Mann Appointed Primal Quest Course Director

Media Release / 13.06.2005

The Primal Quest Expedition Adventure Race, has announced the hiring of Don Mann to serve as course director.

Mann, 47, until recently owned and operated Odyssey Adventure Racing, a multisport event management company. Having staged more multi-day adventure races than any other person in the United States, Mann is uniquely qualified to map out the demanding, 5 to 10 day expedition of Primal Quest.

“Don is very well-respected in the racing community for his course design and race management skills in addition to the care with which he treats athletes. His experience speaks for itself and is second to none. Most importantly, Don’s passion for the sport and diverse talents will result in even more compelling events,” said Primal Quest CEO Rich Brazeau.

Mann received his early expedition experience in the Navy, where he served as a Chief Warrant Officer in the SEALs for 21 years on both coasts. After competing in several early Raids Gauloises and retiring from full-duty SEAL duty, he started Odyssey in 1997. Among his signature events were the Beast of the East, the Odyssey One Day and the Endorphin Fix.

He created such Odyssey classics as the Mega-Dose and the Triple Ironman, as well as serving as race director for Expedition BVI and popularizing the Odyssey Adventure Racing Academy. In January, 2005, Mann sold Odyssey to Ronny Angell, a fellow adventure racer.

Mann said, “The Primal Quest is the most important event in adventure racing, and I’m honoured to get the chance to be part of the team. I hope to help craft expeditions that will challenge the field while maintaining safety as an utmost concern.”

Mann’s events have long been considered epic and tough by any standard. With the Primal Quest, he’ll have a chance to extend his course setting and management to its longest duration yet. The Primal Quest traditionally runs as long as ten days, while the Beat of the East, Mann’s previous expedition-length race, was in the four-to-five day range.

“We are looking at some of the most beautiful, rugged, and scenic lands in North America as well as overseas for upcoming Primal Quest events. I’m confident that domestic and international racers will find the next edition of Primal Quest to be among the best authentic expedition adventure race experiences ever,” said Mann.