Karhu News

Join us to Celebrate the Kick-off of the Karhu Originals Tour 2012

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 16:29:29 +0000

COME SEE WHAT’S INSIDE!

Join us to Celebrate the Kick-off of the

Karhu Originals Tour 2012

Olavi Suomalainen, winner of the 1972 Boston Marathon, will inaugurate the unveiling of our newly redesigned Airstream. This vintage Airstream has been transformed into a mobile exhibition showcasing the evolution of running footwear.

WHEN: SATURDAY APRIL 14, 2012

12:00 noon

Corner of B Street/145 Seaport Blvd. (steps away from the Seaport World Trade Center)

Boston Waterfront

FREE karhu Originals Tour T-shirts to first 20! Goody bags for all.

Visitors can follow the significant moments in Karhu shoe technology and design as we make our way from the track to the street and on into today’s most prestigious races. They will also learn about the long-standing Finnish/American running rivalry, which American’s ran in Karhu shoes, and how the brand’s heritage continues to influence its future.

Throughout 2012, the Karhu Originals Tour will retrace the route taken by Finland’s legendary runners of the 20^th century, stopping at races and dealers along the way.

Upcoming Dealer stops: BOSTON

The Tannery

400 Boylston Street in Boston will be hosting a Karhu exhibit in-store April 13th - 15th

At 3 p.m. on Friday, April 13th meet Olavi Suomalainen in the store

Georgia Marathon and Half-Marathon

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:39:59 +0000

Join 30,000 of your closest running buddies at the 2012 Publix Georgia Marathon and Half-Marathon! The race starts and finishes in beautiful Centennial Olympic Park underneath the majestic downtown Atlanta skyline. Not sure you can go the distance? Then sign up for the Cuties 5k, where you have a chance to Beat the Bear and win a free pair of Karhu shoes! For all your pre-race needs, including Karhu footwear and licensed Publix Georgia Marathon Craft apparel, be sure to visit a Big Peach Running Co. near you!

13.1 Miami

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:38:26 +0000

You've challenged yourself, you've pushed yourself, now reward yourself by completing 13.1 Miami Beach! There’s nothing quite like running down the beach to the sound of a roaring crowd, swaying palm trees, and samba music. And if 13 miles is a bit too far, then test yourself against the Karhu bear in the Karhu 5k. Beat him to the finish line and you can win a free pair of Karhu shoes! Miami Beach 13.1 Marathon®... We make your weekends better!

Karhu 5K "Beat the Bear" in LA

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 21:37:43 +0000

The Karhu 5k, a division of 13.1 Marathon® – Los Angeles, invites racers to come out on January 15th and try to "Beat the Bear". The first 10 runners who "Beat the Karhu Bear" during the 5K and cross the finish line before the Bear will be presented with a coupon good for a FREE pair of Karhu running shoes of their choice.

Karhu Beat the Bear - Watch the Video

Ft. Lauderdale

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 03:46:47 +0000

On a humid and windy day in Ft. Lauderdale, the Karhu Bear fought through the elements to finish the Karhu 5k in 24 minutes. Coincidentally, he also finished in 24th place. The first 10 lucky finishers who outlasted the bear earned a free pair of Karhu shoes for their effort. Seasoned local runner Paul Marmaro, who became the Karhu Bear for the day, said that this effort in the heavy and fur-laden bear suit was harder than the Olympic Trials prep training he did while in his prime!

Tri Magazine Tests Out the Karhu Flow

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 19:38:57 +0000

The Test Pilot Section in Tri Magazine does a feature on the Flow. See the write up here.

Win freegear for your Facebook promotion

Sat, 29 Oct 2011 18:57:53 +0000

Do you run a Facebook fan page for your running team, business, school, or just as hobby?

Win Karhus for your Facebook promotion to gain more fans.

Contact Karhu digital communications manager at ST[at@]karhu[dot.]com for more information!

Flow Ride in Running Times Wear-Test Report

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 20:06:58 +0000

Check out the break down on the Karhu Flow here.

13.1® Fort Lauderdale - November 13, 2011

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 21:40:01 +0000

We don't want to brag, but we will. You see, there are pretty courses, and then there is the 13.1® Fort Lauderdale. There are so many gorgeous beaches on this course that this isn't a race so much as it is a reward. 13.1® Fort Lauderdale... We make your weekends better!

For more info on this event or to register click to 13.1® Ft. Lauderdale.

