Runner's World, 2x Olympian Leo Manzano, and Track Shack have teamed up for a Shake Out Run at the Orlando store on Wednesday. The event gives the running community a chance to meet Manzano and check out Hoka One One's latest product launch, the Arahi. Chris Hughes, Manager & Special Events Coordinator for the store, says the idea came about from Hoka.
"They were looking for a store with a lot of history to host the launch event for the Arahi and we were flattered to find out that our area reps Al and Corey Tunstall suggested Track Shack. Hoka had already gotten Runner's World on board to promote the event and bring legendary coach Bart Yasso out to speak."
The shoe company told Hughes they were bringing an athlete as well to promote the product and Hughes jokingly asked if it would be Manzano. He was pleasantly surprised to find out a month later that it would indeed be the 2x Olympian.
"We are always stoked to have our store host athletes of that caliber. Having met Leo a few times before I can tell you first hand that he is as nice and genuine as anyone you'll ever meet and full of awesome knowledge and advice for runners of any level!"
Manzano is stoked to showcase the newest member of the Hoka One One family, the Arahi, a new stability show, something he says is part of the company's plan to revolutionize the shoe industry.
"In the past stability shoes usually were known to be stiff and heavy, but this is not the case with HokaOneOne's Arahi. The new Arahi is a stability shoe that is a lightweight shoe and provides great cushion."
Hughes adds that this event will be the first test run for the shoe in the United States which is a huge honor for Track Shack. He says they love to be involved in occasions like this for a number of reasons.
"First of all, it's always super exciting anytime you can partner with brands as well-known and respected as Hoka and Runner's World. Bart Yasso has also been a friend of the store for years so we always love seeing him and anytime we can be graced with an Olympic medalist like Leo it's a huge honor. Most importantly though we love any chance to get out and run with our awesome running and walking community here in Central Florida and always hope that events like this will bring some new faces."
For Manzano it is also a chance to give back and interact with the running community, a group he credits for the success he's been able to accomplish in his career.
"The running community has been an essential part of my life and thanks to them I am still in the sport today. Not only has Hoka One One made this appearance possible, but they have also given me the opportunity to give back to the community. Thanks to Hoka One One as they have allowed many of us to follow our dreams and perform to fullest."
Leo is coming back from altitude training and will head back on Thursday in preparation for his first race of the year February 4th at the JDL track meet in North Carolina. He says the Ahari's are the first of what fans can expect to see from Hoka .
"Keep your eyes on what other products Hoka One One is coming out with in 2017. The sky is the limit."
The event will start at 5:30 for the meet and greet followed by the shake out run, but Hughes encourages the running community to come out every Wednesday night at 6:30 p.m. for free group runs at the store. The runs are open to anyone of any ability level to come and out run. Track Shack is located at 104 N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL 32803.
More Coverage
- Leo's Athlete Profile (Stats, Articles, Coverage)
