Zooma Women's Race Series Acquires Skirt Sports

Zooma Women’s Race Series, known for their race medals and destination races, has acquired Skirt Sports, the originator of the running skirt.

In March, Skirt Sports, the Boulder-based women’s running apparel brand, said it had retained Bell Lap Advisors, the M&A advisory firm, to explore new ownership.

“The merger of these two businesses is a perfect combination,” said Sarah Ratzlaff, owner and chief inspiration officer of Zooma Women’s Race Series. “Zooma race weekends were designed to be supportive and empowering experiences for all women. And that’s exactly what the mission of Skirt Sports has also been – to bring women together and empower them to be comfortable in their own skin regardless of age, size, skin color or level of fitness.”

“I started Skirt Sports to literally cover my butt on the run,” said Skirt Sports’ founder, Nicole DeBoom. “Over 15 years it has evolved into a community of women who are passionate about health and fitness, united by what the Skirt brings to them – freedom, confidence and empowerment. I couldn’t have chosen a better partner to take my company forward than Sarah Ratzlaff and Zooma.”

The two companies said the running market for women grew quickly over the last 15 years and now, according to the data from Running USA, women represent more than half of the recorded finishers each year. The demand for female-focused events and apparel has grown as well, creating a huge market for athleisure and workout apparel.

The combined company will be able to offer fitness challenges, an online running club, destination races, running skirts and athletic apparel.

“It is an absolute honor to join forces with a company like Skirt Sports that is as passionate about female runners and athletes as we are at Zooma,” said Ratzlaff. “We look forward to the evolution of these two businesses coming together in a really big way.”