Patagonia Expedition Race – The Row Rumbles On
Row / 17.03.2004
The race cost US$ 4,400 per team to enter, plus the costs of getting to Southern Chile, but the leading teams were hoping to recoup that from a total of US$60,000 in prize money, with the winners expecting US$30,000, plus a weekend trip to Antarctica. Sadly for all concerned, and especially the winning team (Xinix Water Purification), no prize money has been forth coming. Nor was there any Antarctic trip. There has even been talk of the race organiser selling some land to pay it.
Now Latin Reach, a marketing company behind Planet Patagonia, the original named sponsors of the race, have sent out the following statement to “set the record straight.†But no matter who was responsible, it’s a sad outcome and the winning teams who travelled so far to race look likely to lose out.
San Jose, California, Monday March 15, 2004 - On March 14 at 4:38 pm Latin Reach received a very interesting email. The winning team of the Patagonia Expedition contacted Latin Reach, owners of the Planet Patagonia brand name, as well as the race directors of the Patagonia Expedition Race in an attempt to collect $30,000 in prize money that was never issued.
Planet Patagonia was the named sponsor of the Patagonia Expedition Race, however the details of Latin Reach’s agreement with Nomadas, Ltd, the owners of the Patagonia Expedition Race, did not bind them to any financial obligations regarding the race until 2005. Latin Reach had no knowledge of the organizations ability or inability to issue the prize money.
Latin Reach’s agreement provided them an option of contributing much needed PR, branding marketing and sponsors, if possible, to help increase the appeal and success of the event for the following years 2005 and 2006, where they had secured a vested interest. Latin Reach realised the 2004 event was in much need of sponsorship and offered their services to assist Nomadas, Ltd, but were under no obligation whatsoever. They subsequently exercised their right, specified in the agreement, and terminated their participation in the Expedition Race for 2004, 2005 and 2006.
Roger Hooks, Jr., Vice President of Marketing for Latin Reach commented; “After considerable and careful thought, the partners of Latin Reach and I agreed that the Patagonia Expedition Race could not meet the strict criteria necessary to be included as a Planet Patagonia branded product. We hold our brand in high regard, seeking to present the highest quality experience in adventure and discovery of the Patagonia region in every instance. It is important to us that every element of the brand exemplifies that. We extend our sympathy to those participants of the race that received accommodations that were less than expected, however, Latin Reach and the brand name Planet Patagonia can not be held responsible for any inconveniences that you may have experienced with the Patagonia Expedition Race. “
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