Adidas has extended its financial support for McMillanElite, an in-residence training group in Flagstaff, Ariz., through 2013, coach Greg McMillan announced today.
"Adidas was our first sponsor and I am thrilled that our partnership will continue through and beyond the 2012 London Olympics," McMillan said through a media release. "With their sponsorship, they are directly helping the resurgence of U.S. distance running. This renewed commitment to our team means that more aspiring Olympians will have the opportunity to pursue their dreams."
The sponsorship agreement allows McMillanElite to assist up to 15 emerging elite distance runners, McMillan said. The adidas team contract provides equipment, race travel and housing support. Athletes also receive a health insurance subsidy, injury prevention treatment (including massage subsidy), comprehensive physiological monitoring, and "fast track" medical care.
McMillanElite focuses on training promising post-collegiate athletes with aspirations to run at a national or international level from 1500m through the marathon. In 2009, the group achieved 14 top-10 finishes at various USA national championships (including 8 top-5's), earned seven national team slots, and had one national champion (Brett Gotcher, 20 km).
The team has a website at www.mcmillanelite.com and a Facebook page at FaceBook.com.
David Monti