General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Fast Food Sponsorships Rss Feed  
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2007-09-30 9:11 PM

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Subject: Fast Food Sponsorships
Hello All!!!

I am new to this site thanks to my Boyfriend, who will be racing in Miami, in the HIM Nov 10th! Anyways, He and I were discussing just how bad some of the sponsorships for endurance events have been latley. For example, we were seeing many Marathon and Triathlon race adds, with McDonalds, and Burger King, and Taco Bell being the people advertising the events, to name a few!!!

Does anyone else see the problem here? Fast food sponsorships, for sports where heathly food is for 99% of us, the only and right way to go! I dont know. I just thoght this would be a good way to start off my first thread, and get some orther opinions on this matter!

Happy Training..

Kt


2007-09-30 9:21 PM
in reply to: #984749

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Extreme Veteran
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Subject: RE: Fast Food Sponsorships
Like you could ride this low if you ate Tim Hortons daily!

Personally, I don't understand the marketing here. The majority of people who would watch an event like a TT or a triathlon are the kind of people who participate in the sport at an amateur level. These companies are spending their money marketing to the wrong crowd. If I were in charge of marketing for a fast food restaurant I would sponsor wrestlers. Not real wrestlers, fake WWE type.

Here is the description of an event sponsored by the Ronald McDonald house charity.
Bitterroot Classic Triathlon- August 23, 2008. Third Annual "Mini-Tri", 750 yard swim, 20 K bike and 5 K run held in historic Hamilton, Montana. Swim in fast 6 lane outdoor pool, bike through the scenic Stock Farm and run on the spectator friendly and flat(!) course to start and finish at the Bitterroot Aquatic Center. A great, fast course with a catered meal to finish a great day. Information and registration at www.bitterrootclassictriathlon.com,


Sorry daryl_reva, looks like even the people who are sponsoring the event are calling it a 'Mini Triathlon.' The sponsors have an obvious misunderstanding of the sport in this case.

Edited by Cheetah 2007-09-30 9:28 PM
2007-09-30 11:32 PM
in reply to: #984749

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Champion
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Chicago, Illinois
Subject: RE: Fast Food Sponsorships
I saw super size me and I stop but knowing that Mcdonald's sponizes the chicago triathlon I do not feel its bad working here anymore.

ok it still is. they want to improve there imgige but they can do better with there menu.
2007-09-30 11:50 PM
in reply to: #984749

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Master
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Subject: RE: Fast Food Sponsorships
Fast food restuarants want to come off looking like they care about health.   A few race sponsorships and they have a good defense when they get another lawsuit for making people fat!  
2007-10-01 7:02 AM
in reply to: #984749

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Master
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Centennial, CO
Subject: RE: Fast Food Sponsorships

If they want to pump money into endurance sports let them.  They have the money.  Many of the health food companies have a small market and don't have the $$$.  It takes money to pay for this stuff.  As said in the initial post we're not eating it.

On the flip side I really think you all should go have a double Whopper for lunch while I eat a salad.  It won't matter next year when we race, I promise.

2007-10-01 7:11 AM
in reply to: #984749

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Subject: RE: Fast Food Sponsorships
I think you guys are missing the beautiful hipster irony here. Having your gear or race paid for by a company who makes their money by building fat people is hilarious!

ok I think I'm going to go sit in a dark corner and listen to Elliott Smith while crying now.


2007-10-01 7:31 AM
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Expert
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Subject: RE: Fast Food Sponsorships

The one that bugs me every year is McDonalds' sponsorship of the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure every year.  Not only are they sponsoring an athletic event, but one created to raise awareness and money for breast cancer research.  Now THAT's irony.  I just got my race shirt in the mail last week and the first thing I did was check the sleeve to see if Mickey D's logo was there, and it was.  On the one hand, the race probably would not be such a huge success without a sponsor this large; on the other hand ... yuck.