13.1® Atlanta - October 2, 2011

Sun, 02 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000

The Deep South has a new running capital. It's a capital filled with trees, sunlight, and miles of beautiful roads. Some call it Hotlanta, some call it ATL. We just call it Atlanta. Run its crown jewel: 13.1® Atlanta... We make your weekends better!

Flow and Strong2 in Competitor Fall Shoe Guide

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 19:04:58 +0000

Both the Karhu Flow and Karhu Strong2 are reviewed in the Fall Shoe Guide for Competitor Magazine. See the write up here.

Editor's Choice Fall 2011

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Karhu Flow fulcrum Ride receives Editor's Choice Fall 2011 from Endurance Sports Media Group. See the write up here.

Nation's Triathlon – September, 11 2011

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000

The 6th Annual Nation’s Triathlon To Benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society will take place Sunday, September 11, 2011 in the nation’s capital, Washington, DC. It features a course that winds through Washington, DC’s monument corridor in the shadow of the nation’s best known memorials and national treasures. This International Distance triathlon, sanctioned by the USAT, includes a 1.5k swim in the Potomac River, 40k bike course through DC, and a 10k run through Washington, DC’s historical landmarks with a spectacular finish!

Flow Featured in Shape

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 22:02:10 +0000

Triathlete Fast Shoe Review

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 21:48:51 +0000

ARA Flow Review

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 21:29:28 +0000

"On the shoe front, there are more lightweight training shoes showing up on specialty running shoes shelves this summer. Nike Free is your market leader in this category. Saucony and New Balance are making in-roads with their reduced heel and lightweight models. One new lower-heeled lightweight trainer recently caught my eye: the Karhu Flow. It had a heel that is even with the mid and forefoot and it did not have any extra weight with motion or stability control materials. The other thing that grabs you about the Karhus: the vibrant colors. The Mens’ Flow looks like they were custom made for VA TECH University."

"Are you wearing the new 'It' Sneaker?"

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 21:08:55 +0000

Helsinki Trip Winner

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 22:32:06 +0000

Callia and her husband William will fly round trip to Helsinki, Finland, birthplace of Karhu, to experience Finnish culture and run the Helsinki City Marathon. They’ll visit Finland's historic Olympic Stadium and Museum, where Karhu’s original discuses, javelins and track spikes are on display. "When I first found out about winning the trip to Helsinki I was shocked and couldn't believe I had won! My husband and I just kept saying I can't believe this! Karhu is amazing and we can't thank them enough for providing this once in a lifetime opportunity to run the Helsinki Marathon! On August 19th, in true Finnish fashion, Callia will Move forward™ in her Karhu Fast2 Ride's at the Helsinki City Marathon. Congratulations to Callia and thank you to everyone who participated in the sweepstakes.

Fast2 on Champion Triathlon Community

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 15:45:19 +0000

Strong2 on Fit Bottomed Girls

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 15:40:45 +0000

Karhu Fast2 on Runner's Tech Review

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 15:29:41 +0000

Fast2 on Running Shoes Guru

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 15:21:37 +0000

Helsinki City Marathon - August 19, 2011

Sun, 05 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0000

The first Helsinki City Marathon was organized in 1981 with 1,574 runners. In August 2010 the event celebrated it's 30th Anniversary. Set yourself a challenge to run the 42,195 meters long route along the beautiful streets of Helsinki! The refreshment points, happy runners to run with and the fresh sea wind along the route will help you all the way to the finish.

Karhu 5k Challenged Runners in Chicago To “Beat The Karhu Bear”

Sat, 04 Jun 2011 21:16:26 +0000

CHICAGO, IL - On Saturday, June 4, 2011, the national 13.1 Marathon® Series produced by US Road Sports & Entertainment Group made its way to the Windy City for the 3rd year in a row, bringing out over 4,400 runners to Chicago’s lakefront. The half-marathon started and ended at the South Shore Cultural Center, the site of the climactic closing concert in the movie “Blues Brothers.”

The male winner was Moses Waweru, age 33, from Sun Prairie, WI with a time of 1:09:50. The male runner up was Daniel Kirwa, 24, from Searcy, AR, with a time of 1:09:54. The female winner was Meagan Nedlo, 28, from Charlotte, NC, with a finish time of 1:21:42 and the female runner up was Alexa Glencer, 23 from San Francisco, CA with a time of 1:24:45.

Both Waweru and Nedlo take home a $1,000 prize. Kirwa and Glencer will be awarded with a $500 prize.

According to Waweru, the male winner from Sun Prairie, WI, “the lakefront course was beautiful and the music kept me moving and was very inspiring. The cheering crowds kept me focused in the heat. It was a great race overall.”

