Elkton, MD — [May 11, 2026] — W. L. Gore & Associates (Gore), founder of the GORE-TEX® Brand, marks 50 years of product innovation and leadership in fabrics. Since its consumer introduction in the Early Winters Light Dimension™ tent in 1976, Gore has expanded its portfolio into a globally trusted solution across garments, footwear, gloves. Today, GORE-TEX® Brand fabrics continue to add comfort while protecting people from everyday situations to the world’s most demanding conditions.

As Gore marks this milestone, the company is not only reflecting on its legacy of innovation but also setting the course for the future. Since Bob Gore’s 1969 discovery of a lightweight, microporous material, GORE-TEX® Product technology has been driven by science-led exploration, transforming a breakthrough insight into one of the most influential materials platforms in performance fabrics. Today, that legacy continues through ongoing innovation and a commitment to advance responsible performance, the belief that performance, durability, and sustainability must advance together. These efforts span the brand’s fabrics business that extends across outdoor, professional, and defense applications, where reliable protection is critical.

“For five decades, GORE‑TEX® Products have enabled people to perform in the toughest conditions,” said Michelle Augustine, Gore fabrics business leader. “We continue to build on this foundation through innovation that helps our partners meet evolving needs while advancing responsible performance for the future.”

Durability has long been a focus for Gore, and the company is now bringing that commitment to the forefront, emphasizing the design of longer-lasting products to help reduce resource use while maintaining performance over time. In parallel, Gore is collaborating with more than 45 stakeholders and Mid Sweden University’s Sports and Outdoor Research Centre to develop a global durability standard for outdoor gear.

Innovation is at the core of Gore’s fabrics business. The company continues to advance next-generation material science, including breakthrough technologies such as its expanded polyethylene (ePE) membrane and PYRAD® Fabrics by GORE-TEX LABS®, delivering trusted waterproof, windproof, breathable, and durable performance.

Gore is also innovating in how its materials are made by transitioning its manufacturing facilities to 100% renewable electricity and continuing to reduce environmental impact through the use of renewable energy, recycled and lower-impact materials, and responsible manufacturing practices.

Anchored by the anniversary theme “50 Years of Going Further, Together,” the brand’s communications and activations will highlight how the GORE‑TEX® Brand continues to advance high-performance and responsible performance through science‑led innovation and durable product solutions designed to help reduce impact over time. To mark the anniversary, Gore has launched a multimedia resource featuring a historical timeline, archive video, and imagery available through the GORE‑TEX® Brand archive channel.

About Gore’s Fabrics

Gore’s fabrics business pioneered the first waterproof, windproof and breathable GORE‑TEX® Product 50 years ago, leading the way for the technical, high-performance apparel industry and setting a new standard for performance apparel, footwear and accessories. Today, we continue to advance material innovation with technical apparel, footwear and accessories solutions that deliver trusted protection, comfort and durability across consumer, defense, safety and professional applications. Our portfolio includes leading brands such as the GORE‑TEX® Brand and SITKA® Brand, each built on deep scientific expertise and a commitment to responsible, high‑performance design. gore-tex.com and goretexprofessional.com

About Gore

W. L. Gore & Associates is a global materials science company dedicated to transforming industries and improving lives. Since 1958, Gore has solved complex technical challenges in demanding environments—from outer space to the world’s highest peaks to the inner workings of the human body. With more than 13,000 Associates and a strong, team-oriented culture, Gore generates annual revenues of $5 billion. gore.com.

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Bend, OR – May 7, 2026 – BRANWYN continues to raise the bar for what Performance Innerwear can and should be by deepening its leadership at the intersection of uncompromising natural-fiber product performance, women’s health, and sustainability. The award-winning, seamless Merino wool brand announces its expanded partnership with Zentera Wool Company and has now fully transitioned to ZQ+ certified Merino wool, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to doing right by both people and planet.

From the beginning, BRANWYN has built its products around the belief that what touches a woman’s body matters for performance and health. Sourcing has always been a critical part of that promise. By working with Zentera and adopting the ZQ standard early on, BRANWYN championed a more responsible approach to wool, one rooted in animal welfare, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship, ensuring every garment begins with fiber produced with care and accountability at every stage.

