Hansons-Brooks ODP Runner Brian Sell Claims Seat on Team USA for the 2008 Olympics - Men's Marathon

NEW YORK, Nov. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Brian Sell, member of the Hansons-Brooks Original Distance Project (ODP), an elite running group sponsored by Brooks(R) Sports, today pushed out a heart-pounding third-place finish at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials -- Men's Marathon, earning a spot on the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team. Sell clocked in an unofficial time of 2:11:40. In total, 13 Hansons-Brooks runners competed in the race.

"Competing in the Olympics has been my dream for as long as I can remember," said Sell, a six-year member of the Hansons-Brooks ODP team. "Every day through training I had one goal in mind -- to run for my country in Beijing. It's an incredible feeling knowing my hard work has paid off, and I have my team to thank for pushing me each day."

In the largest field for the Olympic Team Trials -- Men's Marathon since 1984, 134 of the top runners in the United States competed in the race, including all three members of the 2004 Olympic Men's Marathon Team.

Sell began the race conservatively, and then stepped out to lead the pack at the 32k. He then settled into a steady pace for two loops through the challenging Central Park course. With power and determination banked, Sell moved into fourth place by mile 21. Surging further still, Sell advanced one more position near mile 22, maintaining his standing until the end for a commanding third-place finish.

"The competition was fierce this year, with 54 more runners than the 2004 trials," said Keith Hanson, founder and coach of the Hansons-Brooks ODP. "It shows distance running is truly making a comeback, and I'd like to think that our team -- with 13 men and four women qualifying for the Trials -- has helped inspire this resurgence."

Founded with the mission to revive American distance running, the Hansons-Brooks ODP is the largest post-collegiate elite running group in the nation. Living, working, and training together on a daily basis, they use the power of team training to reach their running goals.

"Not only are we immensely proud of Sell, we're also thrilled by what the entire Hansons-Brooks team is doing for distance running," said Jesse Williams, sports marketing manager for Brooks Sports. "As a running-focused company, Brooks couldn't be happier to partner with a group so authentically dedicated to the sport."

Although none of the Hansons runners were well-known college athletes, through the group-training program, the team has far exceeded expectations. Including today's race, other high-profile Hansons-Brooks ODP successes include Brian Sell's fourth-place finish at the 2006 Boston Marathon, as well as Trent Briney and Clint Verran's fourth- and fifth-place finishes at the 2004 U.S. Olympic Team Trials -- Men's Marathon.

Sell will join fellow Olympic teammates Ryan Hall and Dathan Ritzenhein in Beijing in August 2008. Striving for their own Olympic dreams, four Hansons-Brooks ODP female team members will compete in the U.S. Olympic Team Trials -- Women's Marathon in Boston on April 20, 2008.

About the Hansons-Brooks Original Distance Project

Brothers Keith and Kevin Hanson founded the Hansons-Brooks Original Distance Project (ODP) in 1999 with the goal to revive American distance running. Recruiting post-collegiate runners nationwide, the Hansons-Brooks ODP gives these athletes the rare opportunity to live, work, and run together in a supportive, training-focused environment founded on team principals. Based in Rochester Hills, Mich., the team currently consists of 20 athletes -- 16 men and four women.

About Brooks

Brooks Sports, Inc. is a leading running company that designs and markets a line of performance footwear, apparel, and accessories in more than 40 countries worldwide. A subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., Brooks was founded in 1914 and is headquartered in Bothell, Wash., near Seattle. The company's mission is to inspire everyone to run and be active by creating innovative gear that keeps them running longer, farther, and faster. Visit www.brooksrunning.com for more information.

About the U.S. Olympic Team Trials -- Men's Marathon

In the largest field since 1984, 134 runners qualified to compete in the U.S. Olympic Team Trials -- Men's Marathon, with the top three finishers to represent the United States in the men's marathon race at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. To compete in the Olympic Team Trials -- Men's Marathon, runners had to qualify with a marathon time of 2:22 or better. The 2008 Olympic Games will be held August 8-24, 2008.

     Contacts:
     Tamara Hills                          Tiffany Putnam
     Brooks Sports, Inc.                   Brooks Sports, Inc.
     425-489-2444                          425-951-7369
     tamara.hills@brooksrunning.com        tiffany.putnam@brooksrunning.com