Ultimate Direction athlete Michele Yates wins The North Face 50 Mile Endurance Challenge Championship

Finishing in 7:21:51, Yates leads from start to finish to beat world-class field

BOULDER, COLO. (For Immediate Release) –Ultimate Direction athlete Michele Yates is the 2013 winner of The North Face 50 Mile Endurance Challenge Championship women’s category, posting an impressive time of 7:21:51. Michele took first place wearing the new for spring 2014 Ultimate Direction Ultra Vesta hydration vest, a piece of equipment that played an instrumental part in her victory.

The North Face 50 Mile Endurance Challenge is among the most prestigious ultra running races in the world, with competitors arriving from over 10 different countries to compete. Beating the second place female finisher by over nine minutes, Michele credits the Ultra Vesta’s seamless fit, easy hydration access, and gear carrying capacity with helping her win.

“On the first downhill I made my move, or I just started running my own race. Downhill is my strength, I was enjoying it and I expected some of the ladies to come with me, but they didn’t,” said Michele. “The Ultra Vesta was with me the whole time and I feel it really gave me an edge. Staying hydrated and having easy access to energy gels and other essentials was one of the keys to winning this race.”

Michele wore a prototype of the new for 2014 Ultimate Direction Ultra Vesta, a piece of hydration gear that she, along with a collective of experienced female runners, helped design. The Vesta is part of the Jenny Collection, a set of hydration products designed specifically for women runners. The Ultra Vesta enables women to run with greater ease and comfort because of its no-bounce fit and the two 10-ounce water bottles mounted on the front. The fast and easy access to water means runners stay hydrated and are able to refill their bottles in seconds at aid stations.

Living and working in Littleton, CO, Michele is a former member of the US Mountain Running Team, has won 9 marathons, and works as a personal trainer.

Hosted by The North Face and held at the Golden Gate Recreation Area in San Francisco, California on December 7, 2013, this race is growing in popularity since its inception in 2007. The 2013 event was attended by 395 competitors visiting from over 10 different countries. First place finishers in both the men’s and women’s categories receive a cash prize of $10,000.

Ultimate Direction is a true leader in athlete hydration, having created the entire hydration pack category in 1985. Since then, runners, hikers, climbers, and cyclists all over the world have relied upon a backpack, waist belt, or handheld bottle to stay hydrated and Ultimate Direction has been there every step of the way. Ultimate Direction’s market leadership continues today with their athlete-designed Signature Series Vests and Jurek Collection, setting a new standard with cutting-edge materials, design, and style. www.ultimatedirection.com

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