Kara Goucher Is Looking to Leave Nike

Published by the Wall Street Journal on January 9, 2014

American marathoner Kara Goucher, who for much of the last Olympiad was the face of Nike distance running, may be leaving the swoosh behind, according to people familiar with the matter.

Goucher, 35, is actively negotiating for another primary endorsement contract with other sports and apparel companies, though Nike has the potential to retain her through a contract clause that gives the company the right of first refusal, according to one of these people. A final deal is expected sometime in February, this person said.

The potential move by Goucher, who built her career as a Nike athlete and has lead a resurgence in the sport of American women’s distance running in recent years is one of a number of shifts by top runners as the sport enters a rebuilding year in 2014. With no World Championships or summer Olympic Games on schedule, athletes and shoe companies alike have more room to take larger risks, like moving to new training hubs or signing new talent.

Goucher is among the most decorated American distance runners of her generation. A two-time Olympian and a World Championships bronze medalist in the 10,000 meters, Goucher’s third place finish at the 2008 New York City Marathon marked the first time in 14 years that an American woman had reached the podium at the prestigious race. She also placed third at the 2009 Boston Marathon, and took time off to give birth to her son, Colt, before competing in the 2012 Olympic marathon in London, where she finished in 11th place.

“Kara is a great athlete and we are proud to partner with her. We don’t comment on athlete contracts, but we look forward to continuing our relationship,” said Mary Remuzzi, a spokeswoman for Nike.