The Dodge Brand Continues Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Partnership for 2011 Season

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Jan 14, 2011, 08:00 ET

PHOENIX, Jan. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

Dodge Brand "Official Automotive Partner" of 2011 Rock 'n' Roll Marathons and "Official Vehicle" for 'P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon and 1/2 Marathon'
Dodge will be the Title Sponsor of six Rock 'n' Roll Marathons this year
Runners and attendees get the chance to test drive new 2011 Dodge vehicles, including the all-new Charger, Durango and significantly refreshed Journey, Grand Caravan and Avenger, and donate to charity in the process
Fans can follow the Dodge brand's participation on-line on Facebook

The Dodge brand announced it is keeping its performance running shoes on in 2011, continuing its partnership with the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon series as the "Official Automotive Partner" and "Official Vehicle" of this year's races. Dodge also will serve as title sponsor of six marathons in 2011, including races in San Diego, Seattle, Virginia Beach, San Jose, Los Angeles and Miami Beach.

The 2011 marathon series kicks off with Dodge's participation in the P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon and 1/2 Marathon' in Phoenix Jan. 14-16.

"The Dodge brand is defined by passion, both for our products, as well as for enjoying life and living it to its fullest," said Ralph Gilles, President and CEO – Dodge Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "The dedication it takes to train and ultimately participate in a marathon reflects the type of passion that comprises our own brand values. The Rock 'n' Roll Marathon series is an excellent opportunity to expose all of our new Dodge products to the more than 1 million people who are somehow involved in or touched by the series."

To give runners and their supporters a chance to experience the Dodge brand's new performance mantra first hand, Dodge is bringing a slew of new products, including the all-new 2011 Dodge Charger and Durango, as well as the significantly refreshed 2011 Dodge Journey, Grand Caravan and Avenger, for test drives during the marathon weekends. Those who take a test drive also will get a chance to donate to charity. For each test drive taken, the brand will donate $20 to one of following three charities chosen by the participants:

Challenged Athletes Foundation (http://www.challengedathletes.org)
Clinton Bush Haiti Fund (http://www.clintonbushhaitifund.org)
The American Cancer Society (http://www.cancer.org)

"The Dodge Brand's commitment to running continues to raise the bar," said Bouker Pool, SVP of Marketing for Competitor Group. "Throughout its 14 year history, over $247 million has been raised for charity through the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series and with the test drive implementation Dodge is taking engagement with our most passionate runners to the next level."

Those on hand for the Phoenix race also will have a chance at fortune. P.F. Chang's will load a specially wrapped Dodge Journey full of fortune cookies. The lucky person who guesses the correct number of cookies will win a $500 P.F. Chang's gift card.

A dedicated Dodge running team also will conquer the P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon and 1/2 Marathon. Dodge brand fans and marathon supporters can go along for the ride via the Dodge brand Facebook page at www.facebook.com/dodge and the Dodge brand Twitter handle (@dodge).

On-site, the Dodge brand will have a display staffed by members of the Dodge running team, who will be able to answer product questions and provide additional Dodge brand product information.

The Dodge brand kicked off its partnership with the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series during the 2010 Labor Day weekend as title sponsor of the Dodge Rock 'n' Roll Virginia Beach Half Marathon. The Dodge brand has served as both title sponsor and official sponsor throughout the 2010 season.

About P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona

The P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon & 1/2 Marathon will return for its 8th edition on Sunday, January 16, 2011 with more than 30,000 participants. The 2004 race is still recognized as the largest inaugural marathon and half-marathon in history with 23,456 finishers, according to Running USA. For the first time in 2011, the event will feature a 2-person half-marathon relay, along with cheerleaders and local bands playing along every mile of the 13.1 and 26.2-mile courses. The race will conclude with the finish line festival and post-race concert at Sun Devil Stadium. Vertical Horizon will take the stage at 11:30am and play two sets.

Event weekend will begin with a two-day Health & Fitness Expo presented by Fox 10 on January 14th and 15th at the Phoenix Convention Center. The Expo, which will be free and open to the public, will showcase the latest in running products and services with interactive clinics from fitness experts. For more information, visit Competitor.com or call (800) 311-1255.

About the Dodge Brand

Dodge is a full line of cars, crossovers, minivans and SUVs that are agile, daring, sensible and inventive. The brand is on a tear for the 2011 model year, redefining itself with six all-new or significantly redesigned new vehicles, introducing new lifestyle packages designed to better meet the needs of its customers, launching catchy new ads that have started conversations with owners and potential owners, actively participating in new events and sponsorships and developing relationships with its long-loyal enthusiast base, as well as reaching out to customers who want cars that leave them wanting more.

For the 2011 model year, the Dodge brand is filling dealer showrooms with a vast array of new and updated products. The Dodge product line includes the all-new Dodge Durango and Dodge Charger, significantly revamped Grand Caravan, Journey, Avenger and Challenger, and the Dodge Caliber and Dodge Nitro

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SOURCE Chrysler Group LLC