by Larry Eder
Two summers ago, I believe, I met Anton Krupica at the Outdoor Retailer. Krupica, a legend in ultra marathoning, was quiet, smiling and thoughtful. He had run races that many of us only dream of. Anton reminds me of Bob Deines, the 1968 Olympic trials fourth place marathoner, and a heck of an 50 mile racer. Anton takes that spirit another fifty miles, or more…
How can one describe the Leadville Race Series? One of the pinnacles of ultra running is probably a good one.
So, New Balance is making a statement with this series and their Trail product. In the ultra competitive performance running footwear biz, New Balance has just won best new Minimalist shoe from the Running Network, (New Balance Minimus Zero Road), and the new Trail product is getting some very positive comments.
New Balance has learnt that focus is key for one to have success in this business.
BOSTON, MA, June 19, 2012 – Global athletic leader New Balance is proud to announce a partnership with the Leadville Race Series to serve as the official footwear sponsor for the Leadville Trail 100 Run. This legendary ultramarathon, also known as “The Race Across the Sky®,” will take place on August 18-19th in Leadville, CO over 100 miles of extreme Colorado Rockies terrain. Known as one of the toughest physical challenges in the world, the event brings together the best trail runners from across the globe. As part of the sponsorship, New Balance will also become a sponsor of the entire Leadville Race Series which includes the Leadville Trail 100 Run Training Camp, the Leadville Trail Marathon, the Leadville Trail Heavy Half Marathon and the Leadville Silver Rush 50 Trail Run.
“New Balance is thrilled to partner with the Leadville Race Series around its iconic roster of events, including the Leadville Trail 100 Run,” said Keith Kelly, integrated marketing manager, running at New Balance. “Being an official sponsor of these premier trail running events is an exciting way for us to reach out to and support the ultra trail community and continue to highlight our innovative performance products and unique brand attributes.”
At the Leadville Trail 100 Run, New Balance will activate on course with an aid station offering runners race-day essentials: spare socks, sun block, water and fuel. New Balance will host a booth at the pre-race expo showcasing fall 2012 products including a sneak peek of the New Balance Leadville 1210, a brand new trail shoe that debuts in spring 2013. Participants and spectators at the 2012 Leadville Trail 100 Run will be able to try these shoes on at the event.
The New Balance Leadville 1210 is a supportive, well-cushioned trail running shoe designed for the ultra trail runner. With a multi-directional lug outsole, this versatile shoe is appropriate for all types of terrain. A small medial post provides just enough support for the foot as an athlete starts to fatigue later in the race. The shoe features the official “Leadville Race Series” logo on the insert and “Leadville” is printed on the lateral side of each shoe. A bronze emblem is emblazoned on the tongue of the shoe as a nod to the coveted bronze belt buckle that Leadville Trail 100 Run finishers receive for completing the race in less than 25 hours. The shoe will launch at retail in January 2013 for $125.00.
First run in 1983, the Leadville Trail 100 Run is a 50 mile out-and-back course where runners climb and descend 15,600m with elevations ranging between 9,200-12,600 feet.
Added Kimo Seymour, global director, Leadville Race Series, “As we continue our tradition and commitment of providing iconic endurance events, we’re happy to welcome innovators like New Balance, whose name is synonymous with excellence and performance, to the Leadville Race Series. Many of our athletes have relied on New Balance for their training and racing needs for years, it’s a natural fit to have them onboard in Leadville.”
Team New Balance Outdoor Ambassador, Anton Krupicka is a two-time Leadville Trail 100 Run winner. This year fellow NB ambassador Liza Howard will be competing in the race.
About New Balance
New Balance, headquartered in Boston, MA has the following mission: Demonstrating responsible leadership, we build global brands that athletes are proud to wear, associates are proud to create and communities are proud to host. New Balance is currently the only athletic shoe company that manufactures footwear in the U.S. with 25% of our U.S. footwear shipments produced at five New England facilities. The company also operates a manufacturing facility in Flimby, U.K. New Balance employs more than 4000 associates around the globe, and in 2011 reported worldwide sales of $2.04 billion. To learn more about how New Balance Makes Excellent Happen, please visit http://www.newbalance.com.
About the Leadville Race Series
Launched with 45 runners as the Leadville Trail 100 in 1983, the Leadville Race Series now consists of six running events and three mountain biking events. The Leadville Race Series hosts thousands of racers on foot and on mountain bike in some of the world’s most iconic events and environment. It begins each July with the Leadville Trail Marathon and Heavy Half Marathon events and concludes with the 12/24 Hours of Leadville MTB and Run in September. Endurance athletes worldwide now make the pilgrimage to Leadville, Colo., with the single goal of competing in “The Race Across the Sky®.” For more information, visit leadvilleraceseries.com.
