Dean Karnazes, running. Photo, ©Corey Rich.

SAN LEANDRO, California, September 17, 2006 – The North Face®, the world's premier supplier of authentic, innovative and technically advanced outdoor apparel, equipment and footwear, today announced the start of The North Face Endurance 50, in which world recognized ultra-marathoner and best-selling author, Dean Karnazes, begins his quest to run 50 marathons in 50 states over 50 consecutive days. To track Dean's daily performance, go to: www.endurance50.com.

The North Face® Endurance 50 is a celebration of endurance and the athletes who push preconceived notions of what is possible. The North Face and Dean have challenged Americans to achieve their personal best, whether running their first marathon or their 20th. Hundreds of runners from across the country and around the globe have signed up to run with Dean for the historic event.

"After years of planning and preparation, this is the first step of what is sure to be an epic adventure," said Dean. "There are so many amazing stories about the individuals joining me along the way. There will definitely be some highs, lows, and surprises ahead that is what makes this event so unique."

The adventure kicked off before the start of the Lewis & Clark Marathon this morning when Dean surprised his wife, Julie, with a ceremony in which they renewed their marriage vows. Their two children, Alexandria (11) and Nicholas (8), presided as flower girl and ring bearer, respectively. "My family is the most important thing to me," Dean said. "I am so grateful to have them along to experience this and see our great country together."

While running 50 marathons in 50 states over the next 50 days, Dean will be supporting running clubs and runners across the nation and raising funds for Karno Kids, the non-profit organization he founded to support, encourage and motivate youth to get outside and become more physically active. He hopes to make marathon running, the ultimate individual sport, a symbol of what people can achieve if they aspire to explore their personal limits.

Dean will utilize the most cutting-edge outdoor sports products for The North Face® Endurance 50 expedition. He will be running in The North Face® Arnuva 50 Boa with the unique Boa Lacing System to take advantage of the "quick, on-the-fly, micro adjustments." Dean, who worked closely with the design team to create the Arnuva, found that his inspiration mirrors the principles of The North Face® Endurance collection testing the limits of the human body, while inspiring the desire to explore. The North Face® Arnuva 50 and Arnuva 50 Boa will be in stores this month.

At the finish line of each day's marathon, sponsors will host a public celebration of endurance and healthy lifestyle. This will be an opportunity to meet Dean and experience The North Face endurance-inspired collection and the other top products used in training and fueling Dean for his expedition. They include: Timex, who is providing exclusive timing, GPS, and heart rate monitoring; Nature's Path Organic Food; Sole Footbeds; Carmichael Training Systems, Dean's personal coach staff; Boa Lacing System; and Cytomax.

As part of its commitment to community and the environment, The North Face®, in partnership with The Conservation Fund's Go Zero program, will be planting 500 trees in one of the nation's premier National Wildlife Refuges neutralizing the ecological 'footprint' of The North Face® Endurance 50 event. On behalf of the state of Missouri and the city of St. Charles, The North Face will be planting trees donated by the Summer Winds Garden Center, which will absorb nearly 10 tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. In celebration of this reforestation effort, Dean will be giving out a ceremonial tree to one person in the audience after today's marathon.

Labeled "the fittest man in the world" by Men's Fitness, Dean's past feats include running 350 continuous miles, mountain biking for 24 hours straight, swimming across the San Francisco Bay, and running a marathon to the South Pole. He is also the author of the international bestseller, Ultramarathon Man: Confessions of an All-Night Runner.

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 Face® 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

Patrick Burek
212.715.1542
burekp@ruderfinn.com