Spreading Adventure Racing in Belgium

Pieter De Clercq / 03.01.2006

“Rush Valley” is a new race dreamt up by 4 Belgian students of physical education. Feeling there were far too few adventure races in Belgium (this is the second one we’ve heard of!), they decided to start a race that is challenging enough for regular adventure racers but accessible to athletes from trail running and mountain biking.

They also aim to stage a basic-level race for people who want to experience the concept of adventure racing for the first time, so competitors will be able to choose between 2 races. The first will last for about 5 hours and the course is completely off-road, including mountain biking, running and kayaking. This race will have to be completed by pairs.

The second race will last for 3 hours, and is also completely off-road. The difference is that this race needs to be completed by teams of 4 competitors and the ability to plan strategy and solve some riddles and tasks will determine the final ranking. These competitors will surely need to be in a good shape to complete the physical parts of this race, but team work will be vital.

Speaking for the new organising team Pieter De Clercq said, “We believe that our organisation will be able to push the popularity of adventure racing in Belgium. For the competitors it will be great entry-level race, from which we hope they can go on to bigger and more challenging events.”

The race will be held at a completely closed location and is planned 30th of April 2006, at Lanklaar, Belgium. For more information visit http://www.rushvalley.be. (The site is currently in Dutch, but will be in English soon.)