The North Face will utilize its presenting sponsorship of the 2004 Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run to support The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The North Face athlete team members and ultra-marathon runners Dean Karnazes, 8 time race competitor, and Tim Tweitmeyer, 22 time race competitor, are competing again this year. For every minute they come in less than 24 hours The North Face has agreed to donate $5 to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Athletes competing in the Western States Endurance Run have to complete the treacherous 100-mile race in less than 24 hours to receive the prestigious silver belt buckle. Runners will climb more than 18,000 feet and descend more than 22,000 feet through the Sierra and into the historic California Gold Country, braving temperatures that soar into the 100s, before finishing at Placer High School in Auburn.
Karnazes personally encouraged and recommended that The North Face donate the raised funds to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society specifically. When asked why this particular cause and organization, Karnazes answered, “One of the reasons this means so much to me is that a good friend of mine has a son who is struggling for his life with leukemia. It's time we find a cure for this terrible disease and help those who are suffering.”
Last year, Karnazes completed the run in 17:43 hours for fourth place, and Tim was right behind him at 17:55 hours for fifth place. “We are very pleased to be able to donate to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, especially since this disease has effected the lives of so many, including one of our athlete team members.” Letitia Ferrier, strategic marketing manager at The North Face, remarked.
“We were thrilled when Dean came to us with the news that The North Face wanted to make a donation. As a neighbor, a premier outdoor company and sponsor of an athlete whose life has been effected by leukemia, we are thrilled to work with The North Face,” said Robin Reynolds, Senior Campaign Director of Special Events for the Society. “It is wonderful that while the company continues to explore the grueling trails of the Western States Endurance Run, they also keep corporate social responsibility and the needs of others in mind.”
