Subaru Primal Quest
Preparing for the Prologue
Gordon Wright (SPQ) / 19.09.2004
With so many athletes beginning from one location, the need arose to control the amount of traffic at the start line where space is limited. Enter the race Prologue. Covering 22.3 miles and 3,802 feet of vertical ascent, the event kicks off at sea level with a two-person 6.5-mile kayak paddle course.
On returning to the start line, racers meet up with their counterparts and begin an uphill 3.9 mile running course. From there, the two non-paddling teammates jump on their mountain bikes for a steep uphill climb and 10.5-mile loop circling Mt. Constitution. In the last leg of the race, all four team members run 1.4 miles back to the start/finish line.
A duel purpose event, the Prologue is also a chance for athletes to keep their noses out of their maps and enjoy the scenic beauty of Orcas Island. Contrasting the main event, the Prologue course will be clearly marked and racers will not be allowed to deviate from its path.
Tanya Kanczuzewski co-designed the course with race director Dan Barger, who said they hope that the event will allow racers to slow down and smell the roses. "We designed the course not to be difficult so that the racers get to see some amazing, beautiful views, and that's exactly what Moran State Park gives them," Kanczuzewski stressed.
For some, the Prologue is all about strategy, as the finish times determine which six-team wave they are placed in to begin the Subaru Primal Quest. When the pistol start-gun fires, waves will be released in 2-minute intervals.
Underdog teams may use the Prologue to gain a head start in the race, since a differential of nearly 20 minutes time can be gained from the first wave to the last.
“It will be really interesting to see the strategy teams use for this Prologue," commented Kanczuzewski. For a team like Nike ACG-Balance Bar, they wouldn't have any trouble making up a 20-minute starting deficit, but it could be an opportunity for a smaller team to shine."
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