Angela Bizzarri, who won three individual NCAA distance running titles for the University of Illinois, has signed an endorsement deal with Brooks Sports, Inc., the Bothell, Wash., running shoe and apparel company announced yesterday.
The 22 year-old athlete won the NCAA 5000m and cross country titles 2009, and was the 3000m indoor winner in 2010. Bizzarri's titles are meaningful because during her collegiate career, which spanned from 2006 through 2010, she had to compete against Texas Tech's Sally Kipyego, Colorado's Jenny Barringer and Iowa State's Lisa Koll, three of the fastest and most decorated distance runners in NCAA history.
"It is such a great honor to join the Brooks team," Bizzarri said through a news release. "This partnership isn't just about wearing their gear; they're like a passionate cheering section rooting for me every step of the way. With Brooks' help, I look forward to taking my running career to a new level that motivates more people to get out there and Run Happy."
Bizzarri --who has personal best times of 4:15.42 for 1500m, 4:40.68 for the mile (indoors), 8:57.40 for 3000m (indoors), and 15:33.02 for 5000m-- joins hurdler Fawn Dorr (Penn State), milers Gabriele Anderson (Minnesota) and Katie Follett (Washington), and steeplechaser Shayla Houlihan (Utah) on the Brooks team.
"At Brooks, we're always looking to partner with rising stars who match our brand values and inspire other runners to set and reach for their own goals," said Jesse Williams, sports marketing manager at Brooks in a statement. "These five athletes are doing just that. We're excited to have these women represent Brooks, and to watch and help them develop as professional runners."
Bizzarri is represented by Peter Stubbs Management of San Francisco, Calif.
PHOTO: Angela Bizzarri models her new Brooks kit (courtesy photo)
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