January 11, 2021

Leadership Changes, Mass Layoffs Continue at NYRR

New York Road Runners (NYRR) made another round of large-scale staff cuts following the cancellation of almost a year’s worth of road races amid the pandemic. Jim Heim, race director of the New York City Marathon and Chris Weiller, SVP of media, public relations, and pro athletics will also be...

January 11, 2021

Tracksmith Made Running Culture Something You Can Buy

The brand's ethos signals a departure from an apparel industry that has been dominated by giant shoe companies. But can it stay true to the soul of the sport? Outside

January 11, 2021

Lululemon Adds Another Nike Veteran to its Exec Team

Blanca Gonzalez will join the fitness company on Feb. 1 as its head merchant, SVP, global merchandising. Gonzalez was most recently VP and GM of Nike North America’s Los Angeles/West territory. Footwear News

January 11, 2021

Keep’s $2B Valuation

Keep, China’s most popular fitness app, closed a $360 million Series F financing round, putting Keep’s current value at approximately $2 billion. SoftBank’s Vision Fund led the round, which also included Hillhouse Capital, Coatue Management and Tencent. GGV Capital, Bertelsmann Asia Investments, 5Y Capital and Jeneration Capital also participated. Front...

January 10, 2021

TREK sued for $5 million over Wavecel helmet claims.

Treks claims that the Wavecel’s honeycomb-like design was found to be 48 times more effective in preventing concussions from cycling accidents. The suit, however, states Trek’s claims of improved safety are “false, deceptive and misleading” as the helmet does not perform adequately in most situations. Road Bike Action

January 8, 2021

NY man charges that Trek’s Bontrager WaveCel helmet safety claims are misleading

Trek Bicycle is being sued for $5 million by a New York man who says the company is making misleading claims that its Bontrager WaveCel helmets are safer than other brands. Bicycle Retailer

January 7, 2021

IOC reconfirms commitment to Olympic Games following Tokyo’s state of emergency

Tokyo announced today that it would be transitioning into a Stage 4 shutdown. Despite a state of emergency being declared in Tokyo, the host city of the Olympic Games this summer, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has remained committed to making sure the games continue as scheduled. SwimSwam 

January 7, 2021

Ironman Organizers Get Win In COVID-19 Cancelation Suit

A Florida judge on Thursday ended a proposed class suit accusing the company behind Ironman triathlons of not refunding fees for races canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic, ruling that the "no refunds" clause of the participant contract is both clear and not unconscionable. Law360

January 7, 2021

New AI ‘smart’ cycling shorts equipped with sensors and wires that emit electrical currents into rider’s muscles to improve performance

While technology had previously been used to enhance other areas of cycling equipment, riding shorts have remained largely unchanged. The company also plans to utilise the same technology for other activities too, such as for runners and gym-goers. Daily Mail

January 6, 2021

Emerald Acquires Company Behind Elastic Suite

Emerald, the parent company of Surf Expo and Outdoor Retailer announced that it has acquired PlumRiver, the company behind Elastic Suite, a digital B2B platform for a total purchase price at closing $34 million, including $30 million in cash and the rest in stock. Shop Eat Surf