Switchback at TRE delivers energetic mix of brands, ideas, and community as outdoor industry gathering continues building toward June

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS (DEC. 10, 2025) – Switchback at The Running Event (TRE), the fall gathering for the outdoor industry, wrapped up its fourth annual event last week with high energy, steady retailer traffic, and a growing community of dedicated outdoor industry businesses.

Hosted on a central area of the show floor, Switchback at TRE attracted 60 exhibiting companies, a broad mix of run and specialty outdoor retailers, and a stacked education calendar including panels on the importance of brands in protecting natural places led by Paul Hendricks of The Conservation Alliance, the business imperative of sustainability led by Julie Brown and Kelly Davis of Outdoor Industry Association, and a live podcast recording with the Rock Fight crew.

a group of Switchback attendees at the TRE/Switchback event in San Antonio, Texas in December 2025

Switchback at TRE was also notable for the growing sense of community among attending companies – big and small – that supports the role of outdoor industry gatherings for both individual business needs as well as overall industry health.

“For a new brand like ours, there’s a lot of camaraderie in being a part of a bigger experience like this. We’ve seen a lot of retailers, both big and small, but we’ve also learned so much from seeing other small brands like ours rolling out new ideas and getting traction,” said Linnae O’Neil, Paradis Sport director of community.

 “Being in the mix with a diverse array of brands is really helpful for us as an emerging brand. It’s been high quality retailer conversions and honestly been a good quantity of them as well,” said John Schade, Dry Brew founder.

 “Being part of a broad and diverse range of brands is what makes this work for us. It’s essential that we make it worth a retailer’s time to leave their store,” said Sydney Lambert of Patagonia.

 “Our goals for Switchback were to elevate our brand around our 30th anniversary and do a little business, as well as to support the event and its value to the outdoor community. We’ve been able to do all that and more,” said Megan Fulton, Toad & Co. national sales manager.

The intentional blend of established “legacy” brands and smaller “emerging” brands seen during Switchback at TRE has been a hallmark of the event since its inception, and is a trend that will continue  as planners look toward the event’s next installation: Switchback Spring (June 16-18; New Orleans, LA).

In addition to a broad main floor that includes numerous cornerstone brands – such as Merrell, The North Face, Rumpl, Smartwool, Scarpa, Mammut and Darn Tough – a special section of Switchback Spring known as “Pathfinders” will be dedicated to a curated collection of retail-ready young brands.

Created in partnership with Founded Outdoors and Garage Grown Gear, the Pathfinders zone at Switchback Spring is open to brands that have been in business less than 10 years with up to $5m/year in annual sales. In addition to being located on a spotlight portion of the show floor, Pathfinders exhibitors receive a variety of pre-show and on-site marketing support. Pathfinders is capped at 30 total brands, with limited spots remaining. Confirmed participants include Gossamer Gear, Hikerkind, Gear envy, Symbiosis, Alpine Fit, Recpak, FKT and others.

“For any successful industry event, the mix is what matters most. We’ve been very intentional in growing the show with both high demand brands as well as a strong collection of small, business-ready companies.  When you have that critical mass of both brands and retailers, it really sets the stage for essential industry conversations,” said Beth Gordon, Switchback Director of New Business Development. 

For more information on exhibiting at Switchback and the Pathfinders zone, please contact Beth Gordon (bgordon@divcom.com).

For more information on Switchback, please visit www.switchbackevent.com.

About Switchback

Switchback is the twice-a-year business and education gathering for the outdoor industry owned and operated by Diversified, a leading international media company with a portfolio of face-to-face exhibitions and conferences, online communities, and digital and print publications. Scheduled at optimal times for discovery and buying conversations, Switchback is held each fall in conjunction with The Running Event and each spring as a standalone event. Blending an accessible format with a schedule of education, peer connection opportunities, and business meetings, Switchback is a dedicated gathering place for all sectors of the outdoor industry community. Upcoming dates for the event include Switchback Spring (June 16-18; New Orleans, LA) and Switchback at TRE (Dec. 1-3, 2026; San Antonio, TX). To learn more about Switchback, please contact Michael Collin (michael@palemorning.com) or visit www.switchbackevent.com.

