Lightweight performance clothing and equipment brand, Montane has announced its headline sponsorship of the world famous Tor des Géants race, one of the premier endurance trail running races in the world.

Taking place from 11-18th September and starting and finishing in Courmayeur, Italy, the Tor des Géants (TDG) is the first non-stop race of its kind to cover an entire region, running along spectacular paths of the Alps, through the Gran Paradiso Natural Park and also the Mont Avic Regional Park.

Approximately 700 competitors race through the Aosta Valley, aiming to complete the 205 miles (330 km) route before the cut-off time of 150 hours. During the TDG, the runners cross 34 municipalities, 25 mountain passes over 2,000m, 30 alpine lakes and two natural parks. The minimum altitude is 300m (985ft) and the highest is 3,300m (10,800ft), while the total elevation gain is approximately 24,000m (78,700ft).

Jonathan Petty, brand director of Montane commented: “We are delighted to announce our official partnership with one of the world’s premier ultra distance trail races. The TDG embodies Montane’s own philosophy of ‘Further. Faster.’ which drives our passion for authentic endurance sports in extreme environments”

“Working to support this exceptionally demanding endurance race helps cement our growing reputation as a provider of innovative, lightweight clothing and equipment. We look forward to the first Montane Tor des Géants in September this year.”

Alessandra Nicoletti, president and race director of the TDG added: “We are happy to be able to share this unique experience with Montane. For us, the Tor des Géants is a jewel, and having a significant partner, like Montane, will definitely allow it to shine even more.”

Montane ultra distance runner, Dr Jenn Gaskell, will be participating in this year’s event, having completed the race in 2014 and winning first place in the under 30 female category. Find out more about Dr Jenn Gaskell here https://www.montane.co.uk/en/athletes/jenn-gaskell or for more details on the race itself please visit http://www.tordesgeants.it/en.

KEY TOR DES GÉANTS FACTS

• The TDG is a non-stop 205 mile (330 km) ultra-trail race through the Aosta Valley, starting and finishing in Courmayeur, Italy.
• Capped at 700 competitors each year with a 60% completion rate, racers must complete the route in less than 150 hours.
• The minimum altitude is 300m (985ft) and the highest is 3,300m (10,800ft). The total elevation gain is about 24,000m (78,700ft).
• It is considered to be one of the world’s greatest endurance trail races due to the beautiful and unforgiving terrain.
• The 2016 race takes place from the 11-18th September, registration opened on 1st February.