Now, with the move to ZQ+, BRANWYN is going further. This next-generation standard traces every thread back to its farm of origin and is built on a 15-point index that measures people, planet, and animals together. ZQ+ supports a regenerative farming framework in which growers simultaneously improve soil health, animal wellbeing, plant and vegetation diversity, water quality, and strengthen rural communities.

Today, every BRANWYN garment is made with 17.5-micron Merino wool sourced exclusively from a small network of ZQ+ growers who meet the highest standards of animal care, land stewardship, and self-initiated continuous improvement. These practices aren’t just better for the planet; they result in better fiber.  Wool produced from low-stress, free-range sheep is naturally softer, longer, and stronger, elevating the performance, longevity, and feel of every BRANWYN piece.

“We are proud to partner with BRANWYN, who genuinely care about the animals, people, and stories that sit behind the wool they use,” says Zentera CEO Angus Steet. “Deanne and her team are raising industry standards by investing in ZQ+ fibre, to create a positive impact across the whole supply chain, from the sheep and farm the wool was grown on to the consumer who wears it.”

“Our community is incredibly informed; they care deeply about what touches their bodies and the impact it has on the world,” says BRANWYN CEO Deanne Buck. “We’ve always believed performance starts with the people and ecosystems behind it, long before it reaches your body.  That’s why we’ve invested in ZQ+ certified wool, full traceability from the farm, and long-term partnerships with the growers themselves. I  spent time in New Zealand earlier this year with the people and the animals behind our fiber, and that level of connection and accountability is exactly what our community expects. They continue to push us to build a transparent supply chain and a product standard that doesn’t just participate in a category, it redefines it.”

This transition is more than a sourcing update. It reflects BRANWYN’s commitment to lead with transparency, to invest in people and partners that support women’s health and the health of the planet and animals, and to deliver products that perform at the highest level without compromise.

For more information on BRANWYN, please visit www.branwyn.com or direct media inquiries to Stacy Kline at stacy@darbycommunications.com.

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About BRANWYN

BRANWYN, based in Bend, Oregon, produces the world’s first ethically sourced, naturally sustainable Performance Innerwear designed by and for active women. By combining a first-ever blend of ZQ+ Merino and seamless knitting technology, BRANWYN revolutionizes women’s next-to-skin apparel, prioritizing comfort, temperature regulation, anti-microbial properties, breathability, and overall health. Our ethos, rooted in “Find A Way,” was inspired by the radical idea that women could create better underwear for themselves that meets our unique needs. Additionally, we collaborate with organizations that foster a sense of self in girls and women by breaking limiting beliefs through outdoor activities, sports, sweat, and movement. Committed to personal and global health, we use natural, non-toxic fibers and sustainable materials, and prioritize ethical farming and work practices.

About Zentera Wool Company

Zentera Wool Company, formerly The New Zealand Merino Company, is the company behind ZQ and ZQ+ (formerly ZQRX), the world’s leading marks for high-quality wool that’s grown with care for animals, land, and people. Founded in New Zealand, Zentera has worked alongside growers across the Southern Hemisphere and leading global brands for over 30 years to show that expertise and ethics belong together. Its wool is premium by nature and traceable back to the farm where it was grown. Learn more at www.zenterawool.com.

BOSTON, Mass., May 7, 2026 — As it enters its 51st year, Marathon Sports today unveiled a new brand identity, introducing a modern logo and branding designed to carry one of New England’s most respected running brands into its next era.

Founded in 1975, Marathon Sports has grown from a beloved local run specialty retailer into one of the sport’s most trusted retailers, with deep roots in New England and influence far beyond it. The new branding honors the brand’s heritage and community while building a sharper, more distinctive expression for the future.

At the center of the new look  is a bold icon paired with an updated Marathon Sports wordmark. Clean, confident and unmistakably modern, the new mark gives the brand a more recognizable presence across stores, events, merchandise, partnerships and media, while still staying connected to the original Marathon Sports spirit.

