Open Adventure and Accelerate Join Forces

News Release / 06.10.2006

A new initiative between northern-based Open Adventure and Sheffield company Accelerateuk.com plans to bring a new dimension to the successful race series run by James & Lisa Thurlow.

The Open Adventure Race series, including the Open5 and Open24, has announced that the event retail partner will be the specialist event and online adventure racing store, Accelerate. Commenting on the new arrangement James Thurlow said, “Accelerate provide quality products and advice on equipment whilst allowing our sponsors room to exhibit and sell their products.”

Debs Smith of Accelerate explained, “Accelerate is committed to adventure racing and all that the sport stands for. We are determined to continue sourcing the right products for the sport and to get to a point where we become a one-stop shop for racers both online and at events. We are aiming to have our own high street store.”

Stuart Hale, of Accelerate and James Thurlow have both been looking at ways of bringing new competitors into the sport whilst attracting new sponsors for the Open Adventure events. Currently Mountain Hardwear, Merrell, Anquet Maps, Total Adventure and EAS sponsor Open Adventure. “I choose my sponsors very carefully. They are all brands that I am happy to recommend and use myself,” added Thurlow.