The North Face announced an extended three-year partnership of Europe's premier ultra-running event, The North Face Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc.
The North Face Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc is a combination of four epic races ranging from 98km to 300km in which runners are challenged to explore and push their limits in stunning natural landscape starting in Chamonix, France, and leading through Italy and Switzerland. The race is at the heart of its ultra-running programme in Europe.
The agreement is an historic evolution for The North Face and Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc organisers, continuing the brand's investment in ultra-running through signature events, including The North Face Transgrancanaria (ESP), The North Face Lavaredo Ultra Trail (ITA) and The North Face Endurance Challenge series (USA).
“I am delighted with the continuation of our longstanding partnership with The North Face Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc for three more years. This brings three more years of exploration around the Mont-Blanc mountains and three more years of bonding and friendship with the organizers, runners and volunteers, whilst reinforcing our position in trail running.” stated Eric Pansier, Marketing Director EMEA.
“The North Face has believed in us since day one. They've created a link that goes beyond normal partnership and sponsoring to grow a true friendship. Now we explore all the possibilities to grow and improve together with real teamwork. There is a sense of loyalty and authenticity that comes with the mountain people culture and because of that we are very happy that this partnership carries on,” stated Catherine and Michel Poletti, UTMB race directors and event organizers.
For more than 40 years, The North Face has sponsored iconic athletes worldwide. The global ultra-running team includes Sebastien Chaigneau (FRA), Jez Bragg (GBR), Lizzy Hawker (GBR), Hal Koerner (USA), Mike Wolfe (USA), Zigor Iturrieta (ESP), Fernanda Maciel (BRA), and Tsuyoshi Kaburaki (JPN).
The North Face has sponsored the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc® since the event's inception in 2003; 2012 will be the tenth year anniversary.
The North Face Ultra-Trail Du Mont-Blanc takes place annually during late August in Chamonix, France. 5,500 competitors from 58 different nations take part in one of four races: headline course The North Face UTMB 166km max. 46 hrs; CCC® 98km max. 26 hrs; TDS 110km max. 31hrs; PTL 300km: non-stop. The North Face® UTMB®, of which 2,300 compete, crosses nine high elevation mountain passes, with a total positive height gain of 9,500 metres, circling the Mont Blanc massif through three countries: France, Italy and Switzerland.
