Jez Bragg, the UK ultradistance runner, will take on New Zealand’s Te Araroa trail this December, aiming to complete the 1898 miles of route in 50 days.

Running from Cape Reinga at the top of North Island down to Bluff at the bottom of South Island, the route is mostly off-road through the incredible and varying scenery of these beautiful lands. North Face athlete Bragg will take on the trail solo in the main part, aiming for a fast and light strategy with a daily target of between 37-50 miles. A motor home following behind will carry his entire support team – a doctor and his expedition coordinator – but because of the rugged and remote terrain that the route follows, the team won’t be on hand for large stretches. At these times, Jez will have to carry what he needs on his back and be completely self-sufficient.

“Running this trail has been a dream of mine for several years and I have followed its progress with great interest. For me, ultra running is all about this type of adventure; the opportunity to explore remote and challenging landscapes in a very raw and pure way. There is no better way to explore a country like New Zealand with such outstanding natural beauty than to do it by foot. The work that has gone into getting this trail together to its eventual opening is simply mind-boggling. It will be a great honour to be one of the first to run it and hopefully showcase everything the country and the trail, has to offer. It will truly be an adventure of a lifetime.”

For further information on The North Face® performance athletes, trail-running products, upcoming ultra-running events, and the get ready for Ultra-Trail video training series click www.thenorthface.com

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