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Ambassador and Sponsorship Programs for Endurance Athletes
- Martin Spierings
- Feb 14, 2023
- 10 min read
Updated: Jun 5, 2024
Updated: 5/7/24
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 hyperlinks go directly to the information page or application forms for the programs. See a more detailed review of company and programs below the table
Brand Program | Category | Applications | Rating |
Opens end of 2023 | 1 | ||
2 | |||
Medical | 1 | ||
Drink | 1 | ||
Closed for 2022. | 1 | ||
Apparel | 1 | ||
Closed (open soon) | 2 | ||
Nutrition | Applications Closed for 2024 | 2 | |
Eyewear | 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 2023 | 1 | |
1 | |||
Nutrition | No longer accepting applicants | 2 | |
Eyewear | 1 | ||
GPS | Closed for 2021 | 1 | |
Nutrition | 0 | ||
Watches | Application unavailable. | 0 | |
Accessories | 2 |
Sports Nutrition | Ongoing | 4 | |
Running Shoes and Apparel | Closed for 2021 | 1 | |
Goggles and Workouts | 0 | ||
Nutrition | 1 | ||
Ski Gear | Application opens May 2022 | 1 | |
Apparel | Closed for 2022 | 3 | |
Athletic Gear | Closed for 2022 | 1 | |
Cycling | Deadline Oct. 15, 2022 | 1 | |
Mouth pieces | 1 | ||
Nutrition | 2 | ||
Nutrition | Open for 2023 | 3 | |
Non-alcoholic beer | Closed (as of Oct. 9, 2022) | 2 |
The Feed
Company Summary:
When: Ongoing
What You Get:
When you're accepted as a "sponsored athlete" you get $80 store credit per year (doesn't include shipping). When the program launched it included shipping which was a better deal
Expectations:
No minimum but there is extra credit for competing in social media challenges for example tagging them in your bio etc.
Application:
I'm not exactly sure how you apply. They reached out to me and the athletes I know who were invited by Facebook I believe.
Exposure:
Looks like some ambassadors are featured on the site. They ask for Instagram, Tik Tok and YouTube on application so we assume those are priorities.
Overall Rating:
★★★☆☆
Company Summary:
When: Open short window until 2/28/2023. Successful applicants announced week after
What You Get:
No details on what you get!
Expectations:
None given
Application:
Open for 2023. Apply here.
Exposure:
Looks like some ambassadors are featured on the site. They ask for Instagram, Tik Tok and YouTube on application so we assume those are priorities.
Overall Rating:
★☆☆☆☆
Inside Tracker
Company Summary
Nutrition App
When:
On going Applications are open.
What You Get:
Not a lot of detail upfront on their page. Likely an affiliate arrangement with a discount for you and a code you can use to make money on your referrals.
Expectations:
It's up to you to share your codes and links.
Exposure:
Self-generated.
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 blueseventy 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:
When:
Applications CLOSED for 2022. Get on email list for next cycle.
What You Get:
Exclusive discount to pickybars.com and the Picky Club
Insider access to Picky going-ons including regular communication from HQ, first looks (tastes!) of new products, and insights from co-founders Jesse, Lauren, and Steph
First access to product support for your local events/community races
Deals, discounts, and prize opps from team affiliate partner brands
Private access to team website, mobile app, forum, AmBADASSador team gear, and meetups
Invitation to exclusive team challenges -- with prizes!
*They used to give a welcome pack away. No longer. We downgraded them a star for that.
Expectations:
Promote (honestly + genuinely!) Picky Bars as a brand and our products online and in your in-person circles
Share Picky promotions, news, or initiatives via social media and word of mouth
Provide feedback on the program and other products, events, or campaigns as needed
Potentially help out at local events (if available/willing)
Wear some team gear during your athletic endeavors and your adventures!
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. The
Overall Rating:
★★☆☆☆
Company Summary:
Nutrition: supplements
When:
Ongoing
What You Get:
As a small company, they offer a limited number of sponsorships. They mention wanting to know what you are looking for and what exposure First Endurance can expect in return.
Expectations:
Limited amount of free product and cash. Most sponsorship opportunities are in the form of a Pro-Deal Discount.
