The North Face®, the world’s premier supplier of authentic, innovative and technically advanced outdoor apparel, equipment and footwear, today announced that Topher Gaylord, President of VF Outdoor & Action Sports International, which comprises The North Face®, Vans® and Reef® brands, recently won the legendary Nemea-Olympia ultramarathon in Greece.

Organized by the Aethlios International Long Distance Running Association, the historic 180km race is staged every two years, drawing the world’s attention to the ancient games by linking two legendary stadia—from the start at the Nemea stadium to the finish at the Olympia stadium. The ancient stadium at Olympia is world-renowned as the birthplace of the Olympic Games, where the first Olympic flame was lit in 776 BC, and where it was rekindled at the inception of the modern Olympics in 1896. “Especially this year, when the Olympic Summer Games will soon take place in China, it was powerful and humbling to participate in this celebration of international friendship and cooperation,” commented Gaylord.

Along the way, the race route followed sites of archaeological and historic significance, highlighting both the beauty of the Peloponnesian countryside, as well as the hospitality of its people. Runners were given 28 hours to complete the route, with its 3,700 meters of elevation gain. As in ancient times, supply points were limited to the 19 villages along the route. Athletes were required to carry water and no support vehicles or bikes of any kind were permitted.

Like the other competitors, Gaylord ran through the dark of night, crossing the finish line in the early morning with a final time of 17 hours 35 minutes—a new course record. “This was the longest race I’ve ever run and my fellow competitors were very strong,” said Gaylord. “I was so grateful to have my wife, Kim, cheering me on, and to have the collective support of all my friends at The North Face®.” Elke Streicher, also an athlete for The North Face®, took first place among the women and sixth place overall with a time of 22 hours 35 minutes.