Garmin® announces trail running legend Tom Evans as newest Global Ambassador
UTMB CCC winner Tom Evans joins the Garmin Global ambassador ranks to support Garmin’s trail running offering and drive greater participation in the sport
SOUTHAMPTON, UK/February 11, 2021 — Garmin® International, Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), today announced that internationally renowned trail runner Tom Evans has been signed as an official Garmin Global ambassador. The partnership will see Tom working with Garmin to drive increased participation in trail running, and will see the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) CCC winner championing a number of Garmin’s upcoming trail running products and projects.
The pairing comes at a key moment for trail running, says Tom: “The pandemic has been hard on everyone’s mental health. I’ve personally found it really tough, and sometimes getting out on the trails was the only thing that made me feel good that day. These experiences have made me even more passionate about getting more people into trail running, and it’s why I’m so excited to be working with Garmin. Garmin has been at the heart of millions of runners’ journeys over the past two decades, helping people to do what they love. With the world as it is, finding these moments of happiness has never been more important.”
Garmin data shows that more people are turning to the trails than ever before. Data from Garmin Connect shows people logged 69% more trail runs in April 2020 onwards compared with the same period in 2019[1], showing just how much people craved time in nature during the pandemic. Evidence suggests these people will be reaping health benefits too: a UK Government survey of 20,000 people found two hours a week in nature was enough to significantly boost overall wellbeing and physical health[2].
The partnership will see Tom working with Garmin on a number of imminent trail running projects and launches. “It’s my mission to get more people out enjoying trail running, so it’s amazing to work with a brand that has the same vision” says Tom. “The new projects and products coming down the line are incredibly exciting, especially for trail runners, and I can’t wait to share more.”
Theo Axford, Head of Marketing at Garmin UK and Ireland commented on the partnership: “Trail running is in Garmin’s DNA, so it’s great to work with someone so passionate about the sport. Tom is an incredible athlete who has pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in running, but equally he’s hugely passionate about growing the grassroots community that trail running is famous for. We’ve got some exciting launches and projects in 2021 that Tom has been instrumental in, so watch this space!”
Tom will also be using Garmin kit to give him the edge as he approaches his competitive season, which includes a Tokyo 2021 Road Marathon qualifying bid and an FKT attempt on a historical British route: the length of Hadrian’s Wall. Despite the pandemic, the former British Army Captain is again aiming for glory this year at future ultra trail races including a return to UTMB[3], and Transvulcania.
ENDS
About Garmin International, Inc.
Garmin International, Inc. is a subsidiary of Garmin Ltd. (Nasdaq: GRMN). Garmin Ltd. is incorporated in Switzerland, and its principal subsidiaries are located in the United States, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. Garmin and Garmin Connect are registered trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries.
Notice on Forward-Looking Statements:
This release includes forward-looking statements regarding Garmin Ltd. and its business. Such statements are based on management’s current expectations. The forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this release may not occur and actual results could differ materially as a result of known and unknown risk factors and uncertainties affecting Garmin, including, but not limited to, the risk factors listed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 2019, filed by Garmin with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Commission file number 0-31983). A copy of such Form 10-K is available at https://www.garmin.com/en-US/company/investors/earnings/. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and Garmin undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
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[1] Data analyses number of trail running activities logged on Garmin Connect in UK & Ireland. Periods compared are April 2019 – December 2019 vs April 2020 – December 2020. Percentage increase calculated as average (mean) increase across full period outlined. Actual mean total: 68.9%
[2] MENE Survey (Updated March 2020)
[3] Tom Evans won the 101km CCC race at UTMB in 2018
