---

Endorphin FIX “Toughest 3 Day Adventure Race in the U.S.” to showcase the BEST of WEST VIRGINIA in run for $30,000 prize purse

Press Release / 18.04.2008

Lookout, WV – On April 24, 2008, Elite adventure athletes from across the U.S. & Canada, will take to the mountains of southern WV for the 17th Edition of the Endorphin FIX Adventure Race. Widely touted as the “Toughest 2–day race in the US,” this edition the EFIX will expand to a three-day expedition style format in answer to racers wanting a race that is a true adventure, challenging, affordable and still allows them to get home by the end of the weekend. Pipestem Resort State Park will host the race activities including Event Headquarters with registration, the ropes/climbing testing area and 72 non-stop hours later, the finish line.

The race is routed through several WV counties and will include epic mountain biking, with teams battling up the long WV mountains; trekking through WV’s rugged hills, hollers and valleys; whitewater rafting; whitewater swimming; canoeing and portaging in the chilling waters of the New River. Racers will stop to soak up the view on the rim of the New River Gorge before they rappel over 180’ to the trail below. Live coverage will be available via www.CheckpointTracker.com.

Event designers have spent months pouring over maps and defining routes that will offer a real showcase of the area and give racers a honest action packed adventure, “albeit closer to home,” says Course Designer and Fayette County resident, Joy Marr. “This FIX will be a taste of a real expedition since racers will be out for 3 nights.”

Owner and President of Odyssey Adventure Racing, Ronny Angell, adds, “The EFIX has a rich history of high adventure and unrelenting physical, emotional and mental challenges, with many teams aspiring to return year after year. Racers have come to LOVE the pain and beauty of the WV Mountains.” Angell adds of this Odyssey classic, “Racers get a true test of themselves in the EFIX. Many will push further than they thought possible and will come out of this race with a newfound confidence and inner strength that will serve them well in their everyday lives”.

Angell notes, “ though the actual race route is held secret until race start, this course will take teams through Bluestone State Park and WMA, Mill Creek Trail in Ansted, Gauley River NRA, New River Gorge NR and Pipestem State Park, giving teams a close up of the best and varied terrain of southern West Virginia.” Teams will be able to have their friends and families follow their progress and send encouragement live throughout the event via Checkpointtracker.com.