Continental x National Adventure Racing Series (NARS)

Continental became the title sponsor of Ireland’s National Adventure Race Series (NARS), using sponsorship to connect with performance-driven, outdoorsy audiences across the country.

Continental Tyres, a global leader in automotive safety and performance, partnered with Cullen Communications to identify and secure a high-impact sponsorship opportunity that aligned with their brand values. In 2019, we brokered and launched the Continental Tyres National Adventure Race Series, a gruelling multisport challenge featuring trail running, cycling and kayaking in stunning rugged locations across Ireland.

As the official agency managing the sponsorship, we took a hands-on approach from the outset. We coordinated a national launch event, managed media relations across both motoring and sports press, and created dynamic content to bring the action to life. Our team also handled social media management for the series, generating race updates, athlete profiles and real-time stories from the trail.

To maximise brand impact on the ground, we oversaw marketing activations at events across the country and supported Continental in recognising the top male and female champions at the season-end awards. Our efforts helped position Continental as a performance-first brand that celebrates endurance, resilience, and outdoor spirit.

Sponsorship

We negotiated and managed all aspects of Continental’s NARS title partnership, from initial rights deal to full-season activation and athlete engagement.

Content creation

Produced branded video and visual content at races, used across social and PR to build momentum throughout the season.

Media relations

Developed PR releases and secured regular coverage through sports and motoring journalists, highlighting the brand’s connection to outdoor performance.

Events management

Organised national launch and supported local events across multiple race locations, including prize-giving and branded pop-ups on race day.

Results

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Sponsorship launched successfully in 2019 and renewed annually since

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National and local media exposure across each race season

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High visibility through branding at race locations across Ireland