New Balance Stands By Injured Ultra-Runner

Posted on Monday, April 25, 2011 10 notes Comments

Tony Krupicka I had the chance recently to meet ultra-runner Anton (Tony) Krupicka (pronounced “krew-PITCH-kuh”), two-time winner of the Leadville 100 mile race, and one of the top ultramarathoners in the world. I had hoped to run with Tony, but unfortunately he has been temporarily sidelined by shin splints.

Tony was in my area to talk about about his role in the development of New Balance’s Minimus line of shoes. The Minimus shoes have a heel drop of 4 mm and weigh about 6 oz (170 g). I tried on the Minimus Road shoes and took them for a short run. They are very thin and lightweight. They would be good for smooth road surfaces, but like with many minimalist shoes, you can feel every small rock you land on.

After thinking about his situation, I was impressed that New Balance decided to stick with Tony and have him continue to make appearances, in spite of his injury. A more cynical shoe company might have seen Tony as a liability - “He helped develop a new line of shoes, but now he’s injured and can’t run”. They might have cut back on his appearances or dropped him entirely.

New Balance didn’t do that and Tony is continuing to make appearances as he recuperates. It’s nice to see that they stick by their athletes, no matter what happens.

Here’s hoping that Tony is able to get back to training and racing soon. Keep an eye out for Tony at an event near you.

I’ve embedded a video of Tony Krupicka talking about his running philosophy and the New Balance Minimus shoes below:

Update: On June 11, 2011, Tony Krupicka caught his left toe on something while trail running near his home in Boulder, CO, fell, and hyperextended his right knee. Part of Tony’s fibula broke off where it connects to his hamtring and IT band, taking him out of action for about 8 weeks. For the latest on Tony’s condition, check out his blog.