PITTSBURGH LAUNCHES THRIVE OUTSIDE INITIATIVE TO EXPAND OUTDOOR ACCESS FOR YOUTH AND FAMILIES

Pittsburgh, PA – November 5, 2025 – Today, Thrive Outside Pittsburgh, a regional ecosystem dedicated to expanding access to outdoor recreation, especially for youth and families, officially launches. The initiative unites partners across the region to open more doors to outdoor recreation through schools, strengthen youth development and career pathways, and reimagine parks and public spaces as vibrant centers of community impact. Rooted in the belief that outdoor experiences are vital to physical health, emotional well-being, and lifelong learning, this initiative connects youth and families across Pittsburgh to regular, meaningful engagement with nature.

Thrive Outside Pittsburgh is powered by the Outdoor Foundation and driven by a collaborative effort uniting city, county, and state agencies, educators, recreation providers, and community-based organizations. Backbone support is provided by the Outdoor Inclusion Coalition, with strategic guidance from a Steering Committee composed of the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, Pittsburgh Public Schools, and Propel Charter Schools.

“Thrive Outside Pittsburgh is about creating opportunities for all youth to confidently explore and thrive outdoors,” says Marcus Shoffner, President and CEO of The Outdoor Inclusion Coalition. “By uniting diverse stakeholders, we are building a sustainable foundation for equitable access to nature for generations to come.”

The initiative will operate through three interconnected committees:

  • Youth Committee: Integrates outdoor education into school systems and after-school/summer programs.
  • Regional Outdoor Recreation Committee: Aligns public agencies and partners to strengthen investment and coordination across the region’s recreation infrastructure.
  • Events Committee: Cultivates public enthusiasm for outdoor recreation through community-facing experiences.

Thrive Outside is a nationwide movement led by the Outdoor Foundation and its partners to build and support communities dedicated to increasing outdoor access for youth and families. It uses a “backbone organization” to manage community efforts. Local partners form a steering committee, and community partners work together to benefit the community.

“This initiative builds on the strong foundation of partnerships already thriving in Pittsburgh’s communities,” said Lesford Duncan, Executive Director of the Outdoor Foundation. “By strengthening and expanding this collaborative network, we’re supporting the region to create an outdoor recreation economy that is more inclusive, connected, and resilient; one that advances community health and well-being through access to nature and outdoor experiences.”

Thrive Outside Pittsburgh Organizational Structure

BACKBONE ORGANIZATION Outdoor Inclusion Coalition

STEERING COMMITTEE Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, Pittsburgh Public Schools, Propel Charter Schools

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

  • Allegheny County Parks and Recreation
  • Allegheny County Parks Foundation
  • Ascend Climbing
  • Bike Pittsburgh
  • Butler County Parks and Recreation
  • City of Pittsburgh Parks and Recreation
  • Community Forge
  • Cycles for Change
  • Dick’s Sporting Goods
  • Environmental Charter School
  • Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
  • Pennsylvania Environmental Council
  • Pennsylvania Interscholastic Cycling League
  • Pennsylvania Office of Outdoor Recreation
  • Ruach Bike Club
  • Southwestern Pennsylvania Climbers Coalition (SWPACC)
  • Venture Outdoors
  • Watersmith Guild/SurfSup
  • Women and Girls Foundation of SWPA
  • Woods Room

“I’ve seen it in communities all across the Commonwealth — when we get outside, we thrive,” said Nathan Reigner, Pennsylvania’s Director of Outdoor Recreation. “Spending time outdoors helps us feel better, connect with our neighbors and our natural world, and it’s essential for our communities to rejuvenate and for our economy to thrive.”

 

About the Outdoor Inclusion Coalition

The Outdoor Inclusion Coalition (OIC) is a Pittsburgh-based nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing access to outdoor recreation through experiential education and community-driven systems change. OIC develops and implements year-round adventure programs, including the Urban Wilderness Program, Youth Equity in Snow Sports (YESS), and other nature-based learning experiences that connect youth and families to the outdoors while fostering leadership, wellness, and environmental stewardship. Through its community impact model, OIC convenes cross-sector partners from education, government, and the nonprofit sector to align resources and strategies that strengthen regional access to the outdoors.

