Inc. is a subsidiary of Garmin Ltd. (NYSE: GRMN). Garmin Ltd. is incorporated in
All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks and service marks are the properties of their respective owners. All rights reserved.
Notice on Forward-Looking Statements:
This release includes forward-looking statements regarding Garmin Ltd. and its business. Such statements are based on management's current expectations. The forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this release may not occur and actual results could differ materially as a result of known and unknown risk factors and uncertainties affecting Garmin, including, but not limited to, the risk factors listed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 2024, filed by Garmin with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Commission file number 0001-411180). A copy of such Form 10-K is available at http://www.garmin.com/aboutGarmin/invRelations/finReports.html. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and Garmin undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Elliott Scott
913-397-8200
media.relations@garmin.com
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SOURCE Garmin International, Inc.
FAQ
When and where will the first Garmin Marathon Series events take place in 2025?
What race distances are available in the Garmin Marathon Series?
What additional features are included in the Garmin Marathon Series events?
Will GRMN expand the Marathon Series beyond the initial two locations?