2007-10-01 7:44 AM
in reply to: #984749

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Science Nerd
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Subject: RE: Fast Food Sponsorships
Just because they sponsor the races doesn't mean that we have to support them.  I'm willing to let them sponsor tris and marathons - they have tons of money.  Sure, it's a little crazy to have the McDonald's marathon.  But, I don't see people actually thinking that you can eat fast food every day and be able to do endurance events.  (Maybe it's possible...I know I can't do it)
2007-10-01 8:04 AM
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Champion
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Subject: RE: Fast Food Sponsorships

I thought the same thing when I went to the website for the World Duathlon Championships.  Did you get that...WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS are sponsored by McDonalds.

It's actually the Richmond to Host 2007 McDonald's
ITU Duathlon Long Course World Championships"

http://www.duathlonworlds.com/

But hey...a sponsor is a sponsor.  Grows the sport.

2007-10-01 8:07 AM
in reply to: #984749

Subject: RE: Fast Food Sponsorships
McDonald's also pumps money into the Olympics as well - it cracks me up to see that ads that say that their food is "chosen" by Olympic athletes - yeah, somehow I doubt that...
2007-10-01 8:45 AM
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Master
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Tyler, TX
Subject: RE: Fast Food Sponsorships
Who knows, maybe the sponsorships will encourage the fast food chains to maintain or grow their healthy menu.  McDonalds has salads and fruit plates, and Wendy's has salads.  As the whole obesity issue becomes a greater issue in the US, people will start eating better; the McDonalds and Wendy's of the world know that their future is based on being perceived as healthy places to eat.  I expect we'll see more sponsorship money from them in the coming years!


2007-10-01 8:53 AM
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Coach
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Subject: RE: Fast Food Sponsorships

no problem at all. The more sponsorship $$ into the sport the better, plus just because MD promotes a race it doesn't make me feel the urge for a big mac

2007-10-01 11:20 AM
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Master
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Subject: RE: Fast Food Sponsorships
I think one point is that fast food companies dont necessarily WANT to sell things that are unhealthy, its just thats what is profitable for them.

Personally, I think McDonalds supporting triathlon, or other races is great. I think it says "We do care, and are trying to change.. even if it is slow" McDonalds has been adapting their menu to provide some healthier choices. They cant just switch their entire menu because they would go out of business. They need to make small changes and see what works, and what is profitable.

Do you think McDonalds should sponsor competitive eating contests? Business is business, and they will do their marketing where it is successful. Sometimes it isnt "advertising" at all. Sometimes they do it because one of the upper management people is involved in the sport, or just enjoys it.

Does anyone really think Tide sells more detergent from having their logo on a NASCAR? I personally doubt they make back the money they spend on that sponsorship.
2007-10-01 11:25 AM
in reply to: #985454

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Sneaky Slow
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Subject: RE: Fast Food Sponsorships

ranger5oh - 2007-10-01 12:20 PM Does anyone really think Tide sells more detergent from having their logo on a NASCAR? I personally doubt they make back the money they spend on that sponsorship.

Of course they do (sell more).  If they didn't, they wouldn't invest the money in it.  It's a business, after all. 

2007-10-01 11:27 AM
in reply to: #985454

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Subject: RE: Fast Food Sponsorships

Have you ever noticed how many cars with tri bikes attached to the roof or trunk are in line at fast-food restaurants the morning after a big race (and a race in which a lot of people travel to)?

Even the health-conscious allow themselves to splurge a bit after a big event. And, a lot of athletes eat fast food...ever read COJ on this site? Many people's preferred choice of coffee comes from a fast-food restaurant, and many travel to races with their families in which fast food is a convenient and inexpensive option for a meal on a race day or travel day.

Triathletes and their families are definitely consuming fast food, so the fast-food sponsors are reaching an audience that will use their product (and probably even more likely to use the product on and around race day). And, sponsors are great, so the more, the merrier...even if their product is a bit unhealthy .



Edited by LaurenSU02 2007-10-01 11:29 AM
2007-10-01 11:33 AM
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Veteran
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Subject: RE: Fast Food Sponsorships
Think of this too...some of the biggest sports enthusiasts I know, are also the biggest people I know. They are the ones living their former glory days via watching it on the TV (the "remember when..." types) or the dreamers that don't have the motivation to get out of their couch potato ways. Let's face it...the fit individuals of this world (namely the United States) are in the minority. Obesity wouldn't be such a problem if we weren't. Thus the marketing of the unhealthy lifestyle via poor nutrition.

