Brooks Sports, Inc. announced partnerships with five accomplished female runners. Leading the pack is Angela Bizzarri, 2010 NCAA Indoor 3,000 meter champion, 2009 NCAA Outdoor 5,000 meter champion, and 2009 NCAA Cross Country champion.

Bizzarri, a 2010 graduate of the University of Illinois, broke five school records in 2008 and 2009, and was awarded the 2008 and 2009 Dike Eddleman Award as the University of Illinois Female Athlete of the Year. Already making a splash on the professional running scene, she recently placed fifth in the 2010 USATF National Championships in the 5,000 meter.

“It is such a great honor to join the Brooks team,” said Bizzarri, age 22. “This partnership isn't just about wearing their gear; they're like a passionate cheering section rooting for me every step of the way. With Brooks' help, I look forward to taking my running career to a new level that motivates more people to get out there and Run Happy.”

Bizzarri will keep pace with four more competitive female runners who joined the Brooks family earlier this summer:

  • Katie Follett – Second place at the 2010 NCAA Indoor Championships in the 1,500 meter; ran the fastest collegiate time in the women's 1,500 meter last spring with a 4:10.66.
  • Fawn Dorr – Holds the school record at Penn State for the 400 meter hurdles; placed fourth in the 400 meter hurdles at the 2010 NCAA Outdoor Championships.
  • Gabriele Anderson – Second place in the 1,500 meter at 2010 NCAA Outdoor Championships; seventh place at the 2010 USATF National Championships in the 5,000 meter.
  • Shayla Houlihan – 2010 Stanford Invite and Drake Relays 3,000 meter steeplechase champion.

“At Brooks, we're always looking to partner with rising stars who match our brand values and inspire other runners to set and reach for their own goals. These five athletes are doing just that,” said Jesse Williams, sports marketing manager at Brooks. “We're excited to have these women represent Brooks, and to watch and help them develop as professional runners.”

Brooks said the five female runners bolster Brooks' strategic and accomplished team of professional athletes. Included in this tight yet varied group are the Hansons-Brooks Original Distance Project, triple Ironman World Champion Chrissie Wellington, and renowned ultra and trail runner Scott Jurek.