Heatsheets® Poncho sales at Chicago, Boston races indicate strong market for endurance industry from start to finish and beyond.

“So glad I had one of the ponchos to wear before the race! It helped keep me toasty warm! I actually saw some people running most of the race wearing the poncho!” – Karen F.

Chicago, May 14, 2015 – AFM Heatsheets®, the leading manufacturer of reflective insulation fabrics to keep individuals comfortable in virtually any weather, has announced it has expanded its race day product line with the permanent addition of the Heatsheets® Poncho. The innovative product, which features Heatsheets’ proprietary Silver Lining® technology, can help protect runners, race management, volunteers, and spectators from starting line to finish line and beyond.

“Classic Heatsheets blankets have been synonymous with finish lines worldwide since they were first introduced at the 1980 New York City Marathon,” said Lacie Whyte, vice president of Heatsheets. “After a wildly successful test at Chicago and Boston races this spring, we quickly recognized a need in the endurance market for this type of product. Not only will the Heatsheets Poncho help protect athletes, spectators and volunteers prior to and during the event, but it can also create new branding and revenue streams for events and sponsors.”

Success at the Boston Marathon

Heatsheets Ponchos were launched at the Boston Marathon in April 2015 following a successful testing of the ponchos and blankets for starting line and spectators at the 2015 Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K in Chicago this March. National Racing Center partnered with Heatsheets as its retail partner at the Boston Marathon expo and experienced great success with a 100 percent sell through.

“Heatsheets quickly became our number one seller at the Boston Marathon expo. The weather forecast did not look good so we sold every single one that we bought, and ending up buying three times more than our original order,” said Jason Cory, director of operations for National Running Center. “We sold over 1,200 at just that one event, and could have sold many more. The price point is ideal because it is the perfect add on sale at the register. Our staff was excited to sell such a great product and had a lot of fun watching them sell at such a great rate!”

Health, Wellness & Environmental Benefits

Featuring Silver Lining technology, which is based on technology originally developed for the U.S. Space Program, the new ponchos offer 90 percent heat retention to keep athletes’ muscles warm prior to any endurance event. Heatsheets Ponchos are wind and waterproof so athletes, volunteers and spectators can protect themselves from virtually any weather. Less wasteful and more lightweight than the old thrift shop sweats, Heatsheets Ponchos are made from eco-friendly material and are 100 percent recyclable. All ponchos are produced, printed and converted in North America.

Branding & Revenue Opportunities

This innovative product provides a new opportunity to create additional revenue stream for endurance events, sponsors and retails alike. Additionally, Heatsheets Ponchos provide great branding opportunity as the Internet and social media explodes with photos of smiling athletes and spectators throughout race day.

“If you’re looking for an unbeatable branding and revenue generating product to include at your next event, Heatsheets Ponchos are the perfect fit,” continued Whyte.

About AFM Heatsheets®
AFM Heatsheets® is the leading manufacturer of reflective insulation fabrics to keep individuals comfortable in virtually any weather – heat, wind, cold or rain. Since its 1980 New York City Marathon debut, Heatsheets has been the premier choice for branded race day blankets and capes. To this day, Heatsheets remains the preferred brand that millions rely on for comfort and protection from the elements. Heatsheets’ innovative product line, which utilizes proprietary Silver Lining® technology originally developed by NASA for the U.S. space program, has been used for consumer, commercial and emergency applications including endurance and spectator events, outdoor adventure and survival, military and first responders. Silver Lining reflects up to 90% of a person’s body heat back to the wearer, or can be flipped to reflect external heat sources. For more information, visit www.heatsheets.com.