The North Face® continue to support the UTMB
Eric Pansier with Catherine Poletti
Following another epic event last month, The North Face® have announced an extended three-year partnership of Europe’s premier ultra-running event, The North Face® Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc® through to 2014
Lizzie Hawker - the champ, again!
Event release
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 embodies the philosophy behind The North Face® to Never Stop Exploring™ and 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).
Eric Pansier, Marketing Director of EMEA states:
“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.”
Catherine and Michel Poletti, UTMB® race directors and event organisers, are rightly delighted, stating:
“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.”
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.
Jez Bragg
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.
More info on The North Face® Ultra-Trail Du Mont-Blanc® can be found here.
