We are just a few days into 2016 and I can't tell you how many times I have said or heard those words already.
I have been looking forward to this year for a very long time and while I do look forward to each and every season, an Olympic year is different, it is special.
Every four years the world stops and pays attention to the sport that I love most, track and field. Athletes that have been working tirelessly for years come from obscurity to take center stage at the largest sporting event on Earth. Given the increased attention, pressure, and prestige that come with an Olympic Games, it is no surprise that athletes make extra sacrifices during these years. So, when asked if I can go skiing or mountain climbing, my reply is simply, "No, I can't. It's an Olympic Year". Can I make a wedding in June? Would love to, but I must regrettably RSVP "No." You get the idea.
But, please don't think this year is all sacrifices. On the contrary, an Olympic year is really about opportunity. It is a special occasion where an athlete can showcase all the hard work they have put in, to achieve greatness and of course, to put some money in their pockets.
From the very first day that Run Gum was in business, putting money into athletes' pockets has been one of our main priorities. In 2015, we allocated five cents of every single packet of Run Gum sold for athlete sponsorship. We sponsored four incredible pro runners throughout the year and partnered with an additional 20 athletes at the 2015 USATF Outdoor Championships. In doing so, we learned that sponsoring athletes is great for them and great for business!
In 2016, Run Gum is upping our investment in athletes. This year we will be investing 10% of our net revenue in the sponsorship of professional athletes. Runners, cyclists, triathletes, skaters, surfers, baseball players, and really anyone on the run have all found that Run Gum is a superior way to get the performance enhancing stimulants that their bodies and minds crave. It is our desire to one day work with athletes from many different sports, but today, we are still very much all about the run.
With that being said, please allow me to introduce you to the 2016 Team Run Gum!
Will Leer
Aisha Praught
Jordan McNamara
Katie Mackey
Emily Infeld
Kyle Merber
Each of these athletes has shown dedication, determination, and persistence on the track, but also in life. They are fantastic ambassadors in their communities and on social media. Each of these men and women will be pursuing their Olympic dreams later this year and I would ask that you offer them some words of encouragement through social media. I speak for all of us here at Run Gum when I say we couldn't be more excited to be working with these athletes!
I will conclude with a heartfelt thank you to all of our customers who have helped Coach Sam and I achieve our dream of creating a business that allows us to fuel and inspire athletes around the world. We have some very big things planned for 2016 including a major announcement that we will be making next week.
Stay tuned!
-Nick