Application:
Exposure:
No specific place where they seem to highlight sponsors/ambassadors. Unclear what you actually receive in return other than a discount.
Overall Rating:
★☆☆☆☆
Company Summary:
Establish company doing insoles for active people.
When:
They take applications on this page and are open.
What You Get:
Aside a very nice ambassador page where they link to your instagram account, it's unclear if there are any material benefits.
Expectations:
Not specified.
Exposure:
Seems like the ambassador page is the only real benefit to this program.
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:
★☆☆☆☆
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:
★☆☆☆☆
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:
When:
November/December time frame generally for January announcement.
What You Get:
Discounted products (40% generally) is all that is specified on the website. Very extensive profile coverage their blog and website.
Expectations:
Nothing specific or enforced but expected to join the social media networks and tag the company in posts.
Application:
Very detailed application, most focused on social media but they seem to take on many teams and individuals.
Exposure:
Good website profile page like this one. While you don't get any free stuff the exposure is fairly professional which pushes them up to a 2-star. Also, if your social media is strong you have a good chance of joining the hundreds involved.
Overall Rating:
★★☆☆☆
Company Summary:
Helmets. Based in Morgan Hill, CA.
When:
What You Get:
Doesn't say. Dedicated page links to personal websites, Instagram pages.
Expectations:
Not specified.
Application:
Not available.
Exposure:
They have a webpage which highlights ambassadors
Overall Rating:
★☆☆☆☆
Company Summary
Endurance sports nutrition: fuels and supplements.
When:
What You Get:
Doesn't specify unless you submit an application.
Expectations:
Doesn't specify unless you apply.
Application:
They offer individual athlete application or team application. If you are outside of USA you have to contact your local Hammer Nutrition distributor.
Exposure:
No details about what you will get by applying to be an ambassador. Doesn't look like they have an ambassador page where you would be highlighted.
Overall Rating:
★☆☆☆☆
Honey Stinger
Company Summary:
Nutrition: hydration, endurance fuel, bars, gels, apparel/accessories.
When:
What You Get:
Marketed as joining "The Honey Stinger Hive" or "Hive Community" of like-minded people. As a member, you get 15% off first order and free shipping on all orders $50+. Members of "The Hive" also tell me there are quartely 40-50% off sales. You get free access to content, member only contests that reward engagement and member only apparel flash sales. Doesn't sound like anything too special and will involve you spending your own money after joining.
Expectations:
Doesn't specify.
Application:
You have to log-in and create an account before applying.
Exposure:
They highlight athletes on their Hive page.
Overall Rating:
★☆☆☆☆
COEUR
Company Summary:
Women's apparel.
When:
Doesn't specify the application window.
What You Get:
Doesn't specify what an ambassador will receive in return.
Expectations:
Doesn't specify.
Application:
Closed for 2022
Exposure:
They have a page which shows a list of elite athlete and ambassador names in small print. There are no links associated with these names. Doesn't seem like good exposure if there are no photos or information about you, the athlete.
Overall Rating:
★☆☆☆☆
Company Summary:
Nutrition bars
When:
No details on when their application will reopen.
What You Get:
Doesn't specify (can't see application anymore)
Expectations:
Doesn't specify (can't see application anymore)
Application:
No longer accepting applicants
Exposure:
They appear to highlight a few ambassadors on their page, but the chances of anyone making that page seems low. There is a link where you can read more about each athlete, but again this doesn't seem like the average person.
Overall Rating:
★★☆☆☆
Company Summary:
Sunglasses and apparel.
When:
What You Get:
This appears to be an affiliate program only, meaning commission focused rather than showcasing affiliates and building a community. They partner with Commission Junction to monitor affiliate sales and it looks like they want people who have websites already. What's in it for you? IF you can sell their product, you can receive a small commission (unspecified amount).
Expectations:
Sell products, in a way that meets their requirements. Requirements unspecified.
Application:
Ongoing. Application is to receive marketing program information for your site.
Exposure:
Little to no exposure as the affiliate program is basically you selling.
