GORE-TEX(tm) TransRockies Run signs on as Sponsor of Continental Divide Trail Alliance,
Celebrates 30th Anniversary of Trail

Some trails are easy to plot: the route to a peak, a path between two points. Other trails do not reveal themselves so quickly and require patience, vision and hard work to become reality. The Continental Divide Trail is definitely one of the latter. First proposed in the early 1960s, the idea of a trail along the Divide took seed thanks to funding from Congress and hard work from a dedicated group of founders who mapped, walked and advocated for the creation of this spectacular 3100-mile trail along North America's high altitude backbone.

The Continental Divide Trail was officially recognized and designated a National Scenic Trail in November 1978, and the 30th Anniversary of this landmark event will be celebrated throughout 2008 with a series of events and festivals in and around this majestic route. The GORE-TEX(tm) TransRockies Run is proud to announce that it has signed an agreement to become a major donor to the 30th Anniversary Celebrations of the Continental Divide Trail and that the Continental Divide Trail Alliance will become the Official Charitable Partner of the Run.

During the five days of the inaugural GORE-TEX(tm) TransRockies Run in 2007, the participants crossed the Continental Divide twice and had the chance to run along the Tennessee Pass and Leadville portions of the Continental Divide Trail. Once again in 2008, the run, scheduled to take place August 25-30, will include portions of the CDT in its six-day route. "The Continental Divide Trail is an epic route and the CDTA is a perfect partner for us," says Event Director Aaron McConnell. "Not only does our route include part of the Continental Divide Trail but this partnership also provides us with a great vehicle to talk about the responsible trail use ethic which has been part of our philosophy since we began organizing our events seven years ago."

According to the CDTA's Bruce Ward, "We are proud to partner with the TransRockies Run and GORE-TEX(tm) and hope that this event will encourage people from across the country and around the world to experience this national treasure." Along with events specific to the Continental Divide Trail, the anniversary celebrations will provide a platform for broader discussions of trail access, trail maintenance and education based upon the Leave No Trace principles. A host of celebratory and fundraising initiatives are planned to coincide with the event.

Continental Divide Trail Alliance