 

About the Outdoor Foundation

The Outdoor Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Outdoor Industry Association, is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to getting people outside for their health, the health of communities, and the health of the outdoor industry. Through community investment and groundbreaking research, the Outdoor Foundation works with partners across the country to address equity barriers and help make the outdoors accessible for all. Visit outdoorfoundation.org for more information.

Thrive Outside Pittsburgh is sponsored by:

Outdoor Industry Association Unveils 2026 Convening Roadmap, Revives Industry-Favorite Events, and Launches Virtual Town Hall

BOULDER, CO (OCTOBER 28, 2025) – Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is proud to announce a dynamic lineup of events for the coming year, reaffirming its role as the strategic backbone of the outdoor industry. With the return of long-celebrated gatherings, bold new partnerships, and an emphasis on meaningful engagement, OIA continues to lead the way in building stronger outdoor businesses and a more resilient outdoor economy.

At the heart of this renewed strategy is a commitment to streamlining the industry’s event landscape, reducing fragmentation, and uniting brands, retailers, suppliers, non-profits and industry partners around shared goals. In support of this mission, OIA will host a Virtual Town Hall on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, inviting members and the broader outdoor community to learn more about upcoming opportunities for connection, innovation, and growth.

“We’ve listened to our members and the industry at large. The call was clear: optimize the event schedule, focus opportunities for connection and add purpose in how we come together,” said Kent Ebersole, President of OIA. “The 2026 convening roadmap reflects our vision to bring the industry together across advocacy, sustainability, leadership, participation and B2B engagement, with the goal of strengthening the outdoor economy at every level.”

2026 Highlights Include:

  • OIA Rendezvous (March 2026) – The highly anticipated return of OIA’s signature executive-level event, focusing on long-term strategies, cross-sector collaboration, and thought leadership.
  • Capitol Summit (April 2026) – A cornerstone advocacy event, offering direct engagement with lawmakers to amplify the industry’s voice and policy impact.
  • Catalyst Conference (Fall 2026) – Practitioner-led sustainability education, offering real-world solutions for environmentally responsible growth.
  • Switchback Shows (Spring & Fall 2026) – In partnership with industry leaders, these events serve as premier buying and shows, and gathering place for leadership development, innovation, and community building.
  • Outside Days (Summer 2026) – A powerful consumer-facing festival celebrating outdoor participation and culture, plus the Outside Summit, a networking and thought leadership gathering for the industry and our partners

Purposeful Convening, Lasting Impact

These strategic convenings are core to OIA’s value proposition: building stronger outdoor businesses through actionable insights, government advocacy, sustainable business practices, and cutting-edge learning. From executive planning sessions to retail-focused education, each event is designed to empower the industry to make informed decisions, reduce environmental impact, shape policy, and foster community.

Join the Conversation: November 4 Virtual Open House

OIA invites all members and the broader outdoor community to its Virtual Town Hall on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, where OIA leaders will share the full 2026 event calendar, provide strategic insights, and discuss how businesses can maximize their engagement in the year ahead. To register for OIA’s Virtual Town Hall please sign up at this LINK.

About Outdoor Industry Association

Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is a catalyst for meaningful change. A member-based collective, OIA is a passionate group of business leaders, climate experts, policy makers and outdoor enthusiasts committed to sustainable economic growth while protecting – and growing access to – the benefits of the outdoors for everyone. For more than 30 years, OIA has catalyzed a thriving outdoor industry by supporting the success of every member company across four critically aligned areas: market research, sustainability, government affairs, and inclusive participation. OIA delivers success for its members through education, events, and business services in the form of solutions and strategies, consultation, collaboration, and opportunities for collective action. For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org.

Media Contact: Chris Denny / Denny, ink. / chris@dennyink.com

REI Co-op, Carhartt, ERM Coho, and Outdoor Industry Association Announce Collaborative Renewable Energy Project 

{Boulder, CO} (October 22, 2025) – REI Co-op, Carhartt, ERM Coho, and Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) today announced their participation in a collaborative solar project. The solar project, Misae II, developed by Greenalia, is located in Texas and will begin delivering renewable energy certificates to REI Co-op and Carhartt in 2026.

