KARHU said it marked its said it 100th specialty partnership and is
planning a 10+ major city
half-marathon sponsorship of the 13.1 Marathon race series. As the
exclusive apparel and footwear sponsors of the 10+ major city
13.1 Marathon series, KARHU and sister company CRAFT will reach over
50,000 runners in the first sponsorship year, the company said.
All
participants will get first hand experience to try on a pair of KARHU
footwear. KARHU also continues it’s race sponsorship of the Nations
Triathlon in Washington DC.
“Were thrilled that independent testing proved what we know – that our
product collaborates with the foot to convert your body’s natural energy
into forward momentum – that is what we think is natural running,” said
Jay Duke, President of KARHU. “While everyone else is focused on
cushioning or running barefoot – even niche brands like Newton, KARHU is
focused on vertical oscillation. KARHU product helps you to Move
Forward and the other brands will follow soon our lead. It is already
happening with Nike and Newton.”
“The leading running specialty retailers realize they need a dedicated
specialty brand in KARHU. With Foot Locker and Dick’s Sporting Goods
attacking their space, we will not compete on price. Differentiation and
service are paramount and that is what we work on with our specialty
partners,” said Duke. “For consumers, 2009 showed they understand our
product is simply
different in how it works and what benefits it provides. Runners seek to
move forward. Our shoes help you do this naturally, efficiently with
great stability and results in a great run for all types of runners.”
Karhu also plans to launch a comprehensive global website with enhanced
brand and product communication in May. It will support sell-through at
Running specialty with an integrated
marketing campaign around its focus to Move Forward at the editorial and
retail level. Additionally, through in-store try-ons running consumers
are being offered the
once in a chance to win a trip to Helsinki, the birthplace of
KARHU.
