Atlanta, GA, February 26, 2020 – The 2020 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials in Atlanta will feature the largest field in Trials history, with the majority of athletes competing as non-professionals. Tracksmith, an independent running brand based in Boston, has supported 138 qualified amateur runners in their journey to the Trials as part of their OTQ Program with Linden X Two. In addition to receiving quarterly gear and coffee stipends over the course of 2019, these athletes will race in an exclusive Tracksmith Kit. 

Tracksmith’s 2020 Trials Kit was crafted for marathon performance, using innovative fabrics designed to keep athletes cool when the temperature and pace in Atlanta heats up. The Singlet features a lightweight Schoeller material, with their UVA and UVB protection coldblack® finish. The featherweight 3” racing shorts are cut from a four-way stretch woven with three internal pockets for holding fuel. The kit is delivered in red, white and blue with the brand’s signature sash and racing details.

All the runners supported by Tracksmith are amateurs. They work full time as nurses, doctors, lawyers, and teachers, juggling families and intense training. Many are parents. Some fit in training at 4:45 a.m. and squeeze in doubles on treadmills or at lunch. They include athletes such as:

  • Julia Roman-Duvall (37, 2:35:41 at Chicago Marathon) – an astrophysicist and mother of three from Baltimore
  • Brooke Slayman (30, 2:42 at California International Marathon) – unknowingly ran her Olympic Trials Race pregnant and is finding new levels of speed and fitness 6 months postpartum
  • Phebe Ko (37, 2:43 at Chicago Marathon) – cardiac anesthesiologist working 50-60 hr weeks in Mill Valley, CA 
  • Elizabeth Northern (32, 2:43:57 at Houston Marathon) – mother of two, data analyst and Guiness World Record Holder for 10k with double stroller
  • Lindsay Anderson – (34,  2:34:44 at Los Angeles Marathon) – 2008 Olympian in the Steeplechase, mother and track and XC coach at College of Southern Idaho
  • Zach Ornelas – (28, 2:17:01 at California International Marathon) – ultra-runner and high school teacher
  • Austin Roth – (29, 2:17:04 at Grandma’s Marathon) – London-based banker who does 75% of his mileage via his run commute
  • Louis Serafini – (28, 2:16 at New York Marathon) – Tracksmith community manager, works full time to lead the OTQ Program

“As an entrepreneur, I know something about stretching yourself thin in the pursuit of something you love,” says Tracksmith CEO and founder, Matt Taylor. “The 2020 Marathon Trials represent a high watermark for amateur achievement and we’re proud to have been able to support so many athletes in their journey to the starting line in Atlanta. February 29th will mark the culmination of years of dedication and personal sacrifice. This a moment they’ve earned and will never forget.”

“I missed the trials by 25 seconds in 2012, was pregnant in 2016, so am now finally realizing a dream that started when I ran the Boston Marathon in 2008,” says Allison Krausen (2:41:43 at California International Marathon). “I’ll be just 40 at the trials. Sometimes big dreams take a long time, even over a matter of a few seconds.” 

For more information about Tracksmith initiatives, please visit tracksmith.com/pages/atlanta-2020. Please direct Tracksmith media inquiries to PR Director Massimo Alpian at massimo@outsidepr.com.