Dean Karnazes Heads to Gobi Desert

SAN LEANDRO, California — May 29, 2008 —Dean Karnazes heads to the Gobi Desert in China, as the second race in The North Face® "Desert Grand Slam", in which he will attempt to complete the world's five major desert foot races in a single calendar year, a total of 755 miles, while raising awareness of and funds to fight the world's safe drinking water shortage through a partnership with The North Face® and the Blue Planet Run Foundation. Karnazes won the first race, the Atacama Crossing, in April.

In pursuit of the Desert Grand Slam, Karnazes, who was the top competitor at the grueling Atacama Desert run in Chile (March 30 – April 7) which drew an international field from over 20 countries, will also run the Gobi Desert in China (June 6 –16), Death Valley in California (July 14 –16), the Sahara Desert in Africa (Oct 24 – Nov 3), and the desolate, arid plateaus of Antarctica (Nov 19 – Dec 5). Races range in format and distance from, seven-day, 155-mile runs that require competitors to carry all their own supplies, to a crew-supported traverse of Death Valley in a nonstop, 135-mile push.

"The Gobi Desert has long been on my life-list of places I've dreamed of visiting," said Karnazes. "I can't wait to experience it firsthand."

The Gobi March, as it is officially named, the largest international sporting event in Western China, takes place in Kashgar, along the ancient Silk Road. The 156 mile course will reach altitudes of 9,843 feet with river crossings, rocky terrain, gorges, mountains, donkey trails and long expanses of flat desert. The course may be modified daily depending on waters levels of the rivers or poor weather conditions.

For information on and daily dispatches from The North Face Desert Grand Slam, please visit: www.thenorthface.com/deserts
For information and details on 4 Deserts: www.4deserts.com
For information on Dean Karnazes: www.ultramarathonman.com
For additional information on Blue Planet Run: www.blueplanetrun.org

About The North Face®
The The North Face, a division of VF Outdoor, Inc., was founded in 1968. Headquartered in San Leandro, California, the company offers the most technically advanced products in the market to accomplished climbers, mountaineers, snowsport athletes, endurance athletes, and explorers. The company's products are sold in specialty mountaineering, backpacking, running, 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.

The North Face® Public Relations:
Pamela Bennett
510.618.3654
pam_bennett@vfc.com

Amy Goldhammer
510.618.2815
amy_goldhammer@vfc.com