---

A Mountainous Course Revealed

Gordon Wright (SPQ) / 19.09.2004

Eastsound, Washington The world’s largest adventure race is one step closer to kickoff this evening. Hundreds of athletes, crew, race staff and volunteers packed the headquarters tent a Rosario Resort this evening for the pre-race briefing. The venue has served as the base camp for all race activities and has now been announced as the start and finish of the 2004 event.

Revealed to athletes this evening through the distribution of custom MyTopo! maps, the course was described by Race Director Dan Barger as, “more difficult than the Telluride and Lake Tahoe venues combined.� Judging by the gasps and whispers during his explanation of course details, racers agree.

The 400-mile course begins with a daunting 51-mile sea kayaking section from Orcas Island to the mainland. From there, racers will trek southeast towards the Skagit River, then veer northeast toward Mount Baker. From there racers meander southeast into Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.

Following the ridgelines of Dickerman and Twin Peaks, teams will traverse knife-edge ridges and face repeated elevation changes measured in thousands of feet. They will eventually track the Skagit River, where they begin their voyage downstream into downtown Mount Vernon. Kayaks will be portaged to the coast where teams will then complete the expedition with a return paddle to Rosario Resort & Spa on Orcas Island.

Of the 56 teams competing in this year’s race, Barger anticipates that only half will finish. His prediction is not one of pessimism, rather one of realistic comprehension of the toll that weather and terrain will take on the athletes. Barger emphasizes that this year is one of choice for the athletes, where SPQ guidelines have required mostly mandatory safety gear.

“We want you to be free to choose,� explained Barger, “what route you will take, how much food and clothing you will pack, and ultimately, how safe you will be.� Safety remains the highest priority at this year’s event. As the countdown continues, racers will be making key choices that may ultimately determine the success or failure of their efforts.

See All Stories On This Race