Smartwool has become the official sock sponsor of the Ultra Tour Monte Rosa (UTMR) one-day ultramarathons and multi-day stage races.
The brainchild of athlete and UTMR Race Director Lizzy Hawker, the Ultra Tour Monte Rosa features 116- and 170-km races, which can be run at once or in stages, around Monte Rosa in Italy, with more than 11,200 meters of elevation gain for the full distance. It will be held on September 6-9, 2017.
The partnership, said Hawker, is one borne of a deep commitment to the ultra running community: “The partnership between Smartwool and UTMR is such a wonderful fit because both have a lot of integrity, a love of the trail and a passion for our endurance community. It’s great to have one of my favorite brands and my own event join forces.”
“Providing our fullest support to an event so important to Lizzy and the entire ultra running community is an opportunity we welcomed with enthusiasm. Lizzy has built a truly special event — one that pushes the limit of possibility for the mind and body — and we’re absolutely thrilled by the chance to become involved as the official sock supplier,” says Alex Pashley, Smartwool athlete and strategic partnership manager.
Smartwool will provide every UTMR competitor with a complimentary pair of PhD Run Light Elite socks, featuring Indestructawool Technology, a patent pending durability construction, the 4 Degree Elite fit system, and a run-specific cushioning designed to provide shock absorption where runners need it most and limit cushion-caused blisters everywhere else.
In the USA, the brand also sponsors the Hardrock 100 in Silverton, CO. It is North America’s premier mountain ultra race where Smartwool is the title sponsor. The brand also sponsors the Run Rabbit Run 100, a Hardrock 100 qualifier, and the Steamboat Springs Running Series, as well as numerous other run events around the globe.
Photo courtesy Smartwool; Photo credit: Giacomo Meneghello
