Endurance events (marathons, triathlons, etc.) often have the need or desire to provide energy gels for competitors on the race course. In the past it has been relatively easy for race directors to secure energy gel sponsorship from the larger gel manufacturers. However, more recently it has become increasingly difficult for race directors as the gel manufacturers have had to adjust their marketing budgets and significantly reduce the number of events and level of support that they are willing to offer. While these adjustments are necessary due to the economic realities of the energy gel industry, it has created a quandary for race directors that are now faced with either purchasing energy gel or choosing to eliminate the product all together on the race course.

Crank Sports is the manufacturer of e-Gel Electrolyte Energy Gel (e-Gel). Our product has only been on the market since early 2003, but in that short time we have gained significant market share primarily due to our ability to differentiate e-Gel from our competitors. Specifically, e-Gel's patent pending Electrolyte Energy formulation is designed to provide complete and balanced electrolyte replacement in addition to all of the benefits of traditional energy gels. As such, e-Gel is an ideal product to provide on course during endurance events.

Given the fact that race directors have been thrown a curve ball by their old energy gel partners, and the fact that e-Gel is a strong up and coming brand, we have found ourselves in a position where race directors are hoping that we can pick up where their old partners left off. The bad news is that like our competitors, we do not have the budget to provide free gels. The good news is that we have developed a program that we believe can be mutually beneficial to both race directors and to our company. Like other energy gel companies, we offer below wholesale pricing for gels to be distributed on race courses. However, due to our unique business model, we are also able to offer cooperative marketing generated revenue back to our event partners that can further reduce (or eliminate all together) the cost of the gel. If properly marketed, you have the potential of securing free gel and generating additional revenue. Complete program details will be made available after we have had the opportunity to review your application (below).

Event Type
Must be an endurance race (1/2 Marathon, Marathon, Ultrarun, Triathlon, Duathlon, Mountain Bike or Cycling event). Other events may be approved on a case by case basis.

Event Location and Date
Events must be held in the continental United States between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2006.

Event Size
Event must have a minimum of 100 estimated participants in the primary endurance race and a maximum of 4,000. For example, if the event has both a marathon and a 5K run, runners in the 5K do not count toward participant requirement.

Product Usage
Product can only be distributed to athlete competitors in approved endurance events. For example, if your event consists of a marathon and a 5K run, products acquired through this program should only be distributed to the marathon runners. This is due to the fact that participants in shorter events in general do not require an energy gel and they are far less likely to be customers of our products.

Agreement Timing
To allow ample time for inventory planning, product shipments and marketing activities, events should be accepted into the program no later than 45 days prior to the planned event date.




Approved event affiliates will be eligible to purchase e-Gel on a three-tier price schedule. Even though there is a cost associated with the gel, the intention of this program is to further reduce the out-of-pocket expense as much as possible through strong co-operative marketing efforts. Cost schedule details will be provided after your application has been reviewed.




If your event meets the above requirements and you are interested in learning more details about this program, please take a moment to complete the following application. After we review your event, we will contact you with additional program details, requirements, costs and benefits.