Marathoner Lauren Kleppin Joins Northern Arizona Elite
Press Release
October 20, 2015
FLAGSTAFF (AZ) — HOKA ONE ONE Northern Arizona Elite has announced the addition of marathoner Lauren Kleppin to the team effective immediately. Kleppin, who owns a personal best of 2:28:48, will join fellow sub 2:30 marathoners Stephanie Bruce and Kellyn Taylor on the HOKA NAZ Elite roster. She is the fourth new member of the team in the last four months, joining NCAA All Americans Ryan Dohner, Scott Fauble and Craig Lutz.
Kleppin, 26, was a Division II standout at Western State Colorado University where she was a ten-time All American and set the national record for 10,000 meters (32:49.92). As a professional, Kleppin burst onto the marathon scene in 2014 with her 2:28:48, third place finish at the Asics LA Marathon. Just three weeks later she finished 14th at the IAAF World Half Marathon Championships in a personal best of 1:10:16. She ended 2014 ranked in the top five in the U.S. in both events.
Kleppin said she feels grateful to be joining her new team in Flagstaff.
“I have quickly fallen in love with my new home and training grounds here,” Kleppin said. “The HOKA NAZ Elite team and Coach Ben Rosario have welcomed me with open arms which has helped make my transition smooth.”
That transition will include training for the 2016 U.S. Olympic Trials Marathon alongside fellow top U.S. marathoners Bruce and Taylor as well as Matt Llano and Scott Smith. Kleppin, Taylor and Llano are all seeded in the top ten by time heading into February’s Trials.
HOKA NAZ Elite coach Ben Rosario said he’s honored to be adding Kleppin to the team.
“I am very proud of our success so far but it’s still humbling when an athlete of Lauren’s caliber wants to come train with us,” Rosario said. “I am excited about the responsibility of helping guide her to greatness.”
Kleppin will likely make her HOKA NAZ Elite racing debut later this year in preparation for the Olympic Trials Marathon.
About Northern Arizona Elite
Northern Arizona Elite is a professional sports team whose mission is to recruit, develop and produce distance runners to compete at the very highest level of international athletics. The team aims to create an interactive global fan base for itself and its athletes through comprehensive and ongoing marketing efforts on a local, national and international level. For more information visit www.nazelite.com or follow @NAZ_Elite.
About the HOKA ONE ONE® brand
HOKA ONE ONE® is the fastest growing, premium running shoe brand in the world. Two life-long runners launched HOKA in 2009, after years spent handcrafting and shaping lightweight shoes with extra-thick midsoles. Initially embraced by ultrarunners because of their enhanced cushioning and inherent stability, HOKA now offers shoes for all types of athletes who enjoy the unique ride the shoes provide. For more information visit www.hokaoneone.com or follow @hokaoneone #hokaoneone.
About Deckers Brands
Deckers Brands is a global leader in designing, marketing and distributing innovative footwear, apparel and accessories developed for both everyday casual lifestyle use and high performance activities. The Company’s portfolio of brands includes UGG®, Teva®, Sanuk®, Ahnu®, and HOKA ONE ONE®. Deckers Brands products are sold in more than 50 countries and territories through select department and specialty stores, 142 Company-owned and operated retail stores, and select online stores, including Company-owned websites. Deckers Brands has a 40-year history of building niche footwear brands into lifestyle market leaders attracting millions of loyal consumers globally. For more information, please visit www.deckers.com.