Mountain Hardwear will be well represented at this weekend's grueling Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run, where its president, a marketing specialist and up-and-comming ultra-runner Max King will all be competing.



The company said its president Topher Gaylord will be competing in the race for the seventh time alongside  Mountain Hardwear Sports Marketing Specialist Byron Pittam and King, one of the company's sponsored athletes.

 

The Western States course features 18,000 feet of ascent and 23,000 feet of descent. The race begins in Squaw Valley and ascends to Emigrant Pass at 8,750ft, following the original trails used by gold and silver miners in the 1850s, to Auburn, a small town in the heart of California’s historic gold country.

 

 

King is a veteran distance runner but will be making his 100-mile racing debut at Western States, which is widely regarded as the biggest stage in ultra-running.  He has demonstrated tremendous range from steeplechase Olympic trials to 50-mile and 100 km course records. Most recently, King qualified for Western States by breaking a 26-year course record at Ice Age 50 miler in 5hrs 41min.

 

 

“As the first 100-mile race in the world, Western States is the oldest, most competitive, and most prestigious 100-mile trail race, and Mountain Hardwear is honored to be a part of this historic event,” said Gaylord. “The race organization, volunteer network, aid stations and medical support provide runners an unmatched world-class 100-mile running experience.”

 

Mountain Hardwear uses the event to promote its Cool.Q Zero trail-running apparel and accessories as well as Montrail footwear. Both brands are owned by Columbia Sportswear.

 

“Temperature regulation is critical at Western States to perform at your best and make it to the finish line,” said Robert Fry, director of product at Mountain Hardwear.

 

As an event sponsor, Mountain Hardwear will host a number of events before the race kicks off in Squaw Valley, including:


  • The Montrail Demo Shoe Day and Fun Run on Thursday, June 26 from  12-6pm at Alpenglow Sports: 415 Lake Boulevard, North Lake Tahoe, CA.
  • The 6K Uphill Challenge, Friday, June 27, 10am-12pm at the Start Line Outside the KT-22 Base Bar
  • Happy Hour, Friday, June 27, 5-6pm at Parallel Mountain Sports in the Squaw Valley Village