Ultra Runners, Stephanie Howe and Ian Sharman, Join Hydro Flask Ambassador Team

Both rely on Hydro Flask to stay hydrated before and after training runs and ultra-distance races

Bend, OR, April 2014 – Hydro Flask, the award-winning leader in high-performance, insulated stainless steel flasks, recently launched a new Ambassador Program, featuring a diverse, carefully chosen set of representatives that embodies the spirit of the brand. No one needs a high performance flask more than an endurance athlete. This month, Hydro Flask is proud to spotlight its Ultra Running Ambassadors: Stephanie Howe and Ian Sharman.

18oz Wide Mouth Hydro Flask

Stephanie Howe is an endurance junkie who loves trail running, mountain biking, paddling, and adventuring with her dog, Riley. A former Nordic skier and Snowshoe National Champion, Stephanie is now an elite trail and ultra-distance runner for The North Face National Team. She gets her trail running and adventure fix in Bend, Oregon, where she also coaches endurance athletes, teaches at the local community college and is completing her PhD in Nutrition & Exercise Physiology.

Stephanie has placed first in many ultra running races including the 2013 Speedgoat 50K, the 2013 Gorge Waterfalls 50K (where she also set the course record of 3:49), and the 2014 Mesquite Canyon 50K, held on March 22nd. Stephanie’s upcoming races include the Lake Sonoma 50 in April and the prestigious Western States 100 in June.

“I rely on my Hydro Flasks so much before and after my runs,” said Stephanie Howe. “In the summer, I use my Hydro Flask to keep my water cool even when it’s 100 degrees outside. In the winter, I often put hot tea or my hot chocolate recovery drink in my Hydro Flask for after a run. It’s the only brand that keeps my beverages at just the right temperature no matter the conditions.”

Stephanie’s “Top 5 Accessories for Ultra Running:”

“Arm sleeves – they are so great when it is cold out!”
“Hydro Flask insulated bottle for after training.”
“Hydro Flask insulated Food Flask for a recovery smoothie after training”
“My pup Riley – he runs with me a lot!”
“Better Than Naked running clothing line from The North Face”

For more information about Ultra Running Ambassador, Stephanie Howe, visit http://www.hydroflask.com/ambassadors/10.

40oz Wide Mouth Hydro Flask

Ian Sharman began running in 2005 and has never looked back. In 2013, Ian won the renowned Leadville Trail 100 in Colorado, and in September, he completed the Grand Slam of Ultrarunning (Western States 100 in California, Vermont 100 Mile Endurance Run, Wasatch Front 100 Mile Endurance Run in Utah, and Leadville Trail 100) in the fastest time to date. Ian is best known for his win at the Rocky Raccoon 100 miler, which stands as the fastest 100-mile trail time in North America (12:44).

Ian has run over 180 marathons and ultra-marathons in more than 30 countries, with close to 40 wins and numerous course records. In addition to training, Ian is an online running coach, journalist and runner for Scott Running. Ian’s upcoming races include the Lake Sonoma 50, the Boston Marathon and the Western States 100.

Fun fact: Ian recently ran the Grand Canyon Rim2Rim2Rim in a Spider-Man costume and also holds the Guinness Book of World Records for several races, including fastest marathon time dressed as Elvis.

“I do a lot of training in the heat, so my Hydro Flask is ideal for keeping my drink cold and refreshing for several hours, even when it’s 100 degrees outside,” said Ian Sharman. “I know my Hydro Flask is waiting for me back at the car and that gives me something to look forward to at the end of a long run.”

Ian’s “Top 5 Accessories for Ultra Running:”

“Shades – I live in California, so it’s rare to not run in the sun!”
“Access to trails – I love roads and trails, but mainly I like to get away from the crowds on the nearest trail system whenever I’m in a city.”
“My 40 oz Hydro Flask for after a hot run in the wilderness – it’s perfect for keeping my water ice cold if it’s hot outside.”
“GPS watch – I’m a numbers geek and love to see the stats from my runs.”
“Scott Kinabalu trail shoes – these got me through numerous 100-milers this year and are my go-to shoes.”

For more information about Ultra Running Ambassador, Ian Sharman, visit http://www.hydroflask.com/ambassadors/3.

“It’s all about endurance,” said Scott Allan, CEO of Hydro Flask. “Stephanie and Ian run for long periods, sometimes 12 hours or more, so they need a bottle like Hydro Flask that can endure the test of time by keeping their hot beverage hot or their cold beverage cold for just as long.”

About the Ambassador Program
The Hydro Flask ambassadors are more than just professional athletes and craftspeople who happen to use Hydro Flask products – they are people who are passionate about their sport or trade, their Hydro Flask(s) and their community. The ambassadors span veteran professionals to up-and-coming athletes in the realms of skiing, snowboarding, ultra running, yoga, rock climbing, canoe sailing, stand-up paddle boarding, cycling, and cross-fit. Additionally, the ambassador team includes craftspeople that bring passion and a pursuit of perfection to their trade, such as coffee roasting and craft brewing. Despite the diversity, all share the core values that reflect the Hydro Flask brand. For more information on the Hydro Flask Ambassador Program, visit http://www.hydroflask.com/ambassadors/.
About Hydro Flask
Hotter. Colder. Longer.

Hydro Flask® began in the summer of 2009, in beautiful Bend, Oregon with the mission to save the world from lukewarm beverages. Using only high-quality, 18/8 stainless steel, Hydro Flask delivers what people on the go have been looking for: a durable, insulated flask that keeps hots hot and colds cold. Each flask incorporates double wall vacuum insulation, BPA-free materials, food grade stainless steel, a range of fun, bold colors, and a lifetime warranty. Hydro Flasks are both reusable and recyclable.

In addition, Hydro Flask believes that great flasks and great causes go hand in hand, and through its charitable arm, 5% Back, offers a program that allows consumers to allocate a portion of the net profit from their flask purchase to a charity of their choice. For more about Hydro Flask’s charitable mission and commitment to making a difference in the community, visit 5% Back.