Photo by Carter Sherline/ Frog Prince Studios

Running is a proving ground. From beginners wanting just to complete a mile to elites seeking records, we take aim on our marks and go.

Keith and Kevin Hanson set their sights on the sky when they launched their Olympic Distance Project in 1999. Since then the brothers, owners of four Hansons Running Shops in suburban Detroit, have spent about $200,000 annually furnishing jobs, housing, coaching, healthcare and running gear to top post-collegiate males -- 15 at last count -- hoping to make the U.S. competitive with anyone in the world.

Program successes -- including beating Nike-sponsored teams at the last three U.S. cross-country championships -- are well known in running circles. A front-page Wall Street Journal story June 10 spread their story wider.

"We had talked with shoe companies about sponsorship deals before then," said Keith Hanson. "Their running enthusiasts showed interest, but people in finance weren't as sold on us. The Wall Street Journal piece gave us a boost with the latter group."

On July 30 Brooks Sports Inc. announced it was inking a five-year sponsorship of the Hansons' "Original Distance Project." (The word "Olympic" was replaced due to trademark reasons.)

The Seattle shoe and apparel maker will help the brothers extend their program to women athletes. Brooks will also furnish the teams equipment, travel expenses and a bonus structure "as good or better than any out there," Keith Hanson said.

"Brooks is stepping up in a big way," he added, declining give a specific dollar figure. "Kevin and I will continue our own level of commitment. We were looking for someone to help us expand the program, not pay our bills.

"We had talks with Reebok, Brooks and Nike. Brooks was the best fit for what we're doing. They're a smaller, running-only company. We feel we'll get more attention from Brooks, and can help them by offering input on products too."

"This partnership is a perfect match and a win on all fronts," said Brooks senior vice president Stan Mavis. "Both Brooks and (the Hansons) are highly committed to running and meeting the needs of runners at every level."

"Our stores offer training, fun runs and races for all-level athletes," said Keith Hanson. "We're promoting running across the board, not just for elites."

As of press time, Team Hansons already had commitments from two women runners: two-time U.S. world half-marathon team member Monica Hostetler, and 1999 NCAA outdoor 10,000-meter champion Leigh Daniel. Hostetler, 25, ran for Indiana University; Daniel, 24, competed for Texas Tech.

"We own two houses that accommodate 10 men. We expect to close on a third house, for six women, by mid-September," Keith Hanson said. "After that, we'll see.

"These are exciting times," he added Aug. 5. "Kevin's in the Dominican Republic for the Pan-Am Games, where our runner Jeff Campbell is in the marathon. Kevin will hustle home soon for the start of cross-country practice (he is Sterling Heights Stevenson High School girls coach). Then he leaves for Paris for the World Marathon Championships.

"Normally we'd split duties. But my wife is due with our first child, so I'm staying home," said Keith Hanson. "Busy times."

The brothers know the "proving" is far from over. But they're used to that.

They have asked -- and delivered -- the best of themselves for years. MR