The Descent Race in Kitzbuhel, Austria

DOWNHILL RUNNING RACE RETURNS TO THE WORLD’S MOST NOTORIOUS SKI SLOPE

PRESS RELEASE (Wednesday 11th September, 2019)

Fearless runners will launch themselves down near-vertical gradients in a race on the world’s most notorious ski slope.

Returning for a second year, the INOV8 Descent Race on the Hahnenkamm mountain in Kitzbuhel, Austria, is being staged on Saturday October 5th – and entries remain open.

Revered amongst downhill skiers on the world cup circuit, the Hahnenkamm, which steepens to an insane gradient of 80%, will provide runners with the ultimate opportunity to test their bravery.

INOV8 COO Michael Price said: “It’s got to be one of the most innovative and, although relatively short in distance, toughest sporting events in the world.

“Last year saw hundreds of spectators line the legendary slope and watch on as runners got to grips with the demanding 350m long slalom-style course. This year we’re expecting even bigger crowds and even faster speeds!”

Starting from the iconic ski gate at the top of the mountain, runners will propel themselves down the slope at 30-second intervals. Between them and the finish line below will be a series of ski flags which they must weave round.

Each runner will get two attempts at the course, with their times added together to decide the final results. The male and female winner will each receive €300.

Last year’s victors were Daniel Hauser and Lisa Kroll, who also hold the course records at 54:65 secs and 1min 22:18 secs respectively.

Price added: “To tame the Hahnenkamm, runners will need total commitment and lots of underfoot traction. Our graphene-enhanced running shoes, like the MUDCLAW G 260, offer the world’s toughest grip to those racing the world’s toughest downhill.”

For more details, or to enter the 2019 INOV8 Descent Race, visit: www.inov-8.com/descent

NOTES TO EDITORS

INOV8 is one of the world’s most innovative footwear, apparel and equipment brands in running, hiking and fitness. Forged in the fells of the English Lake District in 2003, the brand now operates in more than 60 countries and is renowned for designing shoes with the best grip.

In 2018, INOV8 became the first brand in the world to use graphene in their sports shoes. Graphene is the strongest material on the planet and when infused with inov-8’s rubber it makes outsoles that are 50% harder wearing, without compromising on the insane sticky grip that off-road runners trust from the brand.


MORE INFORMATION

Contact Lee Procter (inov-8) on leeprocter@inov-8.com