VOLVO joins the Rat Pack

Official Press Release / 02.06.2004

Rat Race Entries extended until 20th June.

Volvo have recently been announced as title sponsors of the 2004 Rat Race Edinburgh Urban Adventure. The event, taking place on 17 and 18 July, is shaping up to be this summer\'s event to remember.

Race partners now confirmed include Volvo, Haglofs, SAS Scandinavian Airlines, Red Bull, Bic Sport Kayaks, Edinburgh City Council, The Adventure Centre and Tiso.

Also confirmed is the transmission of the event on Channel 4 and Sky Sports, filmed by North Wales based Dreamteam TV.

There is more good news too: entries have been extended until 20th June to allow more Ratfans onto the starting grid. With 75 entries confirmed ranging from the AR elite to scratch teams such as \"Roland Ratfans,\" team \"I\'m a Muppet get me out of Here\" and all girl warriors \"Underground Honeyz,\" it really will be a diverse field. Sir Ranulph Fiennes will also be joining teams on the start line after officially opening the event.

And there will be plenty to race for too. The race organisers promise bags of prizes including flights, kit and a very special trip for the winning team.

Event Director Jim Mee and course designer Gary Tompsett are keeping tight lipped on race highlights, however it has been revealed that an event centre will be built in the city\'s Prince\'s Street Gardens, directly in the shadow of Edinburgh castle. Featuring Tiso and Haglofs gear shops, a mobile health spa for use by competitors, a beer tent, food stalls and the Red Bull mobile sound system it really is going to be a fun event.

Jim Mee: \"This event is going to ring the bells and blow the whistles. We have a fantastic course prepared so the racing action will be magnificent. And the event village will be something special for the competitors to come back to after each of the two stages of racing. Then there\'s the party. It\'s a one stop shop for the best race this summer. And all for Â£60. You cannae whack it.\"

Mee\'s parties are renowned for being a highlight of any of his event creations. This one promises to be no different. Although no indication has been given of venue, the dress code has been revealed to mirror the subterranean vibe of this event: Fred Flintstone. Mee advises, \"Think Cave dweller. Dress prehistoric.\"

The Rat Race is the UK\'s first ever urban adventure race. Encompassing core disciplines of cycling, hiking, running, canoeing, rope travel and some special urban challenges competitors will cover an 80km course within the city of Edinburgh and its dramatic environs over a day long period. Just to get the competitive juices flowing there will also be the \'Mean Streets\' prologue on Saturday night to orientate competitors with the city and the format of the race.

So in order to experience the newest and most exciting development in UK adventure racing this year log onto www.ratraceadventure.com and fill out an entry form before 30th June.