The collaborative solar project, accessed via a Virtual Power Purchase Agreement (VPPA), was offered through OIA’s Climate Action Corps Impact CoLab, in partnership with member brands and ERM Coho. OIA’s Impact CoLabs accelerate industry progress by enabling brands and suppliers to work together, meeting company sustainability goals more efficiently and cost-effectively. Learn more about Impact CoLabs here.

 “We’re excited by how this VPPA will support our longstanding commitment to 100% renewable energy. This is our largest solar project (yet) in a state where we have a strong presence with 11 stores. Partnering with others in the outdoor industry on this project demonstrates how collaboration is critical to accelerating the decarbonization of our grids and protecting everyone’s right to a healthy outdoors,” said Jay Creech, manager of net zero for REI Co-op. 

 A VPPA is a financial contract for differences between a buyer (or group of buyers) and a large-scale renewable energy project, in which the buyer commits to a fixed price and receives the floating wholesale electricity price.  Companies that are unable to install onsite solar to meet 100% of their energy demand can use VPPAs to procure offsite renewable energy. VPPAs are typically only available to very large energy buyers. Smaller companies can access VPPAs by working together, and industry associations like OIA provide a platform to enable that collaboration.

“This agreement demonstrates the success that results from buyers and developers being collaborative. When companies unite as a structured buyer group, they unlock access to large-scale clean energy solutions and strengthen decision-making,” said Chris O’Brien, Partner, Vice President Business Development for ERM Coho.

Key Outcomes of the VPPA CoLab: 

  • Renewable Energy: The VPPA supports 18.5 megawatts of renewable energy.   
  • Collective Impact: Individually, OIA members would not have met the electricity supply required to participate in a VPPA. By coming together through OIA to aggregate their energy demand, members were able to execute a joint VPPA.   
  • Building Knowledge: Members gained a strong understanding of the complex VPPA market through the CoLab. The collaborative process demystified renewable energy procurement and equipped members with the tools to execute a clean energy deal.  
  • Driving New Construction: The CoLab enabled the construction of a new utility-scale solar project in Texas, bringing additional clean energy onto the grid.  
  • Verified Impact: CoLab participants receive Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), allowing them to reduce their emissions.   

“The path to a better future is paved through collaboration and partnership,” said Gretchen Valade, Director, Sustainability, Carhartt, Inc. “No single organization can tackle the complexities of decarbonization alone, but together, we can drive meaningful progress. We are proud to be a part of this important effort to support renewable energy generation and build a more sustainable world.” 

“We are incredibly proud of the successful collaboration among the VPPA CoLab participants, culminating in a renewable energy project that will deliver long-term clean energy benefits and advance the outdoor industry’s collective climate goals. This project stands as a powerful testament to the impact we can achieve when we unite our efforts and provides a replicable model for others in the industry,” said Julie Brown, Director of Sustainable Business Innovation at OIA.

About Outdoor Industry Association   

Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is a catalyst for meaningful change. A member-based collective, OIA is a passionate group of business leaders, climate experts, policy makers and outdoor enthusiasts committed to sustainable economic growth while protecting – and growing access to – the benefits of the outdoors for everyone. For more than 30 years, OIA has catalyzed a thriving outdoor industry by supporting the success of every member company across four critically aligned areas: market research, sustainability, government affairs, and inclusive participation. OIA delivers success for its members through education, events, and business services in the form of solutions and strategies, consultation, collaboration, and opportunities for collective action. For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org.   

About Carhartt

Established in 1889, Carhartt is a global premium workwear brand with a rich heritage of developing durable products for workers on and off the job. Headquartered in Dearborn, Mich., with more than 3,000 employees worldwide, Carhartt is family-owned and managed by the descendants of the company’s founder, Hamilton Carhartt.   

