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January 31, 2012            Contact: Larry Eder, larry@runningnetwork.com

Saucony Kinvara 2 Named Best Youth Running Shoe in Running Network LLC Shoe Review

FORT ATKINSON, WI - The Saucony Kinvara 2 took top honors in the Running Network LLC's first ever youth shoe review.

"The Saucony Kids Kinvara 2 by Stride Rite is proof that great running footwear is a commitment for younger athletes," said Larry Eder, the president of the Running Network LLC and group publisher at Shooting Star Media, Inc.

During the testing process, shoes are carefully matched to the foot strike and shape of wear testers who are pulled from a group of 350 potential testers. The testers report their initial impressions, then run up to 100 miles in the shoes, continually evaluating the shoes throughout the process on seven key performance characteristics. Their evaluations are entered into a software system created by Cregg Weinmann, the Running Network LLC footwear and apparel review editor, to produce a winner.

Saucony's Kinvara 2 brings minimalism to the children's running shoe by offering cushioning and a solid fit without adding anything extra. This keeps the shoes comfortable but also light weight to keep the wearer running faster for longer. The upper is stripped down, while the airmesh and minimal overlays keep the shoes light. The midsole is ProGrid Lite EVA, a responsive and durable material proven for its superb cushioning. The outersole is built for traction and to keep the weight down carbon rubber is used only in the necessary high-wear areas. With its combination of cushioning, light weight style and responsiveness the Kinvara 2 earned top honors as the winter 2011 Best Youth Running Shoe (Weinmann 2011).

"Our goal is to help the runner and their family on their search for the perfect shoe," said Eder. "With the quality of running footwear in 2012 and the competitive nature of the brands we track, consumers will have a great opportunity to find the right shoe for them."

To hear Richie Woodworth, the president of Saucony, talk about how Saucony is innovating running footwear visit: http://www.runblogrun.com/2011/11/richie-woodworth-the-rbr-interview-video-by-the-shoe-addicts-note-by-larry-eder.html.

To learn more about the Running Network LLC contact Larry Eder at Larry@runningnetwork.com.

Established in 1986, the Running Network LLC develops editorially independent content on footwear, apparel and key events in the sports industry.  The Running Network LLC represents 23 publications, 18 in print & digital formats, and five digital format-only publications plus 28 websites, social media and twitter channels, with just over 900,000 print subscribers and 3.5 million unique web visitors monthly. The goal of the Running Network LLC and its print, digital and web partners is to enhance the relationship between runners and walkers of all levels and their local and national running community.

Members of the Running Network LLC include: American Track & Field, Athletes Only, Athletics (Canada), AustinFit, California Track & Running News, Club Running, www.coachingathleticsq.com, Colorado Runner, Get Active!, Greater Long Island Running Club's Footnotes, www.latinoscorriendo.com, Michigan Runner, www.morunandtri.com, Running Journal, Racing South, RunMinnesota, RUNOHIO, Track & Field News, USATF's Fast Forward, USATF/New England's Exchange Zone, The Winged Foot (NYAC), The Winged M (MAC), Youth Runner and www.marathonguide.com.

 
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Tirunesh Dibaba, aka the "Baby faced destroyer" has a kick so hot that her shoes should be melting onto the track. Her first gold medal, in a World Championship, was in St. Denis in 2003, and Dibaba just uncorked this vicious last 300 meters and the party, was well, over! Dibaba has won gold at 5,000 meters in the World Championships in 2003, 2005, 10,000 meters in 2005,  2007 and 2009, and in the Olympics, a bronze at the 5,000m in 2004, and golds in both the 5,000 meters and 10,000 meters in Beijing in 2008. Dibaba is fit again, and her light, floating stride is fascinating to watch on the Reggie Lewis Center track, where she breaks the field, and then unleashes a kick from hell, decimating her competition. Tirunesh will be running two miles on Saturday, February 4.

Updated January 26, 2012

This project was developed internally by New Balance's digital group. NB then hired KIMbia Athletics, to produce the British Miler. The British Miler is a digital series celebrating the history and tradition of the mile in British Athletics. The film, debuted on January 19, 2012. Jeff Benjamin caught up with Patrick Tomasiewicz to learn about the event and NB's support of the young British milers. The plans are to develop 12 thirty minute episodes, leading up for the twelve weeks before the British Trials. This is just, well great for the sport! 

Jeff's take on the British Miler is below! Nice job to KIMbia Athletics and New Balance Athletic Shoes. We hope that you like it!

(We will follow up with New Balance next week and provide more information on this fantastic series celebrating the British Miler).

Kirk Richardson is one of the classiest guys in our business. I had heard that he was at Specialized from his former workmates at Columbia. Before Columbia, Kirk was at Nike from 1979 to 2006. He is also an avid climber, father, husband.

This article was sent to me by several of Kirk's former work mates, most whose lives were changed by working in collaboration with Kirk. Kirk Richardson's name would come up with so many footwear people across the industry. He was, and is, a very positive guy with an ironic sense of humor.

Kirk was one of the main reasons I was able to have some success in working with Nike in the early nineties. He had me pitch his team, and while it was nerve wracking, they were quite fair. After that, I was fortunate to see Kirk a few times each year, for nearly two decades. Our visits were and are, always about checking up on family, friends and stories, we never miss a good story about the industry. 

We wish him the very best as he begins his new job as GM for U.S. at Specialized Bicycles. Morgan Hill, CA will never be the same...

The real opening of the Indoor season for many, is the NB Indoor Games, held at the NYC Armory, January 21. Some tremendous performances, lead by some fun indoor miles and Edward Cheserek, the 2011 FootLocker champion, running a fine 4:02.21 mile. Yes, he will be under four minutes this season!