“I run in all the 13.1 Marathon series and Chicago is an amazing flat course with amazing views of the lake. I especially wanted to win this race to take home the prize of $1,000 to donate to my aunt and uncle who recently lost their home in Missouri to the tornado’s,” said Nedlo, the female winner and the national field marketing manager for Craft/Karhu.

In the Karhu 5K race, 5 runners “Beat the Bear,” winning a pair of Karhu shoes for besting the time of Verdo Gregory of Chicago, IL, who raced in a full bear costume. Karhu means ‘bear’ in Finnish and this past weekend the bear came out of hibernation to challenge racers to beat him across the finish line.

Runners enjoyed a beautiful course along Chicago’s South Shore with a variety of music “party stations” along the way to keep them pumped up and motivated. An unprecedented feature of the race was the huge block party at the finish line featuring live entertainment, Chicago’s famous Lou Malnati’s pizza and Michelob ULTRA.

13.1® Chicago

Sat, 04 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0000

In Chicago, there are thousands of paths. On June 4th, only one will matter: Lake Front Path. Sure, Chicago has the Magnificent Mile, but you're going to be running 13.1 Magnificent Miles. 13.1® Chicago... Where the Party Meets the Pavement!

Eric Schenker @ Helsinki City Run

Thu, 26 May 2011 22:49:30 +0000

Från mässan i Helsingfors, intervju med Eric från Karhu North America.

Chicago coach's top picks for running gear Karhu Fast2

Tue, 24 May 2011 15:54:09 +0000

May 24, 2011 (CHICAGO) -- Marathon training season is in full swing, and it's always a little easier to push through those last few miles with some great running gear. The result of more than two years of biomechanical research, Karhu's latest running shoe innovation helps runners to increase their speed on mid-distance runs through strategically placed "fulcrum points" for faster toe-off and better efficiency. karhu.com

Helsinki City Run

Sat, 07 May 2011 12:19:05 +0000

You can run, jog or walk the route of the Helsinki City Run in the parks - the maximum running time of 3 hours fully allows it! Enjoy the happy atmosphere and exceed yourself!

13.1® MInneapolis - August 21, 2011

Sun, 01 May 2011 12:00:00 +0000

Minneapolis gave us Target, the nation's first hydroelectric plant, and Prince. Now, it offers a half-marathon on the banks of the Mississippi that is just too darn fun not to run. We're a poet, and we didn't know it. 13.1® Minneapolis... Where the Party Meets the Pavement!. Register Now >>

Beat the Bear at 13.1® Marathon Chicago

Tue, 12 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0000

CHICAGO, IL, April 12, 2011
Because Karhu means ‘bear’ in Finnish, The Karhu 5K, a division of the 13.1 Marathon® Chicago, invites racers to try and “Beat the Karhu Bear” on Saturday, June 4th. The first 10 runners to cross the finish line before the Karhu costumed bear receive a FREE pair of Karhu running shoes of their choice. All other runners finishing in front of the bear will receive a “I Beat the Bear” running shirt.

The Karhu 5K will share the start and finish lines with the 13.1 Marathon® Chicago, beginning and ending at the South Shore Cultural Center at 7059 S. South Shore Dr. Running along the shore of beautiful Lake Michigan with a view of the Chicago skyline, participants will also enjoy the perks of “Where the Party Meets the Pavement” with entertainment at each mile marker.

First‐timer friendly and perfect for avid runners, 13.1 Marathon® Chicago and The Karhu 5K offer runners a scenic and fun experience. Participants and spectators are encouraged to wear costumes and enjoy a race “Where the Party Meets the Pavement.”

For more information on 13.1 Marathon® Chicago and The Karhu 5K visit the 13.1 Marathon® at www.131marathon.com.

About 13.1 Marathon®
13.1 Marathon® is the series of half marathons serving some of America's top running communities with a stand‐alone half marathon for locals to embrace and visitors to experience. The series kicked off on the West Coast in January with 13.1 Marathon™ Los Angeles (January 16, 2011) followed by events in Miami Beach (March 6, 2011), New York (April 2, 2011), Chicago (June 4, 2011), Minneapolis (August 21, 2011) Atlanta (October 2, 2011), Dallas (October 23, 2011) and Ft. Lauderdale (November 13, 2011). For more information, please visit http://www.131marathon.com/ or call (800) 596‐5990.

Fast2 Fulcrum Ride in Fitness Magazine

Mon, 11 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Karhu Fast2 Fulcrum Ride running shoe in Fitness Magazine April 2011 issue.