About ERM Coho  

ERM Coho is a global climate adviser dedicated to helping clients navigate complexity and take ambitious steps on their climate journey. We provide deep market insight, analytical problem-solving, and change management expertise so that clients can switch to renewable energy and make other large-scale climate and water resiliency investments with confidence and internal alignment. To learn more about how ERM Coho can help organizations get ahead of their climate goals, visit www.cohoclimate.com.

About Greenalia 

Greenalia S.A. is a global IPP focused on renewable energy. The company uses wind, sun and forestry biomass from certified plantation residues to generate and store energy in harmony with nature, providing employment and innovation in Europe and the US. The company’s main activity is the generation of renewable energy, being present in six technologies: onshore wind, offshore wind, solar, biomass, storage, hydrogen and carbon capture. 

About REI Co-op 

REI is a specialty outdoor retailer, headquartered near Seattle. The nation’s largest consumer co-op, REI is a growing community of 25 million members who expect and love the best quality gear and outstanding customer service. In addition to the co-op’s many stores across the country, outdoor enthusiasts can shop at REI.com, REI Outlet or the REI shopping app. Everyone is welcome to shop REI, but members who join the co-op enjoy a range of benefits. REI is a purpose-driven and values-led company dedicated to enabling life outside for all.   

Outdoor Industry Association: Government Shutdown to Weaken Outdoor Economy

Boulder, CO (October 1, 2025) — Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) today expressed serious concern regarding the federal government shutdown and its impact on the $1.2 trillion outdoor recreation economy. With public lands already understaffed, the shutdown is expected to place additional strain on the industry and local businesses that rely on outdoor visitation to national parks, which added $56 billion to the U.S. economy last year.  

“A government shutdown poses a serious threat to the $1.2 trillion outdoor recreation economy,” said OIA President Kent Ebersole. “Public lands and national parks are already facing critical staffing shortages, and a shutdown would further disrupt operations, restrict access in some areas, and jeopardize the livelihoods of hard-working Americans in gateway communities that depend on recreation and tourism. With visitors across the country planning trips this fall, the shutdown will lead to cancelled reservations and reduced business activity with lasting impacts. Leaving public lands unattended leaves them vulnerable to vandalism and disrepair, undermining the outdoor recreation economy.” 

OIA urges Congress and the administration to resolve a shutdown swiftly and to avoid any further reductions in staffing that would undermine the management of our public lands. A stable and fully supported federal workforce is essential to sustaining the outdoor economy and ensuring outdoor access for millions of Americans.

 ###

About Outdoor Industry Association 

Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C.,Outdoor Industry Association (OIA)is a catalyst for meaningful change. A member-based collective, OIA is a passionate group of business leaders, climate experts, policy makers and outdoor enthusiasts committed to sustainable economic growth while protecting – and growing access to – the benefits of the outdoors for everyone. For more than 30 years, OIA has catalyzed a thriving outdoor industry by supporting the success of every member company across four critically aligned areas: market research, sustainability, government affairs, and inclusive participation. OIA delivers success for its members through education, events, and business services in the form of solutions and strategies, consultation, collaboration, and opportunities for collective action. For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org. 

Surly Bikes Unveils Updated Straggler Gravel Bike this Season

A Surly classic gets frame and fit updates across eight new sizes

Link to assets

Bloomington, Minn. (Sep 25, 2025)Surly Bikes, known for its quality steel bikes and parts, releases an updated Straggler gravel bike. A decade after its original launch, the new version of the Straggler emerged this week as the do-it-all gravel bike with a wider range of fitment and updated geometry.

The Surly Straggler gravel bike is revamped for 2025 with an all new geometry improving fit, and reducing the number of sizes from 5 to 8, resulting in minimizing toe overlap and improving standover clearance for riders with a shorter inseam. The updated iteration has a sloped top tube for improved stand over, a lowered seat tube for greater travel on dropper posts, increased bottom bracket drop for stability, and raised stack for a more comfortable ride. The inclusion of 12x100mm front and 12x142mm rear thru-axles, flat mount brakes, and wider handlebars, provide stability for performance-oriented riding.

