Brooks+ Hansons Original Distance Project

HAVING TRANSITIONED TO A PERFORMANCE running brand in the early 2000s, Brooks explored different ways to build its identity in a competitive market. Enter the upstart, Michigan-based Hansons running team and its mission to rejuvenate American distance running. Brooks signed on as a sponsor and the partners have flourished together over the last 20 years, celebrating national championships and cultivating Olympic marathoners like Brian Sell and Des Linden.

“It was a huge leap of faith for [Keith and Kevin Hanson] to put their trust in us and believe in our ability to deliver what they needed to be successful as America’s original distance project,” Brooks head of sports marketing Garrett Heath says.

Brooks Hansons ODP Fast Fact: The popular Brooks Launch is named after the boat launch that serves as the starting point for one of the Hansons’ tried-and-true training routes.