PO Box 576
Crockett, CA 94525
(510) 787-1060
fax (510) 787-1006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The 2001 Mountain Athletics Trail Running Challenge Series will debut in Park City, Utah on Sunday, July 1 at Deer Valley Resort. The event is the first in a three race series that coincides with the Chevy Trucks NORBA National Championship Mountain Bike Series. The second race will be held on July 22 in Mammoth Mountain, California with the final event slated for August 19 at Mount Snow, Vermont.

"Mountain Athletics by Timberland has jumped into mountain bike racing and the Chevy Trucks NORBA National Championship Mountain Bike Series with conviction. The addition of the Trail Running Challenge to the final three Chevy Trucks National stops (Deer Valley, Mammoth Mountain, and Mount Snow), is certain to expand the 'festival atmosphere' long associated with mountain bike racing. We look forward to expanding this relationship in the future," says Rick Sutton, president of GaleForce, Inc., whose company provides the marketing and on-site logistics.

The All American Trail Running Association (AATRA) teamed up with the National Off-Road Bicycle Association (NORBA) to create the series and Mountain Athletics by Timberland came on board as the event's title sponsor.

"One of our goals at AATRA is to provide events that will encourage participation from the neophyte trail runner to the seasoned competitor. The Mountain Athletics Trail Running Challenge Series is designed to meet the needs of both audiences," according to AATRA president Adam Chase.

The courses for the Mountain Athletics Trail Running Challenge Series range from four to six miles and include single-track terrain complete with climbs and descents. Each participant will receive a race T-shirt and top finishers will vie for prize money and awards provided by Mountain Athletics by Timberland.

"Timberland is excited to partner with AATRA and NORBA to develop the Mountain Athletics Trail Running Challenge Series. For the first time, trail runners and mountain bikers will be able to compete in two great
events during the same weekend at the same location. Our hope is that
we will help expand the community of Mountain Athletes by bringing trail
runners and mountain bikers together for a fun, challenging series of
trail races," Pete Lewis, Mountain Athletics Associate Brand Manager.

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