Illinois grad Angela Bizzari & UW grad Katie Follett sign with Bothell's Brooks Sports...

BOTHELL--Brooks Sports announced partnerships with five accomplished female runners turning heads on the professional track. Leading the pack is Angela Bizzarri (left/photo courtesy Brooks Sports), 2010 NCAA indoor 3,000 meter champion, 2009 NCAA outdoor 5,000 meter champion, and 2009 NCAA cross country champion.

Bizzarri, a 2010 graduate of the University of Illinois, broke five school records in 2008 and 2009, and was awarded the 2008 and 2009 Dike Eddleman Award as the University of Illinois Female Athlete of the Year. Already making a splash on the professional running scene, she recently placed fifth in the 2010 USATF National Championships in the 5,000 meter.

“It is such a great honor to join the Brooks team,” said Bizzarri, age 22. “This partnership isn’t just about wearing their gear; they’re like a passionate cheering section rooting for me every step of the way.”

Bizzarri will keep pace with four more competitive female runners who joined the Brooks family earlier this summer, including recent University of Washington graduate Katie Follett, who signed with Brooks earlier this summer.

Rounding out their signings are distance runners Shayla Houlihan and Gabriele Anderson, along with 400 hurdler Fawn Dorr.

“At Brooks, we’re always looking to partner with rising stars who match our brand values and inspire other runners to set and reach for their own goals. These five athletes are doing just that,” said Jesse Williams, sports marketing manager at Brooks, which is based in the Seattle suburb of Bothell. “We’re excited to have these women represent Brooks, and to watch and help them develop as professional runners.”

NOTE: The media relations department at Brooks contributed to this report.