dsm-firmenich, a Dutch-Swiss firm specializing in innovations in nutrition, health and beauty will take over as the lead title sponsor of NN Running Team, the group announced on Monday.
The training group, operated by Global Sports Communication, is home to some of the sport’s most well-known athletes like Eliud Kipchoge, Joshua Cheptegei, Letesenbet Gidey, Nienke Brinkman and Abdi Nageeye will now compete under the dsm-firmenich Running Team name as part of a larger revamp of the group’s sponsors. The change became official on January 1, according to dsm-firmenich.
“We are beyond pleased to welcome dsm-firmenich as our new partner, as we continue to build towards an incredible future with the team,” Marleen Vink-Rennings, marketing director Global Sports Communication said in a statement. “Running truly is a team sport, not just for athletes but the entire organization at large. To have the support and knowledge of such a great organization behind us will make a tremendous impact and we are excited to continue to push the sport forwards through extensive athlete support, innovation and engaging storytelling.”
NN will shift to a new role as founding partner, while Huawei has been added as the team’s new technology partner. Nike will stay on as the group’s main partner and team supplier. Coros and INEOS will not continue as sponsors, with their involvement with the team winding down as Kipchoge revealed in last November that while he will continue to run, his time as a competitor in the biggest marathons is likely over.
The Netherlands-based NN Group has been synonymous with the team since its founding in 2017 as the company’s branding was easily a recognizable cue as part of the white, orange and black kits that members and staff of the team wore.
The team has become a professional distance running powerhouse with over 200 road race wins, numerous world records, Olympic medals and major marathon victories. It is not yet known if the team will use new colorways under dsm-firmenich but members of the group were showing in promotional photos wearing outfits in shades of blue.
“With a shared passion for running, we are thrilled to become the title partner of the world’s leading professional running team,” Dimitri de Vreeze, CEO of dsm-firmenich said in a statement. “Building on our experience in professional cycling, we will support the team through our innovations and science. Elite running is the ultimate environment where every detail matters, making it the perfect place to test our latest solutions. This collaboration embodies our shared vision to push the limits of human performance and innovation in health and nutrition.”