Karhu in Women's Health

Mon, 11 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Karhu Fast2 Fulcrum Ride running shoe in Women's Health Magazine April 2011 issue.

13.1 New York Marathon

Wed, 06 Apr 2011 22:35:03 +0000

After a seemingly endless stretch of cold and dreary weather, runners and walkers were greeted with a beautiful sunny morning for 13.1 Marathon New York last Saturday. Taking place at the historic Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens, the half-marathon and 5k events attracted more than 4,400 runners. The first event of the day, the Karhu 5k, posed a challenge: beat the Karhu Bear and win a free pair of Karhu shoes! Fresh out of his winter hibernation and hungry for victory (and honey), the bear coasted to the line in 20:48 and was only beaten by six competitors, including overall winners Jonathan Shallow and Evelyn Abiola. The Karhu Bear wasn't the only one with some pep in his step, as half-marathon winner Fabian Daza set an event record of 1:09:10 and bested the next finisher by over eight minutes. Female winner Jenna Papaz just edged out runner-up Jill Czarnik by finishing in 1:25:27 to Czarnik's 1:25:41. Ready to join the Karhu Bear and break free from the winter doldrums? Your next chance to participate in the 13.1 Marathon series and maybe even Beat the Bear will be in Chicago on June 4, 2011. Rumor has it he's looking to get fit this spring so you'd better start your training now!

Karhu on Real Simple Website

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Karhu Forward Fulcrum Ride running shoe on Real Simple website in April 2011.

Karhu 5K Beat the Bear

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 21:52:46 +0000

April 4, 2011
In the Karhu 5K race that preceded the 13.1 at Flushing Meadows Corona Park, six runners "Beat the Bear," winning a pair of Karhu shoes for besting the time of Mark Carbone, 37, of Bellerose, N.Y., who raced in a full bear costume. Karhu means 'bear' in Finnish and this past weekend the bear came out of hibernation to challenge racers to beat him across the finish line.

Karhu Unveils New Advances

Fri, 01 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0000

BEVERLY, MA, April 1, 2011
Building upon its fast growth in running specialty, KARHU announces new advancements for spring 2011 in its patented, fulcrum technology.

Trusted by runners for over 30 years, KARHUs fulcrum footwear collaborates with the foot to convert a runner's natural energy into forward momentum. Winner of both Runner’s World and Women's Running awards for superior product, KARHU running footwear provides industry leading benefits for runner efficiency and balanced transition delivering unprecedented performance and comfort for all types of runners.

Runners literally Move Forward with the KARHU Fulcrum Advancemen
The new spring 2011 products are the result of two years of biomechanical research and testing at the Neuromuscular Research Center, University of Jyvaskyla, Finland.

Created for performance runners with a mid-foot strike or faster cadence, the latest KARHU innovation for running shoes in 2011 moves the runner's center of pressure more quickly through the shoe into toe-off. The new Fulcrum creates superior response while gaining the benefits of stride balance, stride efficiency, and lower vertical oscillation.

Fast2 fulcrum_ride and Strong2 fulcrum_ride shoes are geared to the more serious runner looking to develop a faster pace during mid-high mileage training runs. The fulcrum points in the new models are placed in the mid-sole and are further forward than all previous models. This delivers an even faster transition to toe-off by preventing the runner from "sinking" into the shoes while increasing forward propulsion off the heel. The outcome is an extremely responsive ride, resulting in more efficient running that translates into faster paces on the same amount, or even less, physical exertion (as measured by VO2).

“For KARHU it is all about helping a runner Move Forward on their run and in life. Our patented fulcrum helps a runner do just that and we made it even better for 2011,” says Jay Duke, KARHU’S president. “Our fast growth this past year shows that runners realize greater efficiency and comfort wearing KARHU footwear.”

The new Strong2 and Fast2 models are irrefutable proof that the company is committed to driving as much performance from the fulcrum technology as possible. "For decades, best-in-class in this industry has been determined by tweaking basic concepts that haven't changed a whole lot,” Duke says. “We're convinced — and our growth proves it — that the fulcrum technology is transforming the standard and causing a profound shift in what training runners can and should expect from their shoes."

Key product details of the new models:
In addition to the forward placement of the fulcrum point, both the Strong2 and Fast2 offer new construction features for greater comfort for mid-high mileage training. Specifically, a form fitting, molded upper eliminates overlap seams that can cause blisters and significantly reduces the need for the cement that affects breathability. Both shoes also feature a breathable, Ortholite polyurethane insole, blown rubber in the forefoot and reflectivity throughout.

