New Sponsorships Announced for REI Muddy Buddy Adventure Series

San Diego, CA – April 19, 2013 – Competitor Group, Inc. (CGI), the active lifestyle industry’s leading media and event entertainment company has announced three new partnerships supporting the REI Muddy Buddy Adventure Series benefiting the Prostate Cancer Foundation. Goal Zero, KEEN and SmartWool have signed on as official sponsors of the nationwide series, which takes place in 9 U.S. cities in 2013.

REI Muddy Buddy events are adventure races that invite teams of two to choose between the traditional REI Muddy Buddy Bike & Run, in which participants switch off running and biking, and the REI Muddy Buddy Mud Run, which keeps teams together as they navigate on foot. After completing 8-12 giant obstacles and a challenging course, competitors must crawl through a 50-foot mud pit before crossing the finish line together.

Joining the muddy fun in 2013 is Goal Zero, named Official Portable Solar Power Product Partner. An innovator in solar energy, Goal Zero creates portable solar power systems that can power a variety of devices, from cell phones to laptops and even refrigerators, from any location.

SmartWool has also signed on as Official Apparel Partner, connecting their popular brand of technical clothing and socks with the adventure-loving participants of REI Muddy Buddy, along with KEEN, Official Footwear Partner for the 2013 series. KEEN is known for creating the first toe-protecting sandal, and original hybrid footwear, bags, and socks that transition from race day to the city street.

“These are all brands that offer products that will resonate with our participants and their needs, as well as their passion for the outdoors,” said Sean Clottu, Vice President of Sales Development & Activation at Competitor Group. “We’re thrilled to welcome them to a race series that is truly all about having fun.”

REI Muddy Buddy benefits the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF), the world’s largest source of support for prostate cancer research. Teams can sign up to participate with Athletes for a Cure, the fundraising and awareness program of PCF. Funds raised will support prostate cancer research in early detection and screening, as well as nutrition and exercise focused research as they relate to the disease. Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in the U.S. and is expected to take the lives of 30,000 men in 2013.

The REI Muddy Buddy Adventure Series benefiting the Prostate Cancer Foundation is a true family friendly event, as kids between the ages of 4 and 11 can also join in the fun as a part of the Mini Muddy Buddy, in which they complete a short obstacle course and slither through the same mud pit as the grown-ups. 

Information and registration for the REI Muddy Buddy Adventure Series benefiting the Prostate Cancer Foundation is available online at www.MuddyBuddy.com.

ABOUT KEEN

KEEN Inc., manufacturer of original hybrid footwear, bags, and socks was founded in 2003. Headquartered in Portland, Oregon, KEEN offers innovative hybrid products that enable outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy an active lifestyle. Known for its innovation and creativity, KEEN started with the invention of the first sandal that protects the toe – the Newport. Since its inception, the company has applied that same problem-solving design approach to expand its footwear collection and offer bag and socks. KEEN offers products that allow people to go anywhere, from trekking the wilds of the world, exploring a cool city, heading to work, or skipping to a playground down the street. KEEN’s products are sold in specialty footwear, travel and outdoor retailers, premium-sporting goods retailers and major outdoor specialty retail chains worldwide. In 2010, 2011, and 2012 KEEN was named one of “America’s Best Places to Work” by Outside magazine. KEEN strives to demonstrate integrity and leadership while promoting a vibrant, inclusive community. Discover more about KEEN and keep up with us online at www.keenfootwear.com, www.facebook.com/keen and www.twitter.com/keen.

ABOUT GOAL ZERO

GOAL ZERO is an innovator of portable solar power systems that power a variety of devices – from cell phones to laptops and even refrigerators – anywhere and at any time. Providing a perfect blend of portability and power, Goal Zero products feature full solar energy systems –solar panels, portable rechargers and accessories – each designed to work in concert with each other. Goal Zero was founded by entrepreneur Robert Workman, who realized the need for portable power and light through his work with the non-profit organization TIFIE in the remote regions of the Republic of Congo. Goal Zero donates a portion of proceeds from all Goal Zero purchases to TIFIE (www.tifie.org), which is dedicated to empower people by establishing sustainable business enterprises that produce goods and services and create lasting jobs. For more information, please visit www.goalzero.com.

ABOUT SMARTWOOL

Based in Steamboat Springs, CO, SmartWool is an apparel brand whose products are inspired by living and playing in the mountains. The company offers year-round technical apparel for an active life lived in unpredictable mountain climates. SmartWool products are created to get the most out of the inherent benefits of Merino wool while delivering extraordinary comfort through intelligent and thoughtful products, allowing mountain athletes to do what they love to do longer. For event and company updates visit www.SmartWool.com, www.facebook.com/smartwool, twitter.com/smartwool.

About REI Muddy Buddy Adventure Series benefiting the Prostate Cancer Foundation

The REI Muddy Buddy Adventure Series is all about having a great time with your husband, wife, son, daughter or best buddy. Teams of two compete with or without a bike in an off-road adventure race with awesome obstacles, one glorious mud pit and a hunger for having a ton of fun. The event’s signature finale is the giant mud pit, which all teams must crawl through before crossing the finish line. The event benefits the Prostate Cancer Foundation through their Athletes for a Cure program. For additional information, please visit MuddyBuddy.com.

###