How to Get Sponsored as an Athlete in 2025: The Complete Guide for Runners & Athletes

The Athlete Fund
Apr 18
2 min read

If you're a runner, triathlete, or track and field athlete looking to secure sponsorship, you're not alone. Athletes of all levels are now building personal brands and seeking support through product deals, partnerships, and financial opportunities. At The Athlete Fund, we’re here to help make that journey smoother.

Whether you're just starting out or chasing national titles, this guide will show you how to stand out, get noticed, and work with trusted brands that align with your goals.

What Do Brands Look for in an Athlete?

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need 100,000 followers to get sponsored. Here’s what actually matters to companies:

Authenticity: Are you relatable? Do you genuinely use the product?
Engagement: Do your followers like, comment, and interact with your content?
Content Quality: Are you sharing photos, race recaps, videos, and your story?
Consistency: Do you show up regularly online and in competition?
Niche Alignment: Do your values, sport, and audience align with the brand’s mission?

How The Athlete Fund Helps

The Athlete Fund is a platform that connects athletes with brand opportunities across categories like footwear, supplements, recovery products, nutrition, and more. Here’s how we support you:

1. Brand Campaigns

We work with companies like HOKA, Grenade, Dash Water, Fourfive, and others to create paid and gifted campaigns for athletes.

2. Performance Bonuses

Select campaigns reward athletes based on video views, race results, and content engagement.

3. Athlete Initiatives

This is an athlete initiative, pitch campaign ideas and talk to us to be considered for guaranteed opportunities.

Tips to Increase Your Chances of Getting Sponsored

If you want to be noticed by The Athlete Fund and our partner brands, here’s what you can do:

Tag us in your content and invite @theathletefund as a collaborator
Send us your best content for repost or YouTube inclusion
Take part in content challenges and monthly spotlights
Be consistent – we notice athletes who stay active and involved
Pitch your ideas – we regularly ask athletes to submit creative campaign plans

Brands Want Athletes Who…

Show passion and personality
Bring value to their audience
Are professional, respectful, and reliable
Promote with energy, not just obligation
Represent what the brand stands for

How to Register with The Athlete Fund

You can register today through www.theathletefund.org/register. It’s free, takes just a few minutes, and opens the door to:

Paid and commission-based campaigns
Performance-based bonuses
Exclusive deals and discounts
Opportunities to represent leading sports brands
Access to our athlete newsletter, content features, and events

Final Thoughts

Sponsorship isn’t just for pros — it’s for committed, creative athletes who are building something meaningful both on and off the track. At The Athlete Fund, we’re building a new kind of athlete-brand partnership — one that puts athletes first and creates real value for brands and communities.

If you're ready to take the next step in your journey, we’re here to help you earn, grow, and be seen.

Join our movement. Support the fund. Be part of the change.

Want to get involved or learn more?

Visit: www.theathletefund.org