BHP Billiton Rock and Ice Ultra
Double the Racers, Double the Diamonds
Rob Howard / 20.03.2009
Speaking at the pre-race press conference Race Director Scott Smith said, “We had 30 thirty racers camping out on the ice last year and this year it’s 57, so the race is continuing to grow and we’ve had to double the logistics support. We have twice the number of skidoos and support staff, and more radios and equipment to look after everyone.�This year there are racers from 11 countries taking part, and Smith said one of the reasons was the race’s growing reputation as ‘the other desert race’. “We have many racers here who have taken part in hot desert races around the world, and now want to try racing in the cold desert, which is just as dry and just as extreme. As far as I know this is the only winter stage race and it is a very achievable ambition. We have some top class international racers here of course, but also many who aim just to finish and a few who are carrying kitchen sinks in their pulks!�
One thing which is unusual about this race is the high number of women racers, and this brought about a change in the prizes offered. This year, for the first time, there are women’s categories in both the foot and ski sections of the 3 and 6 day races, and this doubles the number of EKATI gem cut diamonds being won as prizes. “When the race started two years ago there were only 5 Ultra distance competitors,� said Smith, “do it wasn’t really practical to have separate categories. Then last year in the K-rock race we found 50% of the racers were female, which was a real surprise as that is not common in ultra races. As a result BHP were quick to agree to the new women’s categories and to doubling the number of diamonds on offer and we have some exceptional female competitors this year so there will be strong competition to win them.�
Smith was asked to sum up the race in two sentences, but managed to answer in two words; “dress warm!� It was a response he expanded on when asked about the challenges racers would face in addition to the cold and the distance. “Well, those are the main challenges,� he replied, “but to beat them you have to choose your clothing and gear well, and that’s a challenge in itself. It was interesting to watch all the racers checking out each other’s gear and there are a few crazy sleds out there which I’m not sure will last the course!�
Also speaking at the conference was Gerry Tait of BHP Billiton, who are now in their 3rd year of sponsorship and Chief Edward Sangris of the Akaitcho tribe whose land the race route crosses. He recounted how they had worked out the original route with Smith, avoiding trapping sites and graves, and using their knowledge of the land to take racers to the best locations. “We are pleased to partner and promote an event which promotes healthy living and physical outdoor activity,� he said, “and next year we plan to be more involved by setting up the stage camps with our traditional tents.�
Tait also mentioned the 2010 race, saying that despite the current economic situation, BHP Billiton had already committed to next year’s sponsorship, ensuring the future of a race which has already become a classic ultra and looks set to continue to grow.See All Event Posts