The Straggler is a gravel bike built for multi-terrain wanderings. It also serves as a light-duty touring bike and an all-weather commuter. Utilizing the classic ‘Natch’ tubeset by Surly, the 4130 steel frame features a 44mm head tube diameter allowing for varied fork options from steel to carbon, or even a 40mm gravel suspension fork. With internal dropper post routing compatibility, the Straggler continues to perform at every opportunity.

“We’re thrilled to expand on the capabilities of our long-standing gravel bike, which now performs at (almost) an unfair advantage,” said Tim Simundza, brand and marketing manager at Surly. “The new Straggler is more comfortable, more modern, and more capable for however humanoids want to ride it.”

Known for making serious steel bikes while not taking themselves too seriously, Surly delivers bikes that perform over their lifespan. From tube design and manufacturing to welding, heat treatment, and finishing, versatility and durability are considered every step of the way.

“We designed the next-gen Straggler with the modern explorer in mind,” said Adam Scholtes, Surly Brand Business Director. “Balancing the line between performance and transportation, this bicycle is built for those who take the path less traveled in confidence. Trusting in the capabilities of this vehicle, a detour through unpaved roads is no problem for the Straggler rider.”

The Straggler GRX is available at $2,499, the Cues at $1,999 and Straggler frameset at $899. Available in stores now and online at Surlybikes.com

 

About Surly Bikes

Founded in 1998, Surly is a pioneering brand in the world of steel bicycles and durable bike components. Renowned for its no-nonsense approach, Surly designs and builds bikes and gear that are built to last, perform in tough conditions, and adapt to a wide range of riding styles—from commuting and touring to singletrack and expedition cycling. With a strong focus on utility, simplicity, and rider freedom, Surly has cultivated a passionate community of riders who embrace adventure, resilience, and self-reliance on two wheels. Headquartered in Bloomington, Minnesota, Surly continues to challenge conventional bike industry trends by putting purpose, performance, and personality first. To learn more, visit www.surlybikes.com.

Craft Sportswear Named Exclusive Apparel and Equipment Partner of Eugene, Oregon’s New Sporting Cascades Football Club

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Tyler Sims

JAM Collective

craft@jamcollective.net

415-839-7546

 

SEATTLE – Sept. 24, 2025 – Craft Sportswear, global leader in performance apparel, is proud to announce a multi-year partnership as the exclusive apparel and equipment sponsor of Sporting Cascades FC, Eugene, Ore.’s new professional soccer club competing in USL League One.

Starting Jan. 1, 2026, all Sporting Cascades FC players, coaches and staff will sport Craft apparel for matches, training and official events, making Craft the team’s premium teamwear provider. The partnership marks Craft USA’s first professional team sponsorship and highlights the brand’s commitment to supporting athletes and communities at every level.

“We are thrilled to partner with Craft,” said Dave Galas, president of Sporting Cascades FC. “They are a well-established brand in endurance sports, with experience partnering with European football clubs, and we are proud to be their first professional club in North America. Craft brings top-tier design, a commitment to sustainability, and long-term support for our region. We couldn’t be happier to have them as our official teamwear and equipment partner.”

As part of the multi-year sponsorship, Craft will receive stadium visibility, digital integration, and on-site activation opportunities that connect the brand directly with Sporting Cascades FC fans across the Pacific Northwest. Highlights include TV-visible signage, LED sideline exposure, branded presence in VIP areas, sponsor activations at home matches, and dedicated digital campaigns across the team’s platforms.

“Sporting Cascades represents everything we stand for at Craft: a commitment to community, a connection to the natural environment, and a pursuit of performance,” said Jake Rawson, chief executive officer of Craft Sportswear USA. “Eugene’s storied athletic tradition reflects the same drive for excellence that defines our brand. As we make our first entry into American professional soccer, we’re excited to partner with a club that shares this DNA of community and performance. Our partnerships with teams in Europe reflect the strong ties between sport, community and nature across the Nordics, and Sporting Cascades brings those values to life here in the Pacific Northwest. We’re proud to help bring their vision to life with kits built to perform as dynamically as the team itself.”

