Hyundai Names Jenn Shelton First Sponsored Ultra Athlete

Women's 100-mile trail run world record holder to help promote Hyundai Hope On Wheels and Hyundai Veloster

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COSTA MESA, CA--March 22, 2012:  Hyundai Motor America announced today that renowned ultramarathoner Jenn Shelton will be the first sponsored endurance athlete in the company's history. Hyundai initially introduced Shelton last year in conjunction with the Hyundai Veloster's national debut. Shelton will once again represent the company for the entire 2012 calendar year.

"It is a rare opportunity for a company like Hyundai to sponsor such an incredible athlete like Jenn," said John Krafcik, CEO and President of Hyundai Motor America. "Her iconoclastic personality fits perfectly with the spirit of the Veloster and we are proud to represent her as she continues her athletic pursuits."

Shelton, who currently holds the female world record in the 100-mile trail run, gained notoriety when she traveled down to the Copper Canyon area in Mexico to run with the Tarahumara, a Native American group known for their long-distance running ability. Shelton is planning to compete in several ultras with the goal of qualifying for Western States. She is also targeting the Mount Kinabalu Climbathon in Borneo and a speed record attempt of a 219-mile section of the John Muir Trail between Mount Whitney and Yosemite, Calif.

"I am thrilled at the opportunity to be a part of the Hyundai family," said Jenn Shelton, "As a Veloster owner myself, I absolutely love everything about the car and hope to continue our relationship well into the future." 

Shelton will make appearances at several Hyundai events this year, including its national Hope On Wheels 5k race series. Hyundai Hope On Wheels®, a nonprofit organization supported by Hyundai Motor America and its dealers, has donated hundreds of grants since 1998 to support the fight against childhood cancer. Since its inception, Hyundai Hope On Wheels has donated more than $43 million towards life saving research.

The Hyundai Veloster is a compact three-door sports car first debuted at the 2011 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The Veloster delivers innovation to the compact coupe segment with a unique third door for easy rear-seat access, Hyundai's Blue Link telematics system, Pandora internet radio with seven-inch touch-screen display, and a new 1.6-liter direct-injected four-cylinder engine mated to Hyundai's first dual-clutch transmission.