Skechers Partners with Ventures Endurance Through Multi-Year Deal

Ventures Endurance has announced a multi-year partnership with Skechers. Gannett Co., Inc. is a diversified media company with three segments: Domestic Gannett Media, Newsquest, and Digital Marketing Solutions. The Domestic Gannett Media segment includes USA TODAY and local daily and weekly content brands in 220 US markets. Newsquest is a UK-based segment with over 220 digital news and media brands. The DMS segment provides digital advertising and marketing solutions through the LocaliQ platform.

Ventures Endurance, a subsidiary of Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI), has announced a multi-year partnership with Skechers, The Comfort Technology Company®, to serve as the title sponsor of the Hot Chocolate Run series [1]. This strategic collaboration underscores the growing importance of sponsorship deals in the sports and events industry, particularly for companies looking to enhance their brand visibility and community engagement.

The Hot Chocolate Run series, which kicked off on October 5th in Denver, Colorado, will continue through 16 additional cities across the nation, including the newest stop in Louisville, Kentucky. With race distances ranging from 5K to 10 miles, as well as a virtual race option, the event caters to a broad spectrum of runners [1].

Skechers, known for its innovative footwear technology, will introduce its latest AERO Series of technical running shoes to participants. These shoes are designed to provide a blend of speed, style, and comfort, making them suitable for runners of all levels [1]. The partnership will see Skechers-branded activations, giveaways, and early access to new shoe models at various races this season.

Nate Scott, Vice President, General Manager of Sports & Events at Gannett | USA TODAY Network, expressed excitement about the collaboration, highlighting Skechers' reputation as one of the top-selling shoe brands globally. Ben Stewart, VP of Product Development and Merchandising for Skechers Performance, echoed these sentiments, noting that the Hot Chocolate Run Series embodies the spirit of community and energy that aligns well with Skechers' brand values [1].

Gannett Co., Inc., a diversified media company, operates across three segments: Domestic Gannett Media, Newsquest, and Digital Marketing Solutions. The Domestic Gannett Media segment includes USA TODAY and local daily and weekly content brands in over 220 US markets. Newsquest, its UK-based segment, comprises over 220 digital news and media brands. The Digital Marketing Solutions segment provides digital advertising and marketing solutions through the LocaliQ platform [2].

The partnership between Ventures Endurance and Skechers is a strategic move that leverages the strengths of both organizations. While Skechers gains increased brand exposure and community engagement, Ventures Endurance benefits from the association with a well-known and respected brand in the footwear industry. This collaboration is expected to enhance the overall experience for participants and spectators alike, making the Hot Chocolate Run Series a more engaging and memorable event.

References:
[1] https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250902246003/en/Skechers-Named-Title-Sponsor-of-the-Hot-Chocolate-Run-Series
[2] https://www.marketscreener.com/news/skechers-named-title-sponsor-of-the-hot-chocolate-run-series-ce7c50d3de8ff526