8000 Meter Challenge, Can Your Store Go the Distance?

Big Bear Lake, CA, September 10, 2006,
On September 7, 2006, over 100 outdoor retailers from California and Arizona ran the three highest peaks in Southern California in one day. This 40 mile adventure of 11,927 feet of elevation ascent and descent started on Mt. Baldy, then to San Gorgonio, and the finish line on the completion of the San Jacinto summit.

The JanSport 8,000 Meter Challenge is an industry event designed for retail employees to get out and test the gear they sell, test their physical fortitude and mental discipline. This JanSport sponsored event is hosted and ran by sales representatives from Earth Games. The first event took place in 1995, 24 people started and 5 finished. This year 64 retail employees finished.

Employees from Sport Chalet, REI, A Snails Pace, Summit Hut, and A16 all attempted to win the coveted Summit Party trophy, which goes to the store with the most finishers. The 2006 winner, REI in San Francisco, had an amazing total of 10 people finishing. Becky Childs from Sport Chalet won the grand prize drawing of a free trip on the 40th anniversary JanSport RMI climb.

“This year we had a record number of participants and I am thrilled to see these retailers getting outside and testing the gear” said Mark Fulton, Earth Games Representative. Dave Baker, owner and participant from Summit Hut in Tucson, Arizona said, “The Challenge was a marvelous blend of outdoor beauty and grandeur; an all day opportunity to enjoy great friendship and camaraderie;”

About the 8000 Meter Challenge
The 8000 Meter Challenge was established in 1995 by Mark Fulton to serve the Outdoor Industry retailers an opportunity to get outside and test the gear they sell by providing a friendly store competition. For more information on the 8000 Meter Challenge contact mf@earthgames.com.