Bothell, Wash. - Brooks Sports, Inc., a leading performance running company, picks up the pace at the collegiate cross country course this season as the official footwear and apparel sponsor of the 2004 Division I Cross Country Pre-Nationals Meet. Brooks has partnered with Indiana State University (ISU) to co-sponsor competition on Oct. 16, 2004. ISU will also host the NCAA Division I National Championship on Nov. 22, 2004.

Two hundred of our country's most talented collegiate cross country teams, coaches and spectators will ascend upon the LaVern-Gibson Cross Country Course at ISU in Terra Haute, Ind., for the Pre-Nationals competition. As part of its sponsorship agreement, Brooks will provide apparel for the officials and starters of both the Pre-Nationals and National Championship meets.

"Indiana State University is thrilled to partner with an elite running company like Brooks," said ISU's Associate Director of Athletics James Norton. "Brooks' involvement with the meets has helped us provide a better experience for the student athletes, coaches and fans. We hope this is the beginning of a long-term relationship with Brooks."

Brooks is the only major athletic brand that is solely dedicated to building head-to-toe gear solutions for runners of all types, from elite athletes to round-the-blockers. This three-year sponsorship commitment marks Brooks' latest significant inroad into the collegiate running team scene.

"Competition at the college level is fierce and exhilarating, and we at Brooks work hard to help our nation's preeminent college teams run longer, further and faster," said Marc Misiewicz, national sales program coordinator for Brooks Sports. "We're delighted to support these remarkable athletes every step of the way."

Brooks trailblazes competitive cross country and track fields this season with a colorful lineup of speed-inspired equipment. Two new Brooks spikes toe the line alongside seven existing spike and racing flat styles. A full array of technical team and athletic apparel and accessories - from singlets and warm-ups to sweatbands and packs - gears up any college team for success.