Kilian Jornet is leaving Salomon – legendary ultra runner to launch ‘new project’ after 18 years with ‘life partner’ brand
- Kilian Jornet is one of the biggest names in trail running and is synonymous with Salomon, so his departure is like a bolt out of the blue
- The ultra star stunned his many followers after he made the announcement via Instagram
Kilian Jornet stunned his fans by saying he was leaving French sports equipment maker Salomon for a “new project”, which he will announce in due course. The ultra running star has been with Salomon for 18 years, so the announcement came as a big surprise for most.
“I remember it like it was yesterday: in the summer of 2003, a friend of a friend gave me a few pairs of trail running shoes. This guy was Salomon’s marketing director in Spain,” Jornet posted on Instagram.
“From that moment on, Salomon became not only a sponsor, but a life partner and the Salomon team – from marketing to product developers – became part of my family.”
Jornet is considered one of the best ultra runners of his generation, possibly ever. He has won almost all of the major ultra marathons, such as the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc and Hardrock, both multiple times – setting a record in the latter. He has won Western States as well.
Jornet has won shorter races too, such as the 31km (19-mile) Sierre-Zinal nine times, setting the course record. He has also claimed “fastest known times” outside races, such as the Bob Graham Round in England.
The Spanish runner also has an impressive mountaineering CV, including a no oxygen ascent of Everest and multiple other speed ascents during his “Summits of my life” project.