Altogether, the new Spring 2011 line includes more than seven different models - each featuring a unique combination of fulcrum point position (rearward, mid and forward), cushioning, stability components and profile. Such an expansive offering gives runners of all levels and body types the ability to leverage the fulcrum technology into a more efficient stride and greater forward momentum.

The newest fulcrum is now available at running specialty retailers and at www.karhu.com.

Karhu Fast2 in Running Times

Fri, 01 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Karhu Fast2 Fulcrum Ride running shoe in Running Times Magazine April 2011 issue.

Runners can Win $100K at 13.1® Marathon NY

Fri, 25 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0000

NEW YORK, March 25, 2011
Two exciting promotions highlight the 13.1 Marathon® New York road race when thousands of runners take to beautiful Flushing Meadows Corona Park on Saturday, April 2.

US Road Sports & Entertainment Group (USRS) will award $100,000, the largest single half marathon prize in U.S. history, to the winner of 13.1 Marathon® New York (or any other Marathon®13.1 Series race) whose winning time breaks the World Half Marathon Record. Additionally, USRS will award $50,000 to any U.S. citizen who wins any 13.1 Marathon® Series race and whose winning time breaks the U.S. Half Marathon Record.

Because Karhu mean’s ‘bear’ in Finnish, The Karhu 5K, a division of the 13.1 Marathon® New York, Karhu invites racers to try to "Beat the Karhu Bear,” a costumed runner, to win a free pair of Karhu running shoes of their choice. “The Bear” will be worn by Mark Carbone, an elite amateur triathlete and marathoner who lives in New York. The first 10 runners to “Beat the Bear” on April 2 will win the shoes, while anyone else whose time is better than Carbone will win a commemorative T-shirt.

The current half marathon record holders in each category are:
Men’s World – Zersenay Tadese (58:23)
Men’s U.S. – Ryan Hall (59:43)
Women’s World – Lornah Kiplagat (1:06:25)
Women’s U.S. – Deena Kastor (1:07:34)

Says US Road Sports & Entertainment Group’s CEO, Greg Laird:
“I challenge every runner in the world to break the World Half Marathon Record at one of US Road Sports’ 13.1® Marathon Series races. There is nothing I would enjoy more than handing a $100,000 check to an athlete at one of our races. Bring on the competition.”

The 13.1® New York half-marathon begins at 9:13 a.m. in front of Arthur Ashe Stadium and continues around the park, which was the site of the 1939 and 1964 World Fairs. The walker-friendly course will remain open for 3 hours and 30 minutes, a 16 minute/mile pace.

The Karhu 5K race will start at 9:05 a.m., on a separate course within Flushing Meadows Park.

Racers are invited to join the official benefiting charity, Team World Vision to raise funds for clean water projects in Kenya and Malawi while training with local team groups. For more information on Team World Vision please visit www.worldvision.org.

Registration is currently open at www.131newyork.com. Fees for the 13.1 are $80 per runner until March 30, $100 walk-up; for the Karhu 5K they are $20 until March 30, $25 walk-up.

The 13.1 Marathon New York is the third in the eight-city Series, which includes races in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Fort Lauderdale, Los Angeles, Miami Beach and Minneapolis. Connect with the 13.1 Marathon Series via Facebook at www.facebook.com/131marathon or on Twitter at @131Marathon.

About US Road Sports
US Road Sports & Entertainment Group is a health and wellness company dedicated to the production of world-class endurance events. The mission of US Road Sports is to offer an unparalleled participant sports experience that showcases host communities and endures as a deeply valued local asset through events that are a part of the city’s culture, identity and brand. For each participant, US Road Sports strives to offer events that allow participants of all skill levels the opportunity to improve their physical and mental health and accomplish life-altering goals while having fun. US Road Sports provides sponsors and municipalities highly effective exposure to help maximize their presence and message in the community.

About World Vision
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision serves close to 100 million people in nearly 100 countries around the world. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender.

Karhu on FOX

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 22:33:20 +0000

Advitam Sports are outfitting their coaches with Karhu gear during upcoming events. The founder, Jason Weisberg, just did an interview on Fox Business on March 23rd. He talks about taking a brief break for fitness! There Karhu Fast2 is in front of him. Here is a link to that clip.

http://bit.ly/foIgz0

Nine Outrun Bear to Win Shoes

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0000

"Any runner who beat the bear received a voucher for a free pair of Karhu shoes and nine proved faster than the bear's time of 20:02" -The Atlanta Journal Constitution.