Running USA: Marathon Finishers See Rare Decline
Running USA said the number of U.S. marathon finishers declined in 2015, with a total of 509,000 finishers in the marathon in the U.S., down from the record high of 550,600 finishers in 2014.
Under Armour Hires Fashion Designer to Drive Sportswear Line
Under Armour appointed fashion designer Tim Coppens to serve as executive creative director of a new collection called UAS, which stands for Under Armour Sportswear.
Nike Sues Olympic Hopeful in Contract Dispute
Nike Inc. has filed a lawsuit against Boris Berian, a top contender for the U.S. Olympic Team in the 800 meters, to prevent him from wearing New Balance merchandise at upcoming high-profile events.
Scheels Unveils Visa Card for Its Biggest Spenders
Scheels All Sports launched an elite version of its branded Visa card for existing cardholders who spend at least $25,000 a year with the retailer.
Clif Bar Issues Voluntary Recall of Sierra Trail Mix Bars
Clif Bar & Company is initiating a voluntary recall of Clif Bar Sierra Trail Mix energy bars, imported from the United States and sold across Canada, because of a potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.
Gu Energy Labs Selects Verde as PR Agency
Gu Energy Labs named Verde Brand Communications as its public relations agency of record.
Judge Clears Sale of Vestis to Parent’s Affiliate
A U.S. Bankruptcy Court judge approved a plan to sell Eastern Mountain Sports and Bob’s Stores to an affiliate of their current owner so that they can exit Chapter 11 proceedings next month as going concerns.
Dakine Hires Ken Meidell to Fill CEO Post
Altamont Capital named former Outdoor Research President and CEO Ken Meidell as CEO of Dakine, which the San Francisco investment firm acquired from Billabong in July 2013. Prior to joining Outdoor Research as CEO in 2013, Meidell worked at Cascade Designs for 12 years, including stints as VP of sales and marketing, VP of the […]
First Apparel and Sleeping Bag Makers Certified to Down Standard
NSF Sustainability has certified its first down apparel and sleeping bag manufacturers to the Global Traceable Down Standard used by Patagonia to ensure that down used in its products is harvested from humanely treated birds.
21sportsgroup Names Planet Sports Exec CFO
21sportsgroup appointed Dr. Henner Schwarz, managing director of recently acquired Planet Sports, as its CFO and third managing director alongside Jörg Mayer and Michael Burk.
Backbone Adds PR Talent
Backbone Media, which specializes in providing public relations and other services to active lifestyle brands, has added staff to its offices in Carbondale and Denver, Colo.
NICA Executive Director Recognized by President
National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) Executive Director Austin McInerny has received a 2016 President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition Community Leadership Award for his work.
Eddie Bauer Pledges $50,000 to Every Kid in a Park Initiative
Eddie Bauer pledged a $50,000 donation to the National Park Foundation’s Field Trip Grants supporting the Every Kid in a Park initiative.

NBA Finals Project Nike to Bow to Under Armour, Again
The NBA Finals tip off June 2 with a great rematch between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors — aka, Nike versus Under Armour.

Rawlings Signs Five-year Exclusive NCAA Softball Status
Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, Inc. a subsidiary of Newell Brands, announced an exclusive status with the NCAA as the Official Softball of NCAA Championships effective 2017 through 2021.