ARWC 2015 Brazil - Pantanal
Pantanal to Host the AR World Championships in Brazil
Wladimir Togumi (Edited by Rob Howard) / 15.01.2015
In 2015, Brazil will host the AR World Championship for the second time, the final battle where the best adventure racers meet to know who is the best team in the world.
Seven years ago, in 2008, the race based in Jericoacoara crossed 3 States in northeast Brazil. This time the race moved to central-west, in an area called Pantanal, very close to the Bolivian border. It is an area renowned for its natural wonders and wide biological diversity.
We are in the middle of an important time when the entire planet is looking to Brazil for global sporting events. In 2014 the country received the best soccer players; in 2015, the best adventure racers are coming; and finally, in 2016 it will be time for the Olympic Games.
ARWC 2015 is a great opportunity to show the world that Brazil also has great potential in this relatively new sport.
According to the organization, the race will happen in a very remote area and about 70% of the logistics will be on the water, requiring a very complex operation to transport people and gear, and to provide safety cover for all the participants.
The name “Pantanal” derived from “Pântano” translates as swamp in English, so the racers can expect a lot of rivers & lakes that will be exploited to the maximum by organization. Canoeing will be very important – but not decisive – with a total of 4 sections plus some small swims.
Navigation will be the decisive discipline. “This will be an old school race, Eco-Challenge style, very expeditionary, with a lot of navigation and strategy. The racers will face long legs and diverse route options.”
But the time on foot can’t be overlooked. Despite the fact the area is mainly flat, there are some mountains around and one of the trekking sections has an accumulated climb of 2250 meters. Nothing, compared to ARWC Ecuador, but it’s a different race and allied with choosing routes could mean changes in the final classification.
One regular question is about animal attacks. The wild life is amazing and the area has some felines named “onças” (similar to jaguar) and also “jacarés” (similar to crocodile), for example, but the area is very balanced and animals just run away.
“Truth is, the most dangers of Pantanal are: bees, like other parts of Brazil; and river stingray, that stings if accidentally stepped on. “But it is not poisonous, just hurts a lot”.
60 spots will be available, remembering that each ARWS first place, second place and best national team, have their places reserved (23 in total). Another 20 spots belongs to the host country.
If your team is not in these conditions you can send a resume.
Entries open February 15th and the pricing structure is as follows;
February 15th - April 15th: U$ 6.000,00
April 15th - July 15th: U$ 6.500,00
After July 15th: U$ 7.000,00
You find out more about the race organization at http://www.ligaoutdoor.com.br/index.php?lang=en-us
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