Infront bolsters fitness footprint with Germany's leading women's running series

Acquisition of BARMER Women's Run by XLETIX GmbH broadens active lifestyle portfolio

Zug, Switzerland – Infront subsidiary XLETIX GmbH has acquired the BARMER Women's Run series from Motor Presse Stuttgart, expanding its presence within Germany's running series market.

The new agreement means Infront now owns the two biggest women-only running series in Germany, having already acquired Muddy Angels Run through the purchase of XLETIX GmbH in May 2018.

The BARMER Women's Run began in 2006 and featured seven races in 2018 with 5km and 8km distances available to participants. Over 230,000 runners have taken part since it was established. As of 2019 the event will expand further introducing an additional yoga session in all cities. The popular Women's Village and Women's Day Spa are also available for participants to round off a perfect day and offer numerous activations. The event also takes place under a new slogan: "Be active. Be happy. Be You!"

Acquisition logical for expanding event portfolio in running segment

Hans-Peter Zurbruegg, Infront Vice President of Personal and Corporate Fitness, said: "Our acquisition of Muddy Angels Run earlier this year gave us a real insight into the popularity of women's runs in Germany. The agreement with BARMER Women's Run is the logical next step for Infront. We strongly believe in the future growth of the women's running and fitness market and are convinced that we can make a significant contribution to the continued expansion of this top running series and deliver a unique event experience for participants."

Wolfgang Melcher, Publisher of Motor Presse Hearst, who currently own the Women's Run, said: "We are proud that with the Women's Run we have built up the most successful women's running series in Germany and have been able to set new standards. Now is the time to move this series of events to a world-leading specialist for development."

About Infront

Infront is a leading sports marketing company managing a comprehensive portfolio of top properties. Infront covers all aspects of successful sporting events, including the distribution of media rights, sponsorship, media production, event operation and digital solutions. Headquartered in Zug, Switzerland, Infront has a team of more than 1,000 staff working from 39 offices across more than 14 countries, delivering 4,100 event days of top class sport around the world every year. In 2015, Infront was integrated into Wanda Sports Group, part of Chinese conglomerate Dalian Wanda Group.

About BARMER Women's Run

In addition to the Muddy Angel Run, the BARMER Women's Run is Germany's most successful running series for women.

About XLETIX GmbH

XLETIX GmbH – based in Berlin, Germany – is one of the leading properties within the obstacle and themed running events market in Europe. More than 250,000 participants will participate in XLETIX Challenge and Muddy Angel Run events across six European countries in 2019. The company was founded in 2013 by two sporting enthusiasts with the objective to excite people through sports.