Up for Air Series Announces Platinum Sponsor

November 12, 2019

Patagonia Steps Up to Support Running/Climbing Events for Improving Air Quality

Denver, CO (November 12, 2019) – The Up for Air Series (www.upforairseries.org), an annual series of mountain running and indoor climbing events that offers trail runners and climbers a unique opportunity to put their energy and endurance to good use in the fight for cleaner air, today announced that Patagonia has committed to becoming the Series’ exclusive Platinum sponsor for all 2020 UFA events.

As the sole Platinum sponsor Patagonia receives a host of valuable real world and digital benefits at the various Up for Air events, acknowledging their support of the outdoor community and their commitment to improved air quality. The Up for Air series includes Running Up for Air (RUFA) events in Salt Lake City, Ogden, Colorado and, soon, Provo and Missoula, Montana, as well as Climbing Up for Air (CUFA) events in both Salt Lake City and Ogden. Trail runners and climbers run and climb to raise both awareness and funds for improving the quality of our air. The 2020 dates for Up for Air in Utah are: February 21 and 22 for both Salt Lake City & Ogden. The dates for the Colorado edition of RUFA, RUFA-Staunton, are March 6 and 7, 2020. CUFA events take place in both Salt Lake and Ogden on February 23. The Up for Air Series events seek to raise $100,000.00 in 2020, supporting the air quality advocacy and education work of a number of select charities, including: Breathe Utah, Utah Clean Energy, Conservation Colorado and Protect Our Winters.

According to Justin Roth, Patagonia’s Global Marketing Manager, “Patagonia is proud to sponsor the Up for Air Series because it combines the joy and challenge of trail running with a greater purpose: protecting our right to breathe clean air. The series is a perfect example of how sport and environmental advocacy go hand in hand.”

RUFA began in 2012 in an effort to mobilize people living along the Wasatch Front in and around Salt Lake City to take action to improve the quality of their winter air. Now in its 8^th year, RUFA has grown to include nearly 1000 runners and climbers, who collectively run thousands of miles and climb millions of vertical feet, while raising tens of thousands of dollars to support the work and advocacy of nonprofits dedicated to improving the quality of our air.

RUFA founder and trail runner Jared Campbell knows that “the growing number of UFA events could not accomplish our goals without the support of an amazing collection of individuals and partners. Patagonia has always been a leader in both product development and environmental activism, and their financial and philosophical support of the Up for Air events will move us closer to realizing our goals of raising $100,000 and engaging our community of outdoor athletes in efforts to improve air quality. We are honored and humbled by their support and commitment.”

About the Up for Air Series

The Up For Air Series is a collection of endurance events – Running Up for Air (RUFA) and Climbing Up for Air (CUFA) – created to amplify informed dialogue and empower organizations actively working on air quality solutions. Proceeds from Up For Air events are directed at carefully selected non-profit groups who demonstrate high value influence strategies. The race platform is used to expose participants and the general public to science-based material about the importance of healthy air. All events are conducted with a minimal footprint philosophy. Launched in 2012 in Salt Lake City, RUFA now offers events in Salt Lake City, Ogden, Denver, Colorado, and Chamonix, France. Events in Missoula, Montana, and Provo, Utah will be added soon. CUFA events are now available in Salt Lake City and Ogden.  For detailed event information, visit: upforairseries.org.

For additional information, contact: Peter Downing, peter@sufferbetter.com. 720-261-6766