TNF Endurance Challenge Culminates in San Francisco
Media Release / 02.12.2010
2010 Championship Event Offers Race Distances Ranging From 5K to 50-MileSAN LEANDRO, California — With the conclusion of the 2010 The North Face Endurance Challenge regional events, the series reaches its pinnacle as the Championship race comes to San Francisco, CA on Dec. 4-5. In addition to the 50-Mile, 50K, Half-Marathon, and 10K race distances, the two-day event will also feature a Marathon, Marathon Relay, 5K race and runs for kids under 13.
Hosted by internationally-recognized ultrarunner Dean Karnazes, The North Face Endurance Challenge Presented by Gore-Tex offers a unique running experience, welcoming people to push and exceed their personal limits on the trail. Following regional races in Bear Mountain, NY, Washington, DC, Madison, WI, and Atlanta, GA, The North Face 2010 Endurance Challenge makes its final stop in San Francisco, CA where each of the men's and women's Championship Gore-Tex 50 Mile winners will take home $10,000. Jez Bragg (GBR), Sebastien Chaigneau (FRA) and Lizzy Hawker (GBR) will also take part.
"It's inspiring to see how many people participate in the regional races, and then come back for the finale in early December," said Karnazes. "The elevation of the course makes it one of the most challenging races of the series, while the ocean and Bay views make it one of the most breathtaking ones."
Situated in the visually stunning Marin Headlands just north of the city, The North Face Endurance Challenge Championship course has surprised runners with both its scenery and amount of elevation change. The rugged terrain features repeated uphills and downhills of several hundred feet at a time. A majority of the course covers a run-able fire road overlooking the Pacific Ocean with occasional glimpses of the Golden Gate Bridge.
"This is the fourth year that we've had the Endurance Challenge Championship in San Francisco and we're thrilled to see the anticipation for the event continue to rise year after year." said Aaron Carpenter, Vice President of Marketing for The North Face. "With a new two-day format and family-oriented activities each day, the Endurance Challenge provides opportunities for athletes at every level to have fun."
The North Face Endurance Challenge was awarded "Best Green Race Series" by Trail Runner magazine in 2009. In addition to The North Face Endurance Challenge, The North Face hosts global endurance events in Europe, Asia, Australia, South America and Canada. For more information about The North Face global endurance events check out www.thenorthface.com/endurancechallenge.
About The North Face®
The North Face, a division of VF Outdoor, Inc., was founded in 1968. Headquartered in San Leandro, California, the company offers the most technically advanced products in the market to accomplished climbers, mountaineers, snowsport athletes, endurance athletes, and explorers. The company's products are sold in specialty mountaineering, backpacking, running, and snowsport retailers, premium-sporting goods retailers and major outdoor specialty retail chains.
