Dispatch: Tim O’Donnell, Newton’s Newest Name
The 2013 Ironman Brazil champion is the latest athlete to join the running shoe brand.
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The hot-spot social happening in Boulder, Colo. last Tuesday night was a happy hour mixer hosted by Newton Running in honor of the company’s latest athlete sponsorship signing. The event, which took place at casual cool Reuben’s Burger Bistro, was packed with a prime mix of professional athletes, Newton Running and World Triathlon Corporation employees, triathlon industry VIPs, and members of the media.
A few weeks prior to Tuesday night’s party, Newton released a teaser video to pique interest in the announcement of their newest athlete. And while the lean legs featured in the film could belong to any number of elite athletes, they are in fact the fit limbs of none other than Boulder local and 2013 Ironman Brazil champion Tim O’Donnell.
Having arrived home from his Bora Bora honeymoon less than 24 hours earlier, O’Donnell appeared tanned, relaxed and really happy in regards to his new running shoe partnership.
“I’m super pumped to be on the Newton team with so many other incredible athletes — athletes that are both great friends of mine and such quality competitors that I know this is the right move for me,” said O’Donnell. “I’m hoping I can represent Newton well–and I’m hoping that with my new shoes I’ll be able to outrun Rinny in Kona this year!”
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Newton athletes from around the globe — including Craig Alexander, Chris Legh and Winter Vinecki — chimed in their congratulations for O’Donnell via videotaped welcome messages. Three-time Ironman Champion Rachel Joyce attended the event in person and spoke with glowing praise about her experience as part of the Newton Running family and the encouragement the company provides above and beyond supplying quality footwear.
As a unique highlight of the night, O’Donnell and Joyce then drew the name of the winner of Newton’s “Win a Trip to Hawaii” contest and phoned the lucky recipient with the good news. Mary Tanner of California reacted with clear surprise when she heard Kona runner-up Rachel Joyce’s voice on the line, letting her know that she’d won a trip to witness the 2014 Ironman World Championship in Hawaii, along with an array of other prizes. “No way!” she exclaimed. “Are you kidding? No way!”
The mixer continued into the evening, with everyone in excellent spirits and exhibiting an eager outlook for the season ahead — especially O’Donnell, who is obviously excited to merge his run training with Newton’s innovative shoe technology.
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