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Martin Spierings- Martin Spierings
Ambassador and Sponsorship Programs for Endurance Athletes
Updated: Oct 9
Updated: 11/07/21
I have collated a list of brands that have sponsorship or brand ambassador programs for triathletes and/or runners. I have unscientifically rated the programs on a scale of value to athlete 1 (low value) to 5 (high value). When I don't have inside access I am basing my assessment on website information. More details on the package gets a better rating. I rate programs which offer cash and event cost compensation as more valuable than just product discounts and exposure.
This resource is aimed at the competitive age grouper, not the professional athlete. The links go directly to the information page or application forms for these teams. See a more detailed summary of company and programs below the table
Brand Program | Category | Applications | Rating |
2 | |||
Open 10/11/2021 | 2 | ||
Nutrition | CLOSED as of 10/26/2021 | 3 | |
Triathlon Apparel | Closed for 2022. | 1 | |
Accessories | Dead link - not open | N/A | |
Apparel | Closed for 2022. | 1 | |
Wetsuits | Clubs/teams application | 2 | |
Eyewear | Opens 10/1 - 12/31 each season | 1 | |
Accessories | 3 | ||
Nutrition | Ongoing (by email) | 1 | |
Nutrition | Closed for this year | 2 | |
Helmets | No application. Only current ambassador page available to view. | 1 | |
Nutrition | 1 | ||
Nutrition | 1 | ||
Womens Apparel | Closed for 2022 | 1 | |
1 | |||
Drink | Closed for 2021 | 2 | |
Nutrition | No longer accepting applicants | 2 | |
Eyewear | 1 | ||
GPS | Closed for 2021 | 1 | |
Nutrition | 0 | ||
Watches | Application unavailable. | 0 | |
Accessories | 2 | ||
Polar
Company Summary
Smart watches and heart monitor accessories
When:
Applications open for 2021. Very detailed application questions, such as your training, racing, and history with Polar products. They allow you to pick which category would be best for you: Outdoor (hiking, mountain biking, downhill skiing, climbing, etc), Running (a few weekly runs in your plan), Multisport (running cycling, triathlon), or Fitness (gym, exercise classes, HIIT training, yoga, etc).
What You Get:
Stated on their ambassador page, you'll get access to exclusive sneak peeks, special discounts, VIP giveaways, free products, exclusive Polar swag, invites to ambassador-only events and more. Aside from Polar reposting your content, there's no specifics on what you will actually get. Definitely need more details upfront on product discounts and samples or whether this is just a social media amplification play on Polar's part.
Expectations:
Once a month social media sharing.
Exposure:
You're encouraged to follow on Facebook and Instagram using specific hashtags but it's not clear how much exposure comes from that.
Overall Rating:
★★☆☆☆
BLUESEVENTY
Company Summary
Wetsuit and swim accessories company.
When
Applications are open for 2021.
What You Get
Swim cap and pair of goggles. Also discounts on products, opportunities to win prizes from their partners, access to coaching resources, invitation to team gatherings, access to the team mobile app / website, access to team gear and meet and greets.
Expectations
Train and race in racing gear, but there's nothing strict. Come to a team event (encouraged). Expected to promote bluseventy through social media posts. Follow / like all blueseventy social channels and use specific hashtags. Refrain from publicly promoting any products from conflicting swim companies.
Exposure
Curiously the team website and forum is private. You're encouraged to engage on public social networks using specific hashtags but it's not clear how much exposure comes from that.
Overall Rating
★★☆☆☆
Picky Bars
Company Summary:
Bars and granola company founded by pro endurance athletes.
When:
Applications CLOSED for 2021.
What You Get:
Generous welcome pack of products and swag. Additional 10% off the Picky Club subscription service. Onboarding call, monthly communication and first looks (tastes) of new products. Deals, discounts and prize opps, private access to team website, mobile app, forum, team gear and meetups. 25% off website store.
Expectations:
*Must have a US shipping address.* Must promote on social media, share Picky promotions, news or initiatives. Provide feedback and potentially help out at local events. Must have an active, public Instagram account.
Application:
Application form here.
