Blyss Running Celebrates Five Years in Business, Partners with Darby Communications

September 11, 2020

Blyss Running to utilize Darby’s PR expertise to highlight milestone, launch new product

Asheville, NC – Sep. 11, 2020 –Blyss Running, the Asheville-based maker of women’s athletic apparel, announces a partnership with Darby Communications to amplify the celebration of its fifth anniversary and new product for Fall ‘20. As their PR agency of record, Darby Communications will work with journalists in the fitness and outdoor industries to heighten awareness of Blyss Running’s US-manufactured, women’s functional and flattering athletic clothing.

Blyss Running was founded by Alyson Neel in 2015. After actively avoiding running for much of her life, Neel discovered a love of running in her early forties. With the encouragement of friends, she quickly progressed from her first 5K to a marathon by the time she was 44 years old. Even though running bolstered her confidence, Neel found that no running apparel on the market offered what she was looking for – a functional pocket for her phone, longer lengths that didn’t ride up, higher waistbands, and stylish prints that weren’t “costumey.” Neel says, “I was looking for something that looked sophisticated, but felt completely comfortable, like my favorite sweater. When you feel comfortable, you feel confident, and honestly that’s half the battle when running!”

In 2015, Neel produced her first Blyss Running design, and soon after began offering Blyss Running skirts, crops, and shorts at running expos all over the country. The new apparel offered longer lengths to prevent chafing and riding up, a broader waistband with a continuous drawcord for a comfortable fit, and three highly functional pockets. After her launch in 2015, Neel’s skirts and cropped running pants soon gained a devoted following of women all over the country, who have worn Blyss Running designs for 5Ks, marathons, Ironman races, and ultrarunning events. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Neel was able to successfully pivot her sales and marketing to  e-commerce, but she is looking forward to the return of running events and in-person sales. “Nothing can replace connecting with my customers in person. We’ve become a community of women who support each other and go after impossible goals together,” she says. “Building those relationships with each other is what makes Blyss Running really special.”

To celebrate the fifth anniversary of Blyss Running, the company will be hosting its annual October anniversary sale with a giveaway and new product debut. To learn more, visit www.blyssrunning.com or contact Hannah Kaminer at hannah@darbycommunications.com.

About Blyss Running

Born in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, Blyss Running is a woman-owned small business providing athletic apparel that inspires empowerment and joy. Since 2015, Blyss Running has offered running skirts and apparel in flattering and functional designs that give women the confidence to pursue their passions comfortably. Blyss Running apparel is proudly manufactured in the USA. To learn more about Blyss Running, visit www.blyssrunning.com or connect with @BlyssRunning on Facebook.

About Darby Communications

Darby Communications is a boutique PR & digital marketing agency serving the outdoor, fitness, and wellness industries through impactful content creation, media placement, email marketing, and social media management. Headquartered in Asheville, NC with a coast-to-coast portfolio, Darby Communications takes a team approach to everything they do for clients and have worked with many of the outdoor and fitness industries’ most respected companies. Their current client roster includes: 360 Adventure Collective, Appalachian Gear Company, Astral, Blyss Running, Feetures, FitRankings, Hyland’s, Ignik, Industrial Revolution, Johnson Outdoors, Knog, LifeSaver, Ombraz Sunglasses, Outdoor Economy Conference, Poppy Hand-Crafted Popcorn, Sierra Designs, SylvanSport, Tarpestry, and Wildwater. Learn more at www.darbycommunications.com or follow on social @darbycomm.