Zach Panning of the Hansons-Brooks ODP Training Group has signed with HAWI Management.
Merhawi Keflezighi, Founder and President of HAWI Management, said of the signing, “We are honored to have the opportunity to work with Zach. His future in the sport will continue to be bright. I am thankful to Samantha for helping bring Zach to Team HAWI.”
Panning is one of the USA’s top distance runners, specializing in the marathon. At the most recent Olympic Trials Marathon in Orlando, he finished sixth with a time of 2:10:50, though it would not be a stretch to say that he provided the most excitement on the day. The 28-year-old from Fort Wayne, Indiana led all runners from mile six to 22, by all accounts taking charge of the race and pushing for an honest Trials. Clayton Young said of Panning after the race, “[Zach] made this race happen. Big props to him…he’s a great athlete, but he’s an even better person.”
Before beginning his professional running career with Hansons-Brooks in 2019, Zach attended Grand Valley State University where he was a three-time NCAA DII National Champion, and set impressive personal records of 13:37 for 5k and 28:30 for 10k. Since then he has increased the distance and continued to grow to one of the USA’s most formidable marathoners. His best time for 26.2 miles is 2:09:28 (2022, Chicago Marathon) and earned a spot to represent Team USA at the 2023 Budapest World Championships, where he finished 12th among the best in the world.
From their founding in 2005 with just a single client, Meb Keflezighi, HAWI Management now represents many of the USA and world’s top athletes on the roads and the track, including Nikki Hiltz, Keturah Orji, and Alexi Pappas. In the marathon, their clients include Dakotah Lindwurm, Rory Linkletter, Aliphine Tuliamuk, and Futsum Zienasellassie, among many others. In total, HAWI Management represents over 50 currently competing and retired athletes.
Hansons-Brooks Original Distance Project was founded in 1999 by brothers Kevin and Keith Hanson. Over the years, their roster has included notable runners Des Linden, Brian Sell, and Sage Canaday. They are based in Rochester Hills, Michigan where the Hanson brothers also operate four running specialty stores.
Watch: Training with the Hansons | Marathon Camp