Exposure:
Seems like only the pros are featured on the home page. So not much on the exposure side from their end. Overall though, it's nice they give away a welcome pack. Yay, free stuff.
Overall Rating:
★★★☆☆
Zoot Sports
Company Summary:
Zoot has a pretty detailed description of their ambassador program on their website. They are a true triathlon company doing everything from apparel to wetsuits.
When:
2022 Applications now CLOSED. Team notified in November.
What You Get:
"Heavy discount" on the team store. Not exactly sure what that is. Also discounts with sponsor partners. ZOOT "gatherings" around the country.
Expectations:
You have to buy the team kit and commit to one triathlon in the year. There are no performance or social media expectations. They also want you to be exclusively representing their team.
Application:
*CLOSED* for 2021. Application form here. The questions seem more focused on community reach than performance.
Exposure:
Seems like only the pros are featured on the home page. They have quite the social media community but it's up to you to push yourself.
Overall Rating:
★☆☆☆☆
Clean Bottle
Company Summary:
Makes hydration systems for the endurance athlete. Main product is the Original Clean Bottle.
When:
Ongoing.
What You Get:
Free product and swag. Discounts for friends and family.
Expectations:
Undefined social sharing.
Application:
Currently a dead link!
Exposure:
Limited. Clean Bottle doesn't appear active on social recently and no website profiles
Overall Rating:
★☆☆☆☆
Spaero
Company Summary:
All sorts of apparel for triathletes. And masks!
When:
Short window in November to apply.
What You Get:
You basically join the Spaero Triathlon Team, but there's a catch. You have to pay $297 for an annual membership to join. Says you'll get $400 worth of custom team apparel and gear, discounts from partner brands, custom kit options for championship events, free training resources, exclusive event experiences at select races, webinars with pro athletes and "lots more."
Expectations:
Sounds like you can pretty much do what you want once you've joined. Hey, you've already paid $297 so they can't ask for much more...
Application:
*CLOSED* as of 11/12/21.
Exposure:
They have a big social media presence and active website but it looks like there are quite a few ambassadors so not sure how much exposure you'd get.
Overall Rating:
★☆☆☆☆
Zone3 Wetsuits
Company Summary:
Triathlon wetsuits. They have a basic model Aspire and a premium style Advance. Also in Women's styles.
When:
Ongoing.
What You Get:
Insider info says a 30% store discount
Expectations:
No specified.
Application:
Asks to provide social media account and followers as well as results.
Exposure:
They are big on social media but can't see any particular mention of their ambassadors aside their sponsored pros.
Overall Rating:
★★☆☆☆
Tifosi
Company Summary:
Italian sunglass company which make glasses specific to running and cycling like the Tifosi Optics Sledge Sunglasses.
When:
Accept applications September 1st through December 31st for the upcoming season.. What's unusual is you have to apply through your local dealer (retailer). You must also create a login profile via this link, in order to access the application. Not exactly sure how this works.
What You Get:
Doesn't say.
Expectations:
Again, not sure.
Application:
The application is not readily available online. Have to go through your dealers which can be looked up here.
Exposure:
They have a big social media presence and do very nice profiles on the 50 or so cyclists, runners and triathletes they sponsor (most you seems to have washboard tummies).
Overall Rating:
★☆☆☆☆
Fitletic
Company Summary:
Running belts, hydration belts and accessories
When:
On going.
What You Get:
From their social media I gathered they receive a package of products. From their website they receive discounts on products and entry tickets for races.
Expectations:
General spreading of the word.
Application:
Application form here. The questions seem more focused on community reach than performance.
Exposure:
There are only 10 listed on their website page so not sure how hard it is to get into or whether all ambassadors are represented.
Overall Rating:
★★★☆☆
SiS
Company Summary:
Nutrition. Gels and bars. Based in U.K.
When:
Ongoing
What You Get:
Doesn't say. Hard to rate until I know what's offered to the athlete.
Expectations:
1k plus social followers on any one platform. Also, asks for results.
Application:
By email.
Exposure:
They have a blog which highlights ambassadors
Overall Rating:
★☆☆☆☆
Nuun
Company Summary:
Sports drinks and electrolytes.