CITGO Inks Multi-Year Pact to Sponsor Boston Marathon

HOUSTON — CITGO Petroleum Corp. and the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) have entered a multiple-year sponsorship agreement, making the oil refining and marketing company the Official Fuel Sponsor of the Boston Marathon.

Since 1965, CITGO has had a significant presence along the Boston Marathon race route, with the signature CITGO sign in Kenmore Square letting runners know they’re one mile from the finish of the race.

"We’re pleased to add CITGO into our family of Boston Marathon sponsors," said B.A.A. Chief Executive Officer Tom Grilk. "When participants envision the Boston Marathon, one of the most memorable images is that of the CITGO sign and the final strides to the finish. Having CITGO as the Official Fuel Sponsor of the Boston Marathon connects one iconic brand with our race and participants."

Now as the Official Fuel Sponsor of the Boston Marathon, CITGO’s presence within the event will extend beyond race day to the months leading up the run on April 17.

As part of the sponsorship, CITGO will be the presenting sponsor of a digital campaign titled "The Road to Boston," which provides year-long event information to participants of the Boston Marathon. CITGO branding will also be located just outside the Athletes' Village in Hopkinton, Mass., and at the "One Mile to Go" mark of the Boston Marathon.

New this year, a CITGO cheer zone will be located at mile 25.2 beneath the iconic CITGO sign landmark, encouraging runners as they take their final steps towards the Boylston Street finish line.

"For decades the CITGO sign has inspired thousands of runners to reach the finish line," said CITGO Vice President of Supply and Marketing Rick Esser. "We are excited about the opportunity to cheer for them at mile marker 25.2."

After departing the Athletes' Village in Hopkinton, all participants will pass through the "Fueling Good Runway, presented by CITGO."

Approximately 30,000 participants are registered for the 2017 Boston Marathon. The Boston Marathon is the oldest continuously run marathon in the world, spanning 121 years of history.

Houston-based CITGO Petroleum Corp. is a refiner, transporter and marketer of transportation fuels, lubricants, petrochemicals and other industrial products. The company is owned by CITGO Holding Inc., an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Petróleos de Venezuela S.A., the national oil company of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.