Overall Rating:
★★☆☆☆
Suunto
Company Summary:
When: Announcement for 2022 application round not yet announced.
What You Get:
Application closed before we could get details.
Expectations:
Doesn't say, although it appears they want to choose carefully to make sure you reflect their mission.
Application:
Closed for 2021. Application round for 2022 not yet announced.
Exposure:
Doesn't say.
Overall Rating:
★☆☆☆☆
Company Summary:
Nutrition supplement company promoting hydration-enhancing products.
When:
Application is ongoing.
What You Get:
Doesn't say.
Expectations:
Doesn't say.
Application:
Submit via online application.
Exposure:
Doesn't say.
Overall Rating:
0 out of 5
Company Summary:
When:
Ongoing application.
What You Get:
10% commission on sales, with a 30 day referral period. They market accessing their logos/banner/text templates to promote as benefits to you. They mention you get access to the program manager who will "help you get the most out of your Jaybird partnership all while growing your fan base and followers." However, how this is actually done is conveniently left out. There's no specifics on how they will feature you.
Expectations:
Must be a qualified athlete or ambassador with "prominence" in these areas: run/fitness/music website, social media, public forums, product reviews or publishing. They don't specify what they will exactly require from you in terms of promotion.
Application:
Ongoing, via their website application.
Exposure:
Doesn't specify.
Overall Rating:
★☆☆☆☆
Company Summary:
Swim buoys and other swim-related gear.
When:
Ongoing application.
What You Get:
First access to new triathlon and swim products, previews of upcoming promotions, coupon codes, promo gear, and features on their website and social media.
Expectations:
Nothing specific listed, other than to increase awareness about their products by posting on your social media outlets, spreading word to friends/family, engaging with other ambassadors and being part of their team.
Application:
Via website application.
Exposure:
They say you will be featured on their website and social media.
Overall Rating:
★★☆☆☆
Company Summary:
Running shoes and apparel
When:
Unspecified application dates for 2022
What You Get:
Vague description, you supposedly join their "official support squad" which is their on-the-ground source, helping to introduce On at local events and to local communities. More specifically you get to experience new On products and ... become "a true source on inspiration to On."
Expectations:
Just mentions promoting On both on and offline, wearing their gear at local events and sharing the experience with the community. Not very specific.
Application:
Closed for 2021.
Exposure:
Seems like you don't get much in return. A few ambassadors are highlighted on their ambassador page but that can't be all of them...
Overall Rating:
★☆☆☆☆
Company Summary:
Goggles and workouts
When:
What You Get:
Doesn't say.
Expectations:
Doesn't say.
Exposure:
Not clear
Overall Rating:
0 out of 5
Company Summary:
Plant-based Energy Bars
When:
Application ongoing
What You Get:
Sounds like you get hooked up with bars to promote, with $10 commission with every purchase using your partner link.
Expectations:
Up to you to do the promotion if you want to earn money from this.
Exposure:
Doesn't seem like they help promote you in return.
Overall Rating:
★☆☆☆☆
Company Summary:
Gear and apparel for outdoor sports
When:
Application closed for 2022.
What You Get:
Closed before we could read more.
Expectations:
Closed before we could read more.
Exposure:
Closed before we could read more.
Overall Rating:
★☆☆☆☆
Company Summary:
Cycling clothing, triathlon gear, etc.
When:
Application closed for 2022
What You Get:
$200 Varlo Store credit, access to team only items, first looks on new products, discount codes from partners/sponsors, discount to race entries, exclusive discount to Team Varlo training camp, access to private FB team page, prizes for social media content or engagement, discount for multi year membership, team welcome package (socks, towel, water bottle, Nuun), discounts towards athlete development and education.
Expectations:
$250 application fee is due upon acceptance.
Exposure:
Not so much exposure as membership benefits.
Overall Rating:
★★★☆☆
Company Summary:
Athletic gear
When:
Application closed for 2022.
What You Get:
Closed before we could read more.
Expectations:
Closed before we could read more.
Exposure:
Closed before we could read more.
Overall Rating:
★☆☆☆☆
Company Summary:
When:
What You Get:
Expectations:
Application:
Exposure:
Overall Rating:
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