The Dallas Marathon has signed a multiyear title sponsorship with BMW of North America, the race announced Wednesday.

It becomes the only major city marathon in America with a car company as the title sponsor, according to the race’s chairman, Lisa Croley. BMW also serves as the chief sponsor for the Berlin Marathon.

“I think the two brands are very much aligned, even though they make cars and we organize running events,” Croley said. She declined to go into specifics about the terms of the agreement, but said that it would last for “several years.”

Croley also said BMW will have a large presence at the prerace expo in the days leading up to the December 11 start date. Four car dealerships in the area are planning to host training runs, and Croley said it is possible BMW customers will receive free or discounted race registration, although the full details have not been finalized.

“We are excited for all of the activations with BMW, from the postrace party to the expo to the start and finish line,” she said.

BMW will be providing the pace vehicle and elite athlete transportation during the race, although Croley was not sure if the male and female winners will receive a car as part of their prize package. “That would be up to BMW,” she said.

The race drew more than 20,000 runners last year. The official partnership kicks off on May 19 when registration for the race opens. The organization has also changed its website to bmwdallasmarathon.com.

Kit Fox Special Projects Editor Kit has been a health, fitness, and running journalist for the past five years.

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