Issue 56 · June 19, 2024
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Last year Tim Rossi, Chief Good for the Sport Officer (CGSO) at Bandit pulled us into a conference room and went full Pepe Silva on how we could support unsponsored athletes as part of our mission to Evolve Running. Thus, the Unsponsored Project was born and Rossi and Finley briskly hopped on a plane to the US Outdoor Championships with a duffel full of completely unbranded Bandit race kits and athlete support dollars. The idea was to allow unsponsored athletes to represent themselves while increasing their chances of attracting new sponsors who could fully support their running dreams. 8 athletes signed onto the project and 1 ended up securing a major footwear deal (shoutout Rachel & ASICS). Now, this week at the US Olympic Trials, the Unsponsored Project is back with over 30 athletes ready to show the world what they've got. Stay tuned over the next 10 days as we highlight these unsponsored athletes on our Youtube and IG.
In other unrelated [but kind of related] news, The Program, our 16-week guided marathon training experience with ASICS is also back. Being back is apparently very back and we're rolling with it like it'll be gone tomorrow. Apply for the in-person group meeting out of the West Village store 2x/week today (final day) or check out the free virtual Program. Orientation officially kicks things off the week of 7/8.
More on those, plus a new Dialed episode, 5 Dreams x 3, and a throwback to Dine & Dash.
In loving memory of our dear friend and Bandit family, Chef James Kent.
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For the second year, we’ll provide support dollars & unbranded kits to unsponsored athletes, highlighting challenges in the current sponsorship model and empowering self-representation. In 2023, the Unsponsored Project debuted with 8 athletes in unbranded gear at US Outdoors, leading to one securing a major footwear sponsorship. This year, we're supporting over 30 athletes, allowing them to declare independence while chasing their Olympic dreams.
UNSPONSORED
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In Episode 7 of our Youtube Series "Dialed", 2016 Olympic Gold Medalist Courtney Okolo reflects back on a career that always strived for more. Unsponsored and representing herself, Courtney is heading into the U.S. Olympic Trials this week with one goal in mind—making her final team.
WATCH DIALED
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Keeping it light-hearted and low-key with three of our Unsponsored athletes as they tell us about their dream running partners, walkout songs, and optimal outcomes as they head into the least low-key moment of their year.
REM CYCLES
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Our 16-week guided marathon training experience in partnership with the ASICS fam is back for it's 4th season. Virtual and in-person groups, 6 expert coaches across running, strength, nutrition, sports psychology, and recovery, a massive update to the Bandit Program app, and much more. Sign up or apply today. Training officially starts the week of July 15th.
THE PROGRAM
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Chef James was a beloved friend, advisor, and mentor to the entire Bandit team. Just as Chef was ascending towards peak greatness professionally, he tragically and suddenly passed away, leaving a legacy that we will forever be inspired by. Please enjoy the gems of wisdom from Chef, in what was planned to be the first of many Dine & Dash episodes together.
DINE & DASHNYMag honors the life of Chef James Kent. Netflix's track & field series trailer is absolute fuego. A deep dive on the four studs looking to make the Olympic team for the Men's 10k Event. The details of Michael Johnson's new track league with over $12 million in prize money. How to watch & stream the 2024 Olympic T&F Trials. New documentary spotlights surfing's African roots. The 10 most budget-friendly National Parks to visit this summer.
Download our 100% free half & full marathon training iOS app, The Program.