“Marathon Sports has earned real trust from runners, communities, brands, and people who care deeply about the sport for over 50 years,” said Ben Cooke, president of Marathon Sports. “We wanted an identity that respects that history, but also looks and feels ready for contemporary run culture. That is a delicate balance. We selected Upstatement, our design agency, to guide this process. Their editorial mindset, blending disruptive design and storytelling, captured Marathon Sports’ identity and pushed us further than what felt familiar.”

A logo inspired by the energy of running

The new logo draws inspiration from the motion and defining moments of running. The result is a contemporary and distinctive feel that stays rooted in the physical experience and culture of the sport. Marathon Sports has long served runners across disciplines and experience levels, and the rebrand was designed to feel equally at home on the track, trail or road.

The original Marathon Sports logo that is familiar to generations of runners will continue to have a place within the brand, particularly in heritage storytelling and select retro merchandising concepts. Moving forward, the new branding will become the primary expression of Marathon Sports.

As Marathon Sports celebrates five decades in business, it is also investing in the next era of the brand by expanding its event footprint, creating broader and more meaningful community touchpoints, and building deeper collaborations with brand partners to deliver the best in technical performance gear and real human experiences to runners across New England.

The new identity will roll out across Marathon Sports retail environments, digital channels, community events, content, branded materials and product applications throughout the year. The launch will be supported by a series of visual assets that introduce the new branding through the lens of the motion, energy and culture of running itself.

For Marathon Sports, the rebrand is both a milestone and clear step forward, reflecting a trusted brand and strong vision for the future.

About Marathon Sports

Founded in 1975, Marathon Sports is a leading run specialty retailer and community running brand based in New England. Known for expert service, technical product authority and deep roots in the running community, Marathon Sports serves runners of all levels through its retail locations, events, partnerships and digital platforms.

May 7, 2026—Boulder, CO—Skratch Labs, the Boulder-based performance nutrition company, launches its largest seasonal flavor lineup to date with four new summer limited-editions of Sport Hydration Drink Mix, Super High Carb Drink Mix, and Energy Chews. Rolling out from May through early June, the 2026 summer seasonals series gives athletes a fresh take on the products they already trust for training, racing and long days in the summer heat. From the return of fan-favorite Cucumber Lime Hydration Sport Drink Mix to the bold addition of Sour Apple Energy Chews, each seasonal flavor is designed to feel bright, relevant, and built for summer—without changing the performance athletes rely on.

Each product stays true to Skratch’s core philosophy: real ingredients, no artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners, and a lighter taste profile designed to reduce flavor fatigue and support consistent hydration and fueling over long efforts.

“We love taking the products athletes already count on and giving them a fresh, seasonal twist,” said Mellisa Allen, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Skratch Labs. “These limited releases keep summer training fun while staying true to what matters most—real ingredients, great taste, and products that perform when the effort gets hard. We’ve had great feedback on our previous seasonal flavors, so this year, we’re excited to expand the annual tradition across more of our core product lines!”

The 2026 seasonal lineup introduces limited flavor runs across three core product lines:

• Hydration Sports Drink Mix, Cucumber Lime and Watermelon, 20-serving bag ($23.95), Available May 5 and June 2: Two summer seasonals join the Sport Hydration rotation this year: the return of fan-favorite Cucumber Lime and the addition of Watermelon. Hydration Sports Drink Mix delivers 19 grams of carbohydrates and 400 milligrams of sodium, with an 80-calorie profile designed to replace electrolytes lost in sweat. Like all Hydration Sport Drink Mix flavors, Cucumber Lime and Watermelon are gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, and Kosher, with no artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners.
• Super High-Carb Sport Drink Mix, Mango, 16-serving bag ($41.95), Available April 28: A tropical take on Skratch’s high-performance fueling system, Mango Super High-Carb Sport Drink Mix is powered by Cluster Dextrin™, a highly complex carbohydrate designed to digest easily and steadily, more like real food. Each serving delivers approximately 50 grams of carbohydrates and 200 calories of energy for sustained fueling with less gut strain during long, hard efforts. It’s built for endurance athletes who need high-carb fueling when intensity rises and real food becomes harder to manage.
• Energy Chews Sport Fuel, Sour Apple, Single Pouches and 10-pack caddy ($2.75-26.95), Available May 19: A sour-forward, seasonal twist on Skratch’s portable race-day fuel. Each serving delivers fast-acting carbohydrates in a compact, easy-to-carry format built for efforts when stopping isn’t an option.

