Barcelona Creative Group Supports 2009 Palos Bank Southwest Half Marathon

Palos Heights, IL - In 2008, the Palos Bank Southwest Half Marathon included 1,700 runners and raised $5,000 each for Prostate Cancer Research and the South West Special Recreation Association (SWSRA) for children with special needs, no small feat for the inaugural event. The race included runners from across the U.S. and 12 runners from other countries. World-class times were set, with runners, on average, finishing the race in one hour, five minutes and 13 seconds. Race day was an overall success.

The staff at Barcelona Creative Group (BCG), a full-service marketing and advertising agency in Palos Heights, donated their time and services to help build public awareness of the race and promote it through the design of a race logo, signage, print ads, posters and flyers. They also designed a direct mail postcard that went out to over 5,000 runners in the weeks leading up to the event. The publicity also helped draw record attendance to the Palos Heights Chamber of Commerce Health Fair/Expo held the day before the race at Trinity Christian College.

With planning for 2009 well underway, BCG is donating time and services to promote the 2nd annual Palos Bank Southwest Half Marathon on Sunday, May 3rd. They will be updating the original logo and continuing to provide promotional services in the form of print ads, signage, posters, flyers, public relations services and news releases.

Registration for the 2009 Palos Bank Southwest Half Marathon is $50, and $15,000 of the funds raised at the 2009 race will be donated to the previous yearís charities as well as the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America.

BCG will be working to assist 2009 ìDiamondî sponsor, Palos Bank and Trust and race organizers, Running for Kicks and Chicago Special Events. If the 2008 race outcome is any indication, 2009 could be another record setting year for this team.

Since 1990, Barcelona Creative Group, located in Palos Heights, Illinois, has produced effective marketing messages and strategies for a diverse collection of clients including highly successful privately owned businesses, associations and non-profit organizations. For more information visit www.barcelonacreative.com or contact Juli Barcelona at 708-448-8077.

Photographed (from left to right): Bob Straz, Mayor of the City of Palos Heights; Tom Barcelona, President of Barcelona Creative Group; Gregory Paetow, President of Palos Bank and Trust; Mel Diab, Owner of Running For Kicks; Jeff Prestinario, Owner of Presto Marketing