More than 100 fans packed the Downtown Athletic Club in Eugene on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025, to celebrate the new partnership. SCFC President Dave Galas announced the agreement to an enthusiastic crowd, who also got a first look at Sporting Cascades FC–branded merchandise, including custom jerseys set to debut in late fall 2025.

Sporting Cascades FC will begin pre-season training in January 2026, with the inaugural season kicking off in March 2026. The team is scheduled to play 40 matches, all of which will be streamed live on ESPN+ and CBS Sports. Craft Sportswear’s partnership with Sporting Cascades FC will run through Dec. 31, 2029,

ABOUT CRAFT SPORTSWEAR

Craft is a Swedish brand specializing in clothing and gear for endurance sports where performance and comfort are crucial for optimal results. Working closely with elite athletes and constantly developing new materials and technical solutions, Craft offers innovative training and competition apparel and footwear for World Champions and Everyday Heroes.  For more information, visit craftsports.us, and follow the brand on Instagram @craftsportswear and @craftsportswearus.

ABOUT SPORTING CASCADES FC
Sporting Cascades FC is Eugene, Oregon’s first professional soccer club, set to make its USL League One debut in March 2026. With majority ownership in Vancouver, BC, the club unites communities of the Pacific Northwest, blending elite player development with fan-first experiences. The crest, colors, and identity draw inspiration from the region’s iconic landscapes. Guided by innovation, integrity, and impact, Sporting Cascades is committed to building a sustainable, community-driven club that inspires the next generation of players and supporters from Oregon to British Columbia. For more information, visit sportingcascades.com, and follow the team’s journey on Instagram @sportingcascades.

Olympic Track Athlete Colleen Quigley Joins Superfeet Team

The Olympian, coach and wellness advocate aligns with Superfeet’s bold new vision to support athletes at every stage of their journey.

FERNDALE, Wash. (Sept. 24, 2025) —  Superfeet, the global leader in performance insoles, is expanding its growing athlete roster by adding Colleen Quigley. Known for her dedication to sport and community, Quigley embodies the holistic athlete ethos at the heart of Superfeet.

Quigley – a 2016 Olympian in the 3,000-meter steeplechase, NCAA national champion, nine-time All-American and 2025 inductee in the Florida State University Athletics Hall of Fame – has built her career on passion, versatility and perseverance. From her unconventional beginnings as a dancer and model to becoming one of America’s top middle-distance runners, her journey proves it’s never too late to chase the sport’s highest stage through hard work and dedication. Today, she is both a competitor and a community leader, serving as a role model for modern athletes who view peak performance as part of a well-rounded lifestyle.

“This partnership is about more than sport,” says Trip Randall, CEO of Superfeet. “Colleen represents performance with perspective: she’s an Olympian, a mentor and an advocate for mental health and balance. Her story aligns perfectly with Superfeet’s mission: Designed for movement. Built to change lives.”

Beyond her own racing, Quigley is strengthening the sport through Meridia, a women-led, athlete-owned professional track team she co-founded earlier this year. Meridia is reimagining how athletes are supported, offering revenue-sharing, athlete autonomy, and a holistic infrastructure both on and off the track to help athletes succeed.

“Performance isn’t always a straight path; it’s about showing up, adapting, and finding strength in the details,” Quigley says. “I’m excited to partner with a brand that shares my passion for empowering athletes at every level.”

This new partnership comes as Superfeet pursues a renewed mission to serve athletes through biomechanical innovation and intentional design. Quigley joins fellow Olympian Sanya Richards-Ross on the brand’s growing athlete team, reinforcing its athlete-first mindset.

To follow along this new partnership, visit www.superfeet.com and follow on social media @Superfeet.

ABOUT SUPERFEET WORLDWIDE, LLC

Founded more than four decades ago, Superfeet Worldwide emerged from the sports medicine division of Northwest Podiatric Labs and has become a global leader in high-performance insoles. Known for its groundbreaking designs that support athletes in the most demanding conditions, Superfeet continues to advance insole technology to enhance athletic performance. The company donates 1% of sales and countless volunteer hours to initiatives that improve access to movement and sport for future generations. For more information, visit superfeet.com.

 

For media inquiries:

Chris Hong

christopher.hong@rygr.us