KARHU Consumer Wins Sweepstakes to Race in Finnish Marathon In Augus

Beverly, MA – Today, two leading specialty brands, KARHU and CRAFT, announce KARHU consumer, Aaron Simpson of Beaverton, Oregon, as their Helsinki grand prize sweepstakes winner. Simpson, who participated in KARHU’s online sweepstakes, will be journeying to Helsinki, Finland, birthplace of KARHU, with his wife to experience first-hand Finnish culture and participate in the Helsinki City Marathon in his signature blue and white Strong Ride. While there, Simpson will also have the opportunity to tour Finland’s famed national sports museum where KARHU’s original discuses, javelins and track spikes are on display.

“I was blown away to hear from Karhu when I found I out I won a trip to run in the Helsinki Marathon,” said Simpson. “My wife was going nuts and I kept saying this can’t be real, this can’t be real! Once we found out we started researching Finland, Helsinki and the marathon trying to learn as much as we could. And of course I ramped up my training so I could run well in my Karhu’s,” added Simpson.

Rewarding consumers that support the KARHU brand was the main goal in creating the program, according to Jay Duke, president, KARHU. “This sweepstakes provided the perfect opportunity to give back to our KARHU consumers and provide one winner the opportunity to experience our history and participate in an event that means a great deal to us,” said Duke.

Created on the track in Finland nearly 100 years ago, KARHU (meaning “bear” in Finnish) has been a leader in developing innovative running technology for almost 100 years. KARHU’s Fulcrum technology creates a true collaboration between shoe and foot resulting in a Natural Ride and Feelâ„¢. Unlike other running technologies that can complicate mechanics and disrupt forward motion, KARHU shoes are engineered for efficient forward momentum. After receiving the coveted “Best Debut” award from Runner’s World magazine, KARHU drew a strong following from grassroots initiatives including ‘Explorer Days’; in-store events that encourage consumers to visit local retailers to learn more about the brand.

As the sweepstakes was so successful this year, the program will live on annually, with the 2010 sweepstakes already up and running on the KARHU website. Next year’s trip will also be planned and organized by KARHU’s partner, Running Away. Running Away online makes it possible for runners to explore the world, one adventure at a time. Karhu will continue to support consumer trips through the Karhu Explorers program and consumers can embark on a running adventure anytime by going to www.runningawayonline.com. For more information on KARHU or to sign up to win a trip to the Helsinki marathon next year, please visit www.karhu.com.

About KARHU
Born in 1916, KARHU is Finland’s legendary running brand. Meaning “bear” in Finnish, KARHU has an authentic heritage in running and a deep connection to the outdoors. KARHU follows the Finnish principles of design simplicity and running purity in providing technical running and outdoor gear for nearly 100 years. KARHU shoes have been worn on the feet of some of the greatest Finnish runners, including Boston Marathon champion Olavi Suomalainen, and Paavo Nurmi, giving rise to the Flying Finns. Engineering innovative product that promotes a “Natural Ride and Feel”™ through the patented Fulcrumâ„¢ technology, KARHU footwear products are sold globally by specialty retailers. KARHU is owned by KARHU Holding B.V. and designs, markets and distributes KARHU branded products. For more information about KARHU, visit www.karhu.com