Columbia extends partnership with UTMB trail race

By

Gabriella Lacombe

Published
Oct 25, 2018

Columbia Sportswear has announced a three-year extension of the partnership between its Columbia brand and the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB). 

The continued partnership between Columbia and the global trail running event means the brand will continue to be the UTMB's official apparel and footwear outfitter, supplying a t-shirt for all participants, as well as finishers' vests. Columbia will also provide official apparel to members of the race organization, volunteers and official guests.

The two organizations began their partnership in 2014, and Columbia has previously used the race to test its Columbia Montrail line of trail running footwear, apparel, and equipment.

At this year's UTMB race week, which ran from August 29 to September 2, the outdoor apparel company managed over 50 Columbia Montrail athletes, including Polish trail runner and TDS (Traces des Ducs de Savoie) winner Marcin Swierc.

“Columbia and the UTMB share a common mission to inspire all people to embrace the outdoors,” said Joe Boyle, Columbia brand president. “These elite trail runners provide invaluable insights that will continue to inform and enhance the design and performance of Columbia products for years to come.”

The Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc race stretches 171 kilometers (just over 106 miles) across France, Italy, and Switzerland, and has attracted international trail runners for over 16 years. The race is broadcast via live webcast.