Getting 'Down & Dirty:' Subaru of America Drives Into the Mud

AGOURA HILLS, CA--March 8, 2011: MESP, Inc. is proud to announce a multi-year partnership with Subaru of America, Inc. as the Presenting Sponsor of the Merrell Down & Dirty National Mud Run Series, held annually in nine cities across the nation. Subaru will be the Official Automobile partner for the series. "Subaru and MESP, Inc. share the same drive and passion for outdoor activities," states Michael Epstein, president of MESP, Inc. "The partnership will be a perfect fit because of their unique identity with active lifestyle consumers and their willingness to help this unique consumer achieve their thirst for fun, fitness, friendship and adventure."

The Merrell Down & Dirty National Mud Run Series presented by Subaru consists of nine events in major cities around the country in which athletes compete in 5k and 10k runs through a fun off-road, muddy course with military style obstacles. This unique event has proven to test participants in conquering several challenges and mud pits on their way to the finish line all while supporting the troops through Operation Gratitude. Operation Gratitude, the series official charity partner, is an organization that sends individual care packages enclosed with snacks, entertainment items and personal appreciation letters to U.S. Service Members deployed overseas.

Subaru recently announced its own PR (personal record) with another year of record sales in 2010. "Given the reliability and durability of our all-wheel drive products, Subaru owners continue to be passionate about outdoor events," said Tim Mahoney, senior vice president and chief marketing officer for Subaru of America. "This in turn drives our commitment to support runners, hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts, and it's why this partnership is a great fit."

Subaru owners also seek new outdoor experiences. "This run provides a very unique race opportunity," says Melissa Trotto, outdoor lifestyle sports marketing coordinator for Subaru. "Through this partnership, we will help people meet their fitness goals and have fun at the same time."

About Subaru of America, Inc.

Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of more than 600 dealers across the United States. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill production plants and Subaru of Indiana Automotive Inc. is the only U.S. automobile production plant to be designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation.

ABOUT MESP:

Since 1986, MESP, Inc. has been the leader in lifestyle sports marketing and outdoor adventure event marketing. MESP literally brought "mud to the masses," producing the world's first ever National Series of mud based events in 1996. As a full service marketing and production company, MESP consistently delivers top quality events and unique brand driven marketing programs to tens of thousands of athletes throughout the United States. MESP currently produces high profile events such as the Nautica Malibu Triathlon, the Nautica South Beach Triathlon, and the Merrell Down & Dirty National Mud Run Series presented by Subaru. MESP strives to produce events that make a difference in people's lives. MESP events have raised over $6 million for various philanthropic organizations such as Children's Hospital Los Angeles, the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and Operation Gratitude.

SOURCE MESP, Inc.