NIKKI KIMBALL TAKES FIRST PLACE AT 100-MILE WESTERN STATES ENDURANCE RUN 2006

San Leandro, California—June 26, 2006— The North Face, the world’s premier supplier of authentic, innovative and technically advanced outdoor apparel, equipment and footwear, today announced team results of the 100-mile Western States Endurance Run, which took place June 24 – 25, 2006. With temperatures that reached 110°F, this year’s grueling competition was considered one of the most difficult races in Western States Endurance Run history. Only 53 percent of the 399 runners crossed the finish line.

The North Face athlete Nikki Kimball, 35, took third overall, a huge feat unto itself, and first place in the women’s division, with a time of 19:26:50. Kimball crossed the finish line with a strong stride, ear-to-ear smile and arms raised in victory. In the background—and at all aid stations along the course—her crew blew a conch shell in celebration and encouragement. “Next time order better weather,” Kimball joked with race director Greg Soderlund upon crossing the finish line at Placer Hill High School in Auburn, California.

With extreme temperatures, long hours and beating sun, runners were feeling the toll, with the entire race roughly an hour behind schedule, and medical personnel intensely monitoring competitors’ vitals throughout the race.

Race icon Tim Twietmeyer crossed the finish line to a standing ovation at 20:33:49, and celebrated his 25th and “last Western States ever” with ice cream sandwiches. A very dirty Joe Kulak, endearingly known for his pigpen ways on the trail, and Dean Karnazes, currently training for The North Face Endurance 50—50 marathons, in 50 states, in 50 consecutive days—this September, finished within minutes of each other, at 21:22:49 and 21:38:33, respectively.

“I’ll remember this one the most,” said Kulak, who, at the final medical check upon completion, had the highest level of toxins (CPK, creatine phosphokinase, an enzyme indicating damage to muscle cells) in his body than any other competitor in the race. “I really had to tough this one out.”

Kami Semick finished not long after Kulak and Karnazes with a time of 21:46:11, placing her fourth in the women’s division, and James Bonnett, 19, a crowd favorite and youngest finisher, crossed at 26:40:55.

The course started at 6,200 feet in Squaw Valley, California, leading runners up a climb of 2,550 vertical feet in the first 4.5 miles to Emigrant Pass at 8,750 feet. The majority of the trail passes through remote and rugged territory, accessible only to horses, hikers and helicopters. Following the original trails used by the miners of the 1850s, the course travels west, climbing another 15,540 feet and descending 22,970 feet to end in Auburn, California, at 100.2 miles.

For more information about the Western States Endurance Run, including images and webfeeds from the event, check out www.humanedgetech.com/expedition/nf07/

For information on the upcoming The North Face Endurance 50, check out www.endurance50.com.

For all information on The North Face Endurance Team and where they’ll be next, head to www.thenorthface.com or www.enduranceis.com.

About The North Face
The North Face, a subsidiary of VF Corporation, was founded in 1966. Headquartered in San Leandro, California, the company offers the most technically advanced products in the market to accomplished climbers, mountaineers, snowsport athletes and explorers. The company's products are sold in specialty mountaineering, backpacking and snowsport retailers, premium-sporting goods retailers and major outdoor specialty retail chains. Additional information about The North FaceŽ can be found on the company’s website, www.thenorthface.com

Press Contacts:
Pamela Bennett
510.618.3654
pam_bennett@vfc.com


Amy Goldhammer
510.618.2815
amy_goldhammer@vfc.com