WHAT IS THE UNSPONSORED PROJECT?

Began in 2023, the Unsponsored Project aims to solve a shortcoming in professional running, where athletes train at elite levels, but receive no compensation from the brands whose gear they wore during competition.⁠

We provide unsponsored athletes with 100% unbranded kits to represent themselves. In addition to gear, we provide all athletes with cash to offset the costs of travel, lodging, physical therapy, and any other needs to compete.

Our contracts all feature release clauses so if a larger brand approaches the athlete with a professional opportunity, they can immediately sign with them.

OUR MISSION

Our mission with the Unsponsored Project is to support more athletes chasing their dreams, to raise the floor from a compensation perspective, and ultimately to help athletes get their best shot at securing a larger brand sponsorship deal.

To date, 12 Unsponsored Athletes have gone on to sign major footwear deals.

DIALED: AJEE' WILSON

Olympian and 4x National Champion, Ajee' Wilson joins the 2025 Unsponsored Project as she returns to Eugene for a shot at Team USA for the World Championships.

DIALED: HELEN SCHLACHTENHAUFEN

Helen Schlachtenhaufen ran sub-4 in the 1500M at last year’s Olympic Trials. Despite this breakthrough performance, her sponsors decided to not renew her contract, leaving her questioning if she should stay in the sport or not…

THE UNSPONSORED PROJECT CAPSULE

100% of sales go towards supporting more unsponsored athletes.

WHY WE CREATED THE UNSPONSORED PROJECT

The Unsponsored Project aims to fill a gap where the current running sponsorship model falls short...

THE RUNNING SPONSORSHIP MODEL IS BROKEN

DIALED: COURTNEY OKOLO

DIALED: AIDAN TOOKER