BOSTON – CITGO Petroleum Corporation and the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) unveiled the beginning of a multiple-year sponsorship agreement, making the Houston-based oil refining and marketing company the Official Fuel Sponsor of the Boston Marathon.

Since 1965, CITGO has had an iconic presence along the Boston Marathon race route, with the signature CITGO sign in Kenmore Square letting runners know they are one mile from the finish line. CITGO’s presence within the event will extend beyond race day to the months leading up to the 121st running of the Boston Marathon on April 17, 2017.

CITGO will be the presenting sponsor of a digital campaign titled “The Road to Boston” that provides year-long event information to participants of the Boston Marathon. In addition, CITGO branding will be located just outside the Athletes’ Village in Hopkinton, and at the “One Mile to Go” mark of the Boston Marathon.

New this year, a CITGO cheer zone will be located at mile 25.2 beneath the CITGO sign landmark, encouraging runners as they take their final steps toward the Boylston Street finish line.

“For decades, the CITGO sign has inspired thousands of runners to reach the finish line,” said CITGO Vice President of Supply and Marketing Rick Esser. “We are excited about the opportunity to cheer for them at mile marker 25.2.”

Approximately 30,000 participants are registered for the 2017 Boston Marathon, which is the oldest continuously run marathon in the world, spanning 121 years.