Brooks Sports Wins 2002 Fleet Feet Footwear Vendor of the Year Award.

Business & Sports Editors & Health/Fitness Writers

BOTHELL, Wash.--(BW SportsWire)--Aug. 7, 2002

Brooks Sports Inc., a leading global performance running company headquartered in Bothell, Wash., has been chosen as the Fleet Feet Footwear Vendor of the Year for 2002.

Brooks was named Fleet Feet Apparel Vendor of the Year three years in a row in 1999, 2000, and 2001. This is the first year Brooks has received the award in the footwear category. The award is given to the vendor who consistently offers great customer service, cutting-edge product with a strong sell-through and increased overall dollar volume, while excelling in on-time delivery.

"To win this award from Fleet Feet is a reflection of our commitment to the specialty running channel. It's really quite simple. It starts with great product, and is supported by excellent customer service and on-time and complete deliveries," said Rick Wilhelm, Director of Specialty Running Accounts for Brooks. "We are honored that Fleet Feet has recognized Brooks and shares in our commitment to runners nationwide."

Brooks' sales at 42 Fleet Feet retail locations were up 44 percent year to date. Wilhelm says that Fleet Feet sales helped lead Brooks' sales in the Specialty Retail channel by more than 35 percent in 2002.

"Fleet Feet recognized Brooks for their consistently excellent service to running specialty stores in the United States. In our recent brand survey among our 42 stores, Brooks ranked either first or second in all eight categories of measurement. We appreciate the hard work each and every Brooks employee does every day to make our customers, the runners in cities around the country, able to accomplish their own personal goals," said Tom Raynor, Chairman and CEO of Fleet Feet Incorporated. "As the recipient of the 2002 Footwear Vendor of the Year, Brooks enjoyed an outstanding year of growth and profitability among our stores."

Brooks' Customer Service Specialist, Darlene Semon, was named Fleet Feet's 2002 Customer Service Representative of the Year.

About Brooks

Brooks Sports Inc. is a leading running company that designs and markets a line of performance footwear, apparel and accessories in more than 80 countries worldwide. Brooks was founded in 1914 and is headquartered in Bothell, Washington, near Seattle. The company's mission is to inspire people to run and be active and create innovative gear that keeps them running longer, farther and faster. Respect the Run -- Brooks. Visit www.brooksrunning.com for more information.

About Fleet Feet

Fleet Feet Sports is a group of 42 stores specializing in footwear and apparel for North America's runners, joggers, and walkers. Each store is a locally owned and operated franchise of Fleet Feet Inc. The people of Fleet Feet are athletes who take the time to understand their customers' footwear and apparel needs. While each store is centrally focused on running and walking, the unique sports and fitness needs of its local market are represented. Visit www.fleetfeet.com for more information.