A few minutes with Kevin Hanson - Hanson-Brooks Running Project

RUNOHIO
How did the whole Hanson project get started?

Hanson
It stated back in 1999.. basically, my brother Keith and I were sitting around not happy with the state of American distance running and thought we were in a position financially where we might be able to help a little bit.

RUNOHIO
Through the Hanson Running Shops?

Hanson
Exactly, so we utilize the stores, got some college students and we tried to get back to some of the things we thought were successful from the early 80’s. We started with that, get back to group training and stuff. And it has grown form there.

RUNOHIO
Some of the Hanson Brooks Running Project team members recent successes has been very positive.

Hanson

Certainly, Brian Sell making the Olympic team was huge from Brian, his family, us, Brooks, Saturn and everyone who helps sponsor us. That was defiantly huge. I always fell guilty when we say our accomplishments. They are always the athlete’s accomplishment. But, we are just a small part; we were kind of the thing that provided the environment. We are happy for that, but really it is the accomplishment the program provides.

RUNOHIO
Do you get a lot of support from the community.

Hanson
The community is great. The support has been great. Although, I tell you one thing is, when we first started the program, no one really paid attention. Now we really don’t realize it, we consider ourselves fans as much as anything and we come to these things.
We didn’t realize we were actually in such a high business of they people we are competing against we are now the enemy. I got kicked out of the Eugene Running Company yesterday, because it was Nike Day. I was asked if I would leave.

RUNOHIO
I saw that the Eugene Running Company was selling some of your singlets.

Hanson,
Yea, they had stuff like that. We will be speaking in a few days there. But we weren’t welcome yesterday, that for sure.

RUNOHIO
What do you think the direction will be for running, do you think there will be other clubs like your team.

Hanson
Absolutely, we have seen that already. The group training in particular, some will do it differently, some will do it with bringing athletes together who are from different show sponsors and stuff. But, for us that is not the best systems for us. But I think it is all about getting athletes together and running together.

RUNOHIO
But you need some time of sponsorship and support.

Hanson
Absolutely, absolutely, so for us it makes the most sense.

RUNOHIO
What do you think of the Trails so far?

Hanson
They have been great. I always come here to watch the 5,000 and 10,000. But last night 800 was great. But, my highlight so far was the first night, Amy Begley finishing third and doing so much of that work by herself to get that “A” standard. I was very impressed.

RUNOHIO
Sad for Katie McGregor, but great for Amy.

Hanson
Absolutely, sad for Katie, but someone always has to be fourth and it is always sad. But Amy Begley didn’t back into it she took it. And anyone who was watching the race had to feel good about that.

More on the Hanson Brooks Running Project –
http://www.hansons-running.com/odp/about_us.htm