SPQ to Resume

SPQ Press Release / 23.09.2004

The Subaru Primal Quest is returning to Orcas Island in an attempt to honour the memory of Team AROC member Nigel Aylott. The race will re-start in a competitive format at 12:01 a.m. on September 23rd, but will be shortened. Race directors worked closely with Nigel\'s family and team mates to determine the best course of action.

Reflecting Nigel\'s great passion for the outdoors and competitive spirit, his team mates indicated that the very best means of celebrating his life would be to hold a barbeque in his honour, and to continue the race.

Primal Quest is accommodating both wishes.

Race organizers also met with team captains to determine their feelings about the continuation of the race. Twenty-nine of the thirty-nine teams in attendance at the meetings in Howard Miller State Park in Rockport felt strongly that the race should continue. Eight teams said that they would go with whatever decision the race organizers made; and two teams felt that they could not continue.

\"All teams have a choice to make,\" said Dan Barger, Race Director. “Everyone needs to look into their heart and souls and make the decision that is best for them as individuals and collectively as a team.\"

\"There is no way to overstate how shattered we feel,\" said Co-Race Director Maria Burton. \"Nigel was not only an elite backcountry athlete, he was a great spirit. Everyone here is trying to get through this as best they can.\"

The accident, which happened at approximately 4:20 p.m. September 21st, was a tragic reminder of the risks of adventure racing and occurred despite a level of safety unprecedented in the relatively young sport. The Subaru Primal Quest mandates that every team carry a satellite phone for emergencies. Additionally, each team carries a GPS tracking unit, as well other mandatory safety gear, so that race organizers can track their location and movement at all times.