Oxnard Auto Center Signs on as a Presenting Sponsor of the 7th Annual Santa to the Sea Half Marathon

Oxnard, CA, June 19, 2014 --(PR.com)-- Santa to the Sea announces that the Oxnard Auto Center has signed on to be a presenting sponsor for this year’s 7th Annual Half Marathon race on Dec. 14. This is the Auto Center’s first time sponsoring the event, and their participation includes holiday toy collections at 15 dealerships as well as special VIP contests in connection with the event. Other confirmed sponsors include Dignity Health, Marine Emporium Landing, Pacific Beverage, Rabobank, Union Bank and Vintage Marina Partners.

Santa to the Sea draws more than 4,000 registrants from throughout Southern California for the half marathon, two-person half marathon relay, 5K run and 1K kids run. Sponsorships support the event’s efforts to raise funds for Oxnard College scholarships and local nonprofit partners. Event proceeds also fund the organization’s 11th annual Toy Drive & Giveaway, set for Saturday, December 20 at Santa Park in Oxnard. Last year, 2,500 toys were distributed to local children for the holiday season.

“We’re fortunate to have such strong community participation in the race and support from local businesses. This race draws people from all over the world and gives them an opportunity to see our neighborhoods and community spirit,” said race founder and organizer Mike Barber. “And at the end of the race, we expect some 5,000 supporters to cheer on runners as they cross the finish line at our Finish Line Festival.”

All races start at 8 a.m. The half marathon begins at the giant Santa located at 2801 Ventura Blvd., Oxnard, and ends at the Marine Emporium Landing in Channel Islands Harbor. The 5K run and 1K kids fun run start and finish at the Marine Emporium Landing. All participants must register before the race; there is no race-day registration. Runners can register online at www.santatothesea.com.

Sponsorship packages are still available and offer a wide range of benefits, including exclusive naming rights to event venues, activities and race components. Packages also include online and print marketing, custom promotions, race start and finish announcements, e-newsletter mentions, VIP tickets, onsite marketing, goodie bag inserts, liberal logo branding and more. Sponsorship levels and package details are available online at www.santatothesea.com. For more information about sponsorships, please contact Ruth Ballin at (805) 218-0080 or ruth@ruthballin.com.

Santa to the Sea is a nonprofit event borne out of a desire to give back to the community. What started in 2003 as a toy drive to celebrate the relocation of the world’s largest Santa Claus from Carpinteria to Oxnard, has grown into a robust running event, toy drive, and community fundraiser. Santa to the Sea includes a sanctioned half marathon and a 2-person half marathon relay, plus 5K run and 1K kids fun runs. The Santa to the Sea Scholarship Fund partners with the Oxnard College Foundation to award $500 scholarships to local high school students and adults continuing their education at Oxnard College.