Products from the Skratch Labs 2026 Seasonal lineup will be available while supplies last at www.skratchlabs.com, Skratch Labs Table and select retail partners nationwide. For more information on Skratch Labs, Skratch Labs Table, and the latest product releases and innovations, please contact Tim Nooney at tim@darbycommunications.com.

About Skratch Labs:

Born in Boulder, CO in 2012, Skratch Labs is a performance nutrition innovator that helps athletes be better. Founded by two cycling pros who spent years on the Pro Cycling Tour watching teammates consume bad-tasting sports nutrition products that caused digestion issues, they created a “secret drink mix” composed of real sugar, salt, and fruit powder mixed in a 5-gallon paint bucket for their team. More than a decade later, Skratch Labs’ approach is the same: help athletes perform better by solving their nutrition problems without causing new ones, using real food ingredients. You can learn more at Skratch Labs, follow on social, join Skratch Labs’ Strava Club, enroll in the affiliate program, or visit the Skratch Labs Table and Flagship Store.

STOCKHOLM, Sweden – May 5, 2026 – RECCO, a global leader in rescue technology, has entered into a partnership with adidas INFINITE TRAILS. At this unique trail running race, taking place September 4–6, 2026, in the Gastein Valley, RECCO reflectors are now part of the mandatory equipment for the 30K, 45K, and 60K courses as well as the team competition, thereby enhancing participant safety.

The highlight of the adidas INFINITE TRAILS, held annually since 2018, is the Team Race, in which teams of three tackle the stages together—true to the motto “One for all—all for one.” Individual participants can find suitable challenges on four routes of varying lengths.

The routes, which are up to 60 km, lead through alpine and sometimes remote terrain. The safety of participants is therefore the top priority at adidas INFINITE TRAILS. This year, rescue teams have an additional tool at their disposal: RECCO reflectors will be part of the mandatory equipment for athletes on all routes longer than 15 km. In an emergency, professional rescue teams can use a RECCO SAR helicopter detector to pinpoint the location of injured or lost individuals. In Austria, these detectors are used in a collaboration between the Air Police and the Austrian Mountain Rescue Service.

Participants who do not currently carry a reflector in their gear can purchase stand alone reflectors to be attached to a backpack at a discounted price. A portion of the proceeds from the sales donated go directly to the Gastein Mountain Rescue Service.

“At adidas INFINITE TRAILS, we strive for the gold standard in every respect—above all when it comes to the safety of our participants. It’s important to us not only to challenge the community but also to actively educate them on mountain safety,” said adidas INFINITE TRAILS Director Mike Hamel. “Including the RECCO reflector in the mandatory gear is therefore a logical step. What convinces us about the technology is its ingenious simplicity: it requires neither apps nor registration and is completely passive—you simply have to wear it to be searchable by professional rescue teams. The fact that this partnership also allows us to financially support the Gastein Mountain Rescue makes the collaboration perfect for us.”

Fredrik Steinwall, CEO of RECCO, added: “We are very excited to be collaborating with adidas Infinite Trails to raise safety awareness within the trail running community. This partnership underlines how important it is to be searchable and prepared when out in the great outdoors. Safety awareness and education are an essential part of our work. That’s why we’re very happy to be working with a partner who shares our vision.”