I personally don't have a problem with a fast food chain sponsoring the fitness world. I feel very strongly that we all make our own choices and it's the responsibility of the individual to limit their consumption, so holding the fast food chain responsible is like "calling the kettle black." But...that's a whole other debate.


2007-10-01 12:02 PM
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Elite
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Subject: RE: Fast Food Sponsorships
And don't forget the budweiser at the finish line!!!
2007-10-01 1:05 PM
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Champion
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Subject: RE: Fast Food Sponsorships

You want irony.....

Amgen Tour of California

Amgen makes EPO

 

2007-10-01 1:53 PM
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COURT JESTER
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Subject: RE: Fast Food Sponsorships

How many more years is the contract for FORD to sponsor the Ironman series?  Maybe when that ends McDonald’s will be the high bidder for sponsorship.  Get a free ‘Gut bomb, bag of grease, and cup of liquid sugar” in each special needs bag.

2007-10-01 2:27 PM
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Wilmington, Delaware
Subject: RE: Fast Food Sponsorships
What's wrong with you people?  You guys don't eat fastfood?  I don't care for McDonalds, but I love a Whopper now and then, and I go to Taco Bell way more than I should.  I'm a relatively healthy eater (lots of fruits and veggies), but life is about moderation - and I'll treat myself to unhealthy food every now and then.  Wings, nachos, and beer are not very healthy, but they taste damn good - especially if you're watching an exciting sporting event w/ friends and family.  If fast food companies want to support triathlons, god bless em. 
2007-10-01 3:51 PM
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Subject: RE: Fast Food Sponsorships
I think cigarette/tobacco ads in sports magazines is MUCH worse than fast food sponsorships of triathlons, marathons etc.

At least at McDonald's I can get a skinless chicken sandiwch, or a salad, or just a pop or coffee. I can't see any angle of justification of the whoring for money that the magazine companies are doing by accepting tobacco ads. Just recently my seven year old and I were flipping through a Sports Illustrated when we came across an ad where a guy looked like he just got done working out because in the background was a tennis court (or something to indicate a workout) and he had wet hair and was carrying a gym bag. Throw in the standard "vixen" looking at him like "hey in shape dude, you look good to me with that cigarette and in-shape look". My son asked me, "Dad, is it ok to smoke if you exercise"? WTF?

And I agree with the several posts that said these events are expensive and if McDonald's wants to sponsor an event that helps to lower my cost to participate, then I'm all for it.


2007-10-01 5:53 PM
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Master
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Subject: RE: Fast Food Sponsorships
A little off topic but not really, I had my first Whopper and fries, in a year, after my last race on Sunday. I figured I finished 2nd in my AG so I am going to let myself have something I love and haven't had in a really long time.

As far as sponsorship, like others have said, if it will make events cheaper for me its alright by me.
2007-10-01 6:09 PM
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Subject: RE: Fast Food Sponsorships
I really don't care if McDonalds or RJR sponsors a race.

Nobody puts a gun to people's heads and makes them eat junk or smoke poison. I give McDonald's credit for having salads and semi-healthy options on their menu.
2007-10-01 7:41 PM
in reply to: #985931

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Subject: RE: Fast Food Sponsorships

Esquiredo - 2007-10-01 3:27 PM What's wrong with you people?  You guys don't eat fastfood?  I don't care for McDonalds, but I love a Whopper now and then, and I go to Taco Bell way more than I should.  I'm a relatively healthy eater (lots of fruits and veggies), but life is about moderation - and I'll treat myself to unhealthy food every now and then.  Wings, nachos, and beer are not very healthy, but they taste damn good - especially if you're watching an exciting sporting event w/ friends and family.  If fast food companies want to support triathlons, god bless em. 

Absolutely!  I LOVE McDonald's burgers (my preference of the big three), but any fast food burger will do from time to time.  How often?  Maybe 2-3 times/year.  Eating high calorie foods every so often is a perk from exercising all the time.     

2007-10-01 7:51 PM
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Champion
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Subject: RE: Fast Food Sponsorships
I was going to make a really brilliant, insightful comment but then I saw njk123's avatar and forgot my own name.
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