Patagonia Footwear announced a larger focus on trail running for the Spring 2012 season that includes aligning with female ultra runner Krissy Moehl and Patagonia's Ultra Running Team. Working closely with Moehl and Ultra Team members, the company has developed an expanded line of trail running shoes. In addition, Patagonia will be sponsoring key events like the Mountain Masochist, a 50-mile race of dirt road and single track winding through beautiful Appalachia country in Virginia, Saturday, November 5th.
In its first year of sponsoring the Mountain Masochist, Patagonia will host an “athletes' lounge” at the finish line. The company's new minimalist and traditional offerings for Spring the Fore Runner and Tsali 2.0, respectfully will be on display with apparel and available for try-on. Two Patagonia Ultra Team members participating in the event will be racing in the Tsali 2.0.
“This is the 29th year of the Mountain Masochist, making it the oldest in the country and one of the most prestigious events on the East Coast,” said Sue Harvey-Brown, marketing manager for Patagonia Footwear. “With our increased focus on trail running and head-to-toe partnerships with Krissy Moehl and the Ultra Team, partnering with the eco-X Sports and the Mountain Masochist was a natural fit. It will be a full weekend of racing, community gathering and trail running enthusiasm.”
Working closely with its athletes and field testers to perfect fit and overall performance, Patagonia offers both minimal and traditional platforms in its trail running shoes. Weighing in at just 7.76oz (women's) and 9.17oz (men's) per half pair, the Fore Runner is the company's lightest trail shoe yet. The minimal Fore Runner offers a four-millimeter heel-to-toe drop (9mm heel and 5mm forefoot) that caters to a natural stride. The Fore Runner will be available December 2011.
Available February 2012, the Tsali 2.0 (8.46oz women's/9.87oz men's) is designed for runners who prefer a neutral, more cushioned trail running shoe. The redesigned upper and dynamic fit lacing system provide a more precise and improved fit. The 20 percent recycled anatomical footbed supports, cushions and molds to the contour of the foot. All Patagonia's trail running shoes are built with gender-specific, lightweight 15 percent recycled EVA footframes and contain forefoot shock absorption plates for protection from rocks and roots.
