They have 3 levels the base level is just 40% off their gear. 2nd level you get $250 of gear and 40% off and the top level I don't know because I have not reached it and you are faster than I am.
They have 3 levels the base level is just 40% off their gear. 2nd level you get $250 of gear and 40% off and the top level I don't know because I have not reached it and you are faster than I am.
Bubbleburster wrote:
You have to decide whether it is worth your time tracking down sponsors, kissing their asses, and begging for another pair of shoes, or spending that time working a real job or working on non-running training(weights, flexibility, nutrition...sleep), or having a life. Good luck.
I agree. I was offered contracts, and never accepted them. I didn't want anyone else telling me where and when to race, how many times a year to race, and what shoes to run in. Unless you're offered a contract that allows you to run for a living, why bother? I think most runners who seek sponsorship contracts are actually trying to validate their worth and investment in the sport; otherwise, it makes almost no economic sense to pursue these kinds of contracts.
Just curious: do you have to have fast PRs to market yourself like this? I've had the two best performances of my life lately but they've come in tactical races under bad conditions, so the times aren't that good but I've beaten some quality athletes and placed high in some relatively high-profile events. Will I have any luck marketing myself?
I'm not really interested in free gear (don't think I'm quite at that level); more in just being invited to races.
I used to get free shoes from a local running store, plus a lot of entry fees, by simply running measly 15:20 5ks. But the competition here is WEAK, WEAK, WEAK.
ok, Thank you all for the advice!
Track Fan wrote:
Can't you just tell us what your exact 1/2 marathon PR is? When you say around 1:06 that means closer to 1:07 and probably more like 1:08. As for what constitues a minor shoe company, Saucony would be a good example, followed by Reebok ( based on their crappy shoes )Brooks is higher than those 2, and Nike, Adidas, and Asics would be considered the 3 major players that sponsor legit medal contenders. Actually you also have to include Mizuno in there too. Higher than Brooks but not quite with the big 3.
How is Brooks considered higher tier than Reebok, Saucony, or New Balance in terms of sponsorship? They will have precisely 1 athlete at the Olympic Games. Saucony has a few potential prospects. Reebok and New Balance already have athletes going to Beijing from several countries and likely from the US, as well. In decending sponsorship dollars order:
Nike
Adidas
Reebok
Asics
New Balance
Saucony
Mizuno
Brooks
Want to provide some factual data to back that up, buddy?
You should get the following:
The Athlete's Guide to Sponsorship:
Road Race Management Directory (all the contact info for companies, major/money races, agents, athletes, etc.):
http://www.rrm.com/directorynew/directory.htm
Don't ask what can the company do for you, but what can YOU DO for the company.
If free/discounted stuff through a company/store isn't possible (as an individual), look into joining the nearest USATF-sponsored club, which may have some sort of sponsorship deal with a company. This could mean free/discounted shoes/apparel and possibly some travel compensation to a race or two.