The North Face Names Charm City Run Winner of the Never Stop Exploring Award
Maryland-based specialty running store awarded $5,000 to support activities getting more people outside
AUSTIN, Texas, December 6, 2013 /3BL Media/ – The North Face has named Baltimore-based Charm City Run the winner of The North Face 2013 Running Specialty Never Stop Exploring Award, recognizing the specialty running store that demonstrates the most dedication to encouraging and enabling outdoor exploration within the community. The specialty dealer, with five locations in the Baltimore-metro area, was selected for its commitment to getting more people outdoors and enjoying healthier lifestyles through running.
“Not only does Charm City Run encourage runners of all levels, whether they’re training for their first 5k or their tenth Marathon, but they’ve shown an incredible commitment to sharing a passion for running with youth and other communities that may not otherwise be encouraged to lace up," said The North Face National Specialty Sales Manager Jeff Brusven, who presented the award to Charm City Run representatives Brian Nastua, Marie Bolton, Tom Mansfield and Michael Knestou. "Charm City Run truly embodies the spirit of the Never Stop Exploring Award and we’re proud to support them as they continue to inspire the people of Baltimore to experience the outdoors through running.”
The honor was awarded Thursday during The Running Event, a trade show for specialty-run retailers in Austin, Texas, where Charm City Runs has deep roots. According to owners Josh and Kara Levinson, the idea for Charm City Run began when they moved to Austin more than a decade ago and were inspired by local retailer Run-Tex. Charm City Run is also a major supporter of Austin-based charity Marathon Kids that is dedicated to getting more kids living healthy, actives lifestyles through running.
Charm City Run’s slogan, “Live, Give, Run” states the values that founders, Josh and Kara Levinson, built Charm City Run on, and the team delivers on that by developing training programs focused specifically on local children as well as inner-city, less fortunate adults. In addition to launching a youth race series called Kids XC, Charm City Runs supports local chapters of Sole 4 Souls and Back on My Feet, an organization dedicated to using running to help those experiencing homelessness an opportunity at independent living.
In recognition of Charm City Run’s contribution to the Maryland running community, The North Face will donate $5,000 to help build community programs.
The North Face created the Never Stop Exploring Award in 2010 - a retail-specific complement to the brand’s Explore Fund grant program for non-profits - in an effort to encourage Running Specialty stores to initiate local community programs that break down the barriers to getting people outdoors. The award recognizes and supports retailers with programs dedicated to inspiring and enabling the next generation of explorers.
About The North Face®
The North Face, a division of VF Outdoor, Inc., was founded in 1968. Headquartered in Alameda, 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.
Media contact:
Jessica Hollister
The North Face
510.239.1253