Photo Link: https://reccoab.sharepoint.com/:f:/s/RECCOExternalSharing/IgAofMvPJ23dQJh7zqb3goFWAWupirZ76YCdg0uCp4o0trY?e=5ToQ2X

About RECCO

RECCO® advanced rescue technology makes outdoor enthusiasts searchable to rescuers in case of an avalanche accident or when lost in the outdoors. The technology builds on a two-part radar system. Rescuers carry RECCO® detectors that send out search signals which are echoed by RECCO® reflectors, carried by the user. RECCO® detectors are used worldwide at more than 900 ski resorts and mountain rescue organizations in 32 countries. RECCO® reflectors are integrated into select apparel, helmets, protection gear and boots manufactured by more than 150 leading outdoor brands. RECCO AB was founded in 1983 in Sweden and is owned by its founder Magnus Granhed and the publicly traded investment company Traction AB (listed on OMX Nordic Exchange Stockholm). More info at recco.com.

Media Contact

Verde Brand Communications

(970) 235-0268

recco@verdepr.com

May 4, 2026 – Stamford, Connecticut – LOWA Boots, the global footwear brand renowned for its premium outdoor boots and shoes, proudly announces its partnership with Darby Communications, a leading PR and digital marketing agency representing outdoor, hunt, fish, and endurance brands. Effective immediately, Darby Communications will serve as LOWA’s PR agency of record, amplifying product and brand awareness through targeted PR and media relations.

Since 1923, LOWA has crafted premium outdoor boots and shoes that blend outstanding quality and fit through innovative design and proprietary technology. Today, the brand is the market leader in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, producing over three million pairs of shoes a year. Building on its heritage and alpine roots, LOWA continues to evolve alongside today’s outdoorist, investing in innovation to deliver more modern fits, lightweight materials, and performance-driven designs. From rugged mountaineering boots to fast-moving trail running shoes, LOWA is committed to expanding beyond its traditional strongholds while maintaining the craftsmanship and reliability it’s known for.

“LOWA is entering an exciting moment of evolution, building on more than a century of craftsmanship while innovating for today’s outdoor consumer,” said Lesley Christoph, Director of Marketing at LOWA. “We selected Darby Communications as a strategic PR partner because of their deep-rooted expertise in the industries we serve, paired with a modern approach to media relations. Their decades of experience and innovative perspective will help us elevate our brand voice and expand our reach to new audiences in the US market.”

Through this strategic partnership, Darby Communications will leverage its extensive industry expertise and network of media partners to amplify awareness of LOWA within new audiences and build brand affinity for repeat customers. The agency will focus on securing impactful media coverage, crafting compelling brand stories, building social proof through creator relationships, and driving engagement around LOWA’s superior craftsmanship, from best-sellers like the RENEGADE GTX MID to new innovative offerings like the SKYTERRA.

“There are few brands in the outdoor industry I’ve admired longer than LOWA,” states Angie Robinson, President of Darby Communications. “I first discovered them as a young specialty retail employee, fitting customers for boots on the shop floor. Since then, I’ve watched with admiration as they’ve continued to innovate without ever compromising the fit, quality, and heritage that made them iconic. Our team at Darby Comm is thrilled to help introduce LOWA’s legacy to the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts.”

For more information on LOWA Boots and the latest brand news, visit us.lowa.com or contact Katie Richter at katie@darbycommunications.com.

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About LOWA Boots

With over 100 years of hand-crafted European heritage, LOWA Boots is a globally respected footwear brand located in Jetzendorf, in Upper Bavaria. Since 1923, LOWA has created premium outdoor boots and shoes featuring beautiful silhouettes, best-in-class quality, and proprietary technology. Its designers adeptly navigate the outdoor performance, trail running, lifestyle, and tactical categories, always nurturing brand integrity. LOWA is one of the only footwear brands to receive ISO 9001 status for the highest quality construction and process standards. LOWA certified tactical boots are also made to comply with the European Union’s PPE standards. For more information, visit www.lowaboots.com.

About Darby Communications

Darby Communications is an East Coast-based public relations and digital marketing agency dedicated to supporting leaders within the outdoor, endurance, and hunting and fishing industries. We blend technical expertise and creative storytelling across a full range of services to grow awareness, strengthen reputation, and turn media and customers into brand advocates. Darby Communications is a trusted partner of respected brands such as KUIU, Shimano, Jetboil, Old Town, Skratch, and HydraPak, and was named Outdoor Media Summit’s 2025 Agency of the Year. For more information, visit www.darbycommunications.com