Eric Pansier with Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc organiser Catherine Poletti

Eric Pansier with Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc organiser Catherine Poletti

A Californian outdoor gear company has announced a further three years’ sponsorship of one of Europe’s toughest mountain races.

The North Face will continue its support of the Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc, which follows a course around western Europe’s highest peak, through France, Italy and Switzerland.

The event includes the main race, following a 170km course, and supporting races over shorter routes. Briton Lizzy Hawker, who runs for The North Face team, won the women’s section of the gruelling Alpine challenge this year for the fourth time.

The North Face, based in San Leandro, also sponsors the Transgrancanaria, Lavaredo Ultra Trail in Italy and the Endurance Challenge in the USA.

Eric Pansier, Marketing Director for Europe, the Middle East and Asia for the North Face, said: “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 organisers, runners and volunteers, whilst reinforcing our position in trail running.”

Catherine and Michel Poletti, race directors and event organisers, said: “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 Runner Jez Bragg, who is based in Dorset, had to drop out of this year’s UTMB, which was started by 2,300 runners.

The North Face® has sponsored the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc since the event’s establishment in 2003; 2012 will be its 10th anniversary.

Some articles the site thinks might be related:

  1. Severe weather puts paid to ultramarathon
  2. Bragg wins Fellsman to post three wins from three starts
  3. Joint winners Adam Perry and Kim Collison share the Fellsman spoils
  4. Dragon’s Back Race field halved as tough third day takes its toll
  5. Three Peaks Race offers £1,000 bonus to runners breaking 18-year record