Running Company Extends Multi-Year Contract with Elite Team
BOTHELL, Wash. - (April 10, 2007) - As the nation's top runners lace up to train for the 2008 Olympic Trials, Brooks Sports, Inc. has announced it has extended and enhanced its partnership with the Brooks-Hansons Original Distance Project (ODP).

Brooks initially partnered with the Brooks-Hansons ODP in 2003 to serve as the exclusive footwear and apparel sponsor for the team, which includes top U.S. marathoner Brian Sell. With mutual commitment to and respect for the sport, both parties decided to extend their existing contract - well before its termination - another five years.

Photo: Brian Sell

"From the start, Brooks has been a phenomenal running partner for us," said Brooks-Hansons ODP co-founder and Coach Kevin Hanson. "Their energetic support propels our dream of restoring U.S. long distance running to the prominence of years past. With our partnership extension, we can now better focus our team's efforts on training for the Olympic Trials."

Under the original contract, Brooks provided the Brooks-Hansons ODP performance gear and monetary support, which enabled them to add a competitive women's program in 2003. In addition to continued product support, Brooks will amplify its team investment under the extended contract by annually raising financial support until it represents a nearly 400 percent increase over original contract levels.

"We are so proud of the Brooks-Hansons ODP team and what they represent for the sport," said Brooks Sports Marketing Manager Jesse Williams. "Whether they're competing at races, working in the Hansons Running shops, helping out with community events or blogging on BrooksRunning.com, they inspire all of us to embrace the run and have fun."

Photo (l to r): Kelly Stewart, Desiree Davila, Coach Kevin Hanson, Melissa White, Dot McMahan, Yolanda Flamino.

The 111th Boston Marathon on Monday, April 16, marks the Brooks- Hansons ODP team's first race under the new Brooks contract. Five team members will compete at Boston.

Brooks will soon introduce a new Brooks-Hansons ODP apparel collection including singlets, tanks, shorts and more for the public to join in supporting the team. The spring 2008 collection will debut early, in time for the Olympic Trials this November. A formidable presence, 17 Brooks-Hansons ODP athletes - 14 men and three women - have qualified for the Olympic Marathon Trials.