Spartan & Craft to create high-performance sports apparel
April 07, 2018 - United States Of America
Spartan, the world’s largest obstacle race and endurance brand headquartered in the US, and Craft Sportswear, a Swedish brand specialising in clothing for endurance sports, have entered into a global partnership. The two brands have joined hands to develop the first high-performance technical apparel for the rising sport of Obstacle Course Racing (OCR).
Craft will be applying the same scientific techniques and sport-specific knowledge it uses in developing Olympic-calibre performance apparel for World Tour cycling teams and Olympic cross-country skiers as well as runners and athletes at all levels. Craft is currently available in more than 39 countries, while Spartan has more than 200 races across more than 30 countries around the world.
The OCR-specific ‘Powered By’ Craft line of Spartan apparel and footwear is currently under development at the company’s sports science laboratory in Sweden. Spartan athletes face elements that require full functional movement and, at times, extreme temperatures. With just milliseconds on the line between elite finishers, Craft’s team of designers and technicians pay strict attention to detail, with every stitch and seam meticulously placed to address the ergonomic and thermal needs of obstacle racers.
Having recently introduced the brand’s performance footwear in Europe, Craft’s all-terrain shoe for Spartan athletes will be its US footwear debut. The first-of-its-kind shoe will be designed specifically for the obstacles and natural elements athletes face on the OCR trail. The ‘Powered By’ line will roll out in early 2019, with co-branded apparel from Craft’s existing training line launching in Summer of 2018.
Craft Sportswear North America CEO Eric Schenker said, “For decades, Craft engineered ergonomically superior products for some of the best athletes in the world, and we’re excited to be the first company to apply that same sport-specific knowledge and research towards developing the first-of-its-kind performance apparel for Spartan athletes.”
Spartan founder and CEO Joe De Sena said, “With intense competition unfolding at each race, and athletes pushing themselves to the limit, the Craft ‘Powered By’ line is a much-needed addition and step forward for the sport as we continue to attract global brands developing products specifically for our race and fan community.” (GK)
Craft will be applying the same scientific techniques and sport-specific knowledge it uses in developing Olympic-calibre performance apparel for World Tour cycling teams and Olympic cross-country skiers as well as runners and athletes at all levels. Craft is currently available in more than 39 countries, while Spartan has more than 200 races across more than 30 countries around the world.
The OCR-specific ‘Powered By’ Craft line of Spartan apparel and footwear is currently under development at the company’s sports science laboratory in Sweden. Spartan athletes face elements that require full functional movement and, at times, extreme temperatures. With just milliseconds on the line between elite finishers, Craft’s team of designers and technicians pay strict attention to detail, with every stitch and seam meticulously placed to address the ergonomic and thermal needs of obstacle racers.
Having recently introduced the brand’s performance footwear in Europe, Craft’s all-terrain shoe for Spartan athletes will be its US footwear debut. The first-of-its-kind shoe will be designed specifically for the obstacles and natural elements athletes face on the OCR trail. The ‘Powered By’ line will roll out in early 2019, with co-branded apparel from Craft’s existing training line launching in Summer of 2018.
Craft Sportswear North America CEO Eric Schenker said, “For decades, Craft engineered ergonomically superior products for some of the best athletes in the world, and we’re excited to be the first company to apply that same sport-specific knowledge and research towards developing the first-of-its-kind performance apparel for Spartan athletes.”
Spartan founder and CEO Joe De Sena said, “With intense competition unfolding at each race, and athletes pushing themselves to the limit, the Craft ‘Powered By’ line is a much-needed addition and step forward for the sport as we continue to attract global brands developing products specifically for our race and fan community.” (GK)