HOKA ONE ONE Adds Accomplished Athletes to Roster
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Two fast trail runners and an ultra vet strengthen HOKA’s elite mountain, ultra and trail racing team
GOLETA, Calif. (July 27, 2016) — HOKA ONE ONE®, a division of Deckers Brands (NYSE: DECK), welcomes two elite runners onto its world-class professional team and re-signs another key performer. Joining HOKA’s renowned mountain, ultra and trail team are Jim Walmsley and Hayden Hawks; re-signed is trail maverick Devon Yanko.
Walmsley, who ran a record-setting pace until getting off course at mile 93 of the Western States 100-Mile Race, is a new breed of mountain-ultra-trail runner. “He is shaking up the sport,” said Mike McManus, HOKA Senior Sports Marketing Manager. “It’s exciting for HOKA to be a part of this movement of very aggressive, fast athletes who are taking on long-distance challenges.”
Walmsley’s titles this year include Lake Sonoma 50-Miler, Mesquite Canyon 50k, Moab’s Red Hot 55k and Bandera 100k. He is represented by Millennium Sports Marketing.
Hawks won both the Speedgoat 50k and Siskiyou Outback 15k this summer. He placed fourth at this year’s US Mountain Running Championships, earning a spot on the US team that will compete at the World Mountain Running Championships in September. He has also notched impressive track PRs of sub-29 in the 10,000 meters and sub-14 in the 5,000 meters. He recently graduated from Southern Utah University, where he was an All-American in cross country.
Yanko, who placed third at Western States 100-Mile Race this summer, also won the Sean O’Brien 100k and American River 50 Mile this year. She’s a renowned racer, with a marathon PR of 2:38, Fastest Known Times (FKTs), and 100k and 50-mile road national championships to her name. She and her husband also own M.H. Bread and Butter bakery in San Anselmo, California.
These athletes complement and add depth to HOKA’s current roster. “As we’re supporting this sport, we’re supporting the genesis of where HOKA comes from—trail running specifically, and competitive racing in general,” said McManus. “Our two new dominant trail runners will be at the forefront of the sport for years to come alongside Devon, Magda Boulet and Sage Canaday, to name a few of our outstanding athletes.”
About the HOKA ONE ONE® brand
HOKA ONE ONE® is the fastest growing premium running shoe brand in the world. Two life-long runners launched HOKA in 2009, after years spent handcrafting and shaping lightweight shoes with extra-thick midsoles. Initially embraced by ultrarunners because of their enhanced cushioning and inherent stability, HOKA now offers shoes for all types of athletes who enjoy the unique ride the shoes provide. For more information visit www.hokaoneone.com or follow @hokaoneone #hokaoneone.
About Deckers Brands
Deckers Brands is a global leader in designing, marketing and distributing innovative footwear, apparel and accessories developed for both everyday casual lifestyle use and high performance activities. The Company’s portfolio of brands includes UGG®, Teva®, Sanuk®, Ahnu®, and HOKA ONE ONE®. Deckers Brands products are sold in more than 50 countries and territories through select department and specialty stores, Company-owned and operated retail stores, and select online stores, including Company-owned websites. Deckers Brands has a 40-year history of building niche footwear brands into lifestyle market leaders attracting millions of loyal consumers globally. For more information, please visit www.deckers.com.
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