Finding Sponsors on Ebay?

I am offering advertising for your company or cause for one intense week of endurance running, and periodically in the months leading up to it. The starting bid is $6000, which will cover my operating costs. 100% of the amount over $6000 of any winning bid will be donated directly to the Stop TB Partnership (http://www.stoptb.org/), a credible organization devoted to curbing the spread of tuberculosis around the world.

I will run the Atacama Crossing (http://www.4deserts.com/atacamacrossing/) in March 2010 (assuming I get sponsorship). The Atacama Crossing is a weeklong super endurance event across Chile. It is part of the 4 Deserts series, considered the second toughest endurance event in the world. The race garners major international media attention (Sports Illustrated, Time, CNN, just to name a few) which means big exposure for the many sponsors supporting athletes from around the world.

What does your winning bid buy you? Extensive brand exposure to a wide audience. During the race I will wear garments, most likely shorts and a T-shirt that can be custom designed to show off your product. This is a perfect opportunity to showcase energy bars and drinks, athletic apparel, endurance equipment, new labels, or some other non-related product or issue. I am willing to advertise for just about anything or anyone, so long as the advertised product is something I value. I will not accept sponsorship from any politically motivated group or individual. I will not accept sponsorship for any product that I think might embarrass myself or others. I cannot accept sponsorship if you expect me to wear or carry items that might hamper my chances at finishing the race. If you are unsure if your product qualifies, send me an email, and I will be more than happy to discuss.

Here are the Ws:

Who: Me. I’m a former military pilot who left active duty to pursue some dreams. Completing this super endurance event is one of them. There will be others. I write about some of my adventures on http://www.endsofearth.com. I am not asking for any support other than what is required to enter the race, and travel to it.

Who else: You. Whether you want to advertise for a brand, product line, or are a private citizen just wanting to support me, you can bid.

What: One week’s worth of serious advertising as I complete the Atacama Crossing Super Endurance Event. If you or your company is in the US, I will drive there for a meeting where we can discuss how to maximize advertising. If your company is overseas, I will gladly travel if you foot the bill! Otherwise, we can coordinate on the phone and by email.

When: March 7-13, 2010. Leading up to the race, I will periodically blog about my preparation and will gladly embed your product or issue into my pictures, videos, and writings. I have many projects going on right now, but I am confident I can support your product to a level with which you’ll be pleased.

Where: Chile. Though the race is in Chile, media coverage is global, and my updates will be on the internet, to include Twitter (so long as I can get a phone signal in the desert), my endsofearth.com blog, the 4 Deserts website, and quite possibly major news organizations. Everytime a picture or video of me shows up, your brand plastered to my clothing will show as well.

Why: Because I want to. This event is a huge, often life-changing challenge for many participants. Also, I will run to raise awareness for a cause that has personal meaning to me—tuberculosis. This past Spring, I learned that I contracted tuberculosis while serving overseas. I am fortunate enough to have access to inexpensive medicine to rid the disease from my body. Most others are not so lucky and will be lifelong carriers and possibly die from TB. It is my hope that in running the Atacama Crossing, some friends, family, and well wishers will contribute to the cause. I ask that any donations be sent directly to the Stop TB Partnership. The excess, above $6000, of any winning bid will be sent directly to the Stop TB Partnership. Additionally, any amount remaining of the $6000 that isn’t used in direct support of my traveling to and equipping for the Atacama Crossing will be sent to the partnership.

Other questions:

Why does the auction start at $6000? The race has a $3100 entry fee. Roundtrip transportation from my home in the United States to the race in Chile will cost ~$1500. This Ebay advertisement will cost another ~$100 if successful.  That leaves me about $1000 to purchase the required gear (http://www.4deserts.com/admin/documents/doc1256016539.doc).

Will I win the race? No. There are professional and hardcore amateur super endurance athletes competing who will far exceed my speed. My goal is to complete the race without incurring permanent physical injury. There is absolutely no guarantee that I will succeed in that goal. That said, I will go to great lengths to train properly and race safely. I’ve never failed to complete any athletic event. I fully expect to finish with a smile on my face, and will be wearing a jersey with your name on it.

Why is the entry fee so expensive? Good question! That was my first question. The organizing group uses the money to pay for insurance and help cover all the supporting expenses that go with a weeklong race in the desert.

If you are on the fence about bidding, or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me! I am personable and I am not a salesman.