Seattle, WA– Outdoor Research, a leading independent manufacturer of outdoor apparel and accessories, this month signed on as presenting sponsor of the 15th-annual Gore-Tex Elk Mountains Grand Traverse Race, which will take place in March 2012.

At midnight on Friday, March 30, 2012, participants will embark on the 40-mile backcountry ski race from Crested Butte, Colo., to Aspen, Colo. The rugged course follows 1880’s mail routes, and, with sub-zero temperatures and a 7,800 vertical climb, racers and gear alike will be put to the test.

“The Grand Traverse Race is more than just a randonee race. It is one of the burliest, adventure-driven ski events of the year,” said Charlie Lozner, Outdoor Research’s Director of Marketing. “At Outdoor Research, we strive to create products that support and promote human-powered adventure, so partnering with an endurance ski event like the Grand Traverse came naturally. I can’t think of a better way to see our mission in action than on a course like this one.”

Outdoor Research’s support as a presenting sponsor builds on Gore-Tex’s new role for 2012 as title sponsor of the event, bringing to the event a manufacturer that uses Gore technology extensively in its product line. According to Co-Race Director Brian Wickenhauser, that’s a logical partnership between all three organizations.

“This race provides the perfect testing grounds for fabrics, clothing and outdoor gear,” Wickenhauser said. “Outdoor Research uses Gore-Tex fabrics in so many of its items, so it was a natural fit to name them as our presenting sponsor. We look forward to a long-term relationship with Gore and Outdoor Research.”

For more information, visit www.outdoorresearch.com or the recently launched Grand Traverse website at www.elkmountainstraverse.com. To get updates on the race, visit www.twitter.com/emgtskirace, and to follow the SPOT trackers live, visit http://www.elkmountainstraverse.com/results/live-racking.