Brooks on Monday announced a new footwear deal with Kara Goucher, the two-time Olympian and three-time NCAA Champion runner.
The deal includes a footwear sponsorship as well as speaking engagement and athlete collaboration opportunities. It will kick off with the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials in Orlando in February.
Goucher, who previously had deals with Nike and Skechers, signed with Altra in 2018. Altra confirmed to FN that Goucher is no longer an athlete with the brand.
In November 2021, Goucher was diagnosed with dystonia, a neurological movement disorder. While the diagnosis has impeded her ability to compete, the partnership with Brooks focuses on “Kara’s lived experiences and her passion for bringing attention to the humans behind incredible performances,” a release from Brooks read. The goal is for Goucher to help inspire runners and show how the sport can help change lives.
“I’m excited to work with Brooks on this new partnership and share my excitement and belief of the impact that running can have,” Goucher said in a statement. “Telling the amazing stories of runners is something I’ve always been passionate about, and Brooks makes for an incredible teammate as we continue to advocate for the power of the run to improve the sport for future generations.”
Goucher published a book last year relating her experience on Nike’s Elite Running Team called “The Longest Race: Inside the Secret World of Abuse, Doping and Deception on Nike’s Elite Running Team.” Among other allegations, she detailed in the book that former Nike coach Alberto Salazar sexually assaulted her. (He has denied these claims.)
Goucher will play a central role in Brooks’ events throughout 2024, including at competitions and via Brooks’ community impact programs such as Future Run, a $10 million commitment to running programs across the country. She will also be present at the Track and Field Olympic Trials in Eugene and the Paris 2024 Olympics.
“Kara has been an incredible voice in the running space following an outstanding career, and we can’t wait to collaborate with her as we bring Brooks’ vision to life,” said head of sports marketing at Brooks Garrett Heath in a statement. “Brooks recognizes the power of this partnership to inspire change and create lasting stories in the community, and we’re excited to see it come to life.”
