Ultimate Direction will be sponsoring several organizations throughout the next several months to increase its brand awareness and continue its team and individual sponsorship for outstanding players in the running community.

“As a company founded by an adventure racer and ultra-runner, we continue to stick to our core mission of supporting competitive athletes, ultra-marathoners, adventure racers and triathletes,” said Lonnie Drosihn, operations and senior product development manager of Ultimate Direction. “By partnering with several athletes, organizations and events in the running community, we hope to build brand recognition and gain continued consumer feedback for our products and innovations.”

Vasque Ultrarunning Team

For the third year in a row, Ultimate Direction is sponsoring the Vasque Ultrarunning Team, a leader in long distance running, also known as ultramarathoning or ultrarunning. The Vasque Ultrarunning Team assists Ultimate Direction in product development and testing as well as conducts clinics at key retailers. To date, the team has already won seven races this season and is looking strong and poised to produce another groundbreaking season of wins.

“The Vasque Ultrarunning Team is thrilled to be working with Ultimate Direction,” said Ethan Veneklasen, team captain of the Vasque Ultrarunning Team. “Ultimate Direction has been there for us for the past three years, providing top-rate hydrations systems for our athletes. Hydration is primary to competing at the top level in ultra-distance events and there are no better products on the market than Ultimate Direction. We are pleased to have worked with Ultimate Direction to help develop packs and bottles that work well under the harshest conditions and use. It has truly been a spectacular partnership and is one that we look forward to continuing long into the future.”

Various Regional Running Events

Ultimate Direction will be attending and promoting its brand at several major events throughout the year. Such events include: Los Angeles Marathon, Boston Marathon, Bolder Boulder, Chicago Marathon, Marine Corps Marathon and the New York City Marathon. By partnering with local sports marketers and retailers in each area, Ultimate Direction is able to have great brand presence and awareness at such great running events.

The Big Blue Adventure Series

Ultimate Direction has partnered with the Big Blue Adventure Series to be a sponsor of the organizations adventurous multi-sport races and outdoor, off-road events in which teams and individuals participate and compete in a variety of activities and sports including: kayaking, canoeing, mountain biking, trail running, orienteering, high ropes skills, skiing, snowshoeing and other disciplines.

Phoenix Tri Club

Ultimate Direction is sponsoring the Phoenix Triathlon Club (PTC) by supporting its team with gear for testing, training and race participation. The PTC is dedicated to supporting the multisport community by providing educational meetings, club training events, a monthly newsletter and social/special events along with the support of national and local sponsors.

Team Ultimate Direction

Team Ultimate Direction is a unique blend of professional athletes and serious outdoor enthusiasts that have come together to compete at the highest ranks of international adventure racing. The team’s focus on winning comes from their intense training and racing methods as well as integrating their successful work ethics into the program. Team members include: Marcello Duarte, Harald Zundel, Julie Minahan, Louisa Jenkins, Mike Gagor and Dennis Lane.

“The Ultimate Direction partnership is the ideal blend of cooperation, communication and support that allows the team to maximize its capabilities with the necessary tools to compete in the highly competitive adventure racing world,” said team member, Marcello Duarte. “By offering exceptional products that eliminate all concerns regarding performance and durability, the team can focus on competing as well as communicating to others about Ultimate Direction and its superior products.”

Chris Lieto, Record-breaking Triathlete

Record-breaking triathlete, Chris Lieto has signed on with Ultimate Direction to represent the brand at numerous triathlon competitions through 2006. Chris was the Champion at Ironman Canada in 2005 and his dedication and passion to the sport is unprecedented. The partnership will be a win-win situation as Chris will have top-of-line hydration systems to keep him hydrated in these grueling competitions and Ultimate Direction will have representation at these important events and receive product feedback from a top athlete. Additionally, Chris will appear on behalf of Ultimate Direction at race expos, tradeshows, corporate events, etc.

“When I met the folks from Ultimate Direction last year at the Xterra World Championships in Maui, Hawaii we instantly hit it off,” said Lieto. “I had used their hydration belts for training many times before and liked the technical aspects and fit of the system. Teaming up with Ultimate Direction is another important step for me as I prepare myself to race the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii this October. Im honored to be working with Ultimate Direction and I look forward to spreading the good news about their products.”