Raid the North Extreme
Following the Voyageurs
Rob / 13.08.2003
Twenty teams will race without support crews for up to 500 km through this remote area, cycling, orienteering, canoeing, and using fixed ropes,. Most will just enjoy the experience and hope to complete the course, but the best teams will be aiming to win a $15,000 first place purse.
Teams will begin to arrive in Thunder Bay on August 14 and 15 in order to test their gear and be evaluated for competency in the various disciplines, and among the competitors is former Olympic rower turned adventure racer, Marnie McBean. According to race designer Dave Zietsma, captain of Canada’s top adventure racing team, Schick Extreme III, the field of competitors at this year’s event includes some of the sport’s best.
“This is a very experienced group of athletes this year,� reports Zietsma. “There are a few rookie teams who are trying a longer race for the first time, but most have been to other, similar races, which is a good thing since this is a very technical race.�
Zietsma explains that it was the race designers’ intention to create a challenging race for the athletes, but one which most can complete as the majority have never been to this region before. “We do have some local teams who may have an advantage since they know the terrain,� Zietsma continues, “but most of the competitors will have never experienced these particular geographic conditions: the crystal clear lakes, the small cliffs and sandy beaches. And they will also be surprised by how remote this race is – at very few points will teams see any human development or even roads.�
Teams have until the afternoon of Friday, August 22 to complete the race course, but the leaders are expected to cross the finish line as early as midday on Wednesday. The course outline and maps are not revealed to racers until 24 hours before the race begins.
Known for themed events and capitalizing on the local history of their event locales, the organizers of Raid the North Extreme have developed this event into one of the top expedition-style adventure races on the international circuit. Raid the North Extreme is known as one of the most challenging non-stop wilderness races anywhere, and has been held in some of the most spectacular and demanding regions of Canada. This year, race organizers chose the Atikokan region because of its reputation for canoeing and its dramatic racing conditions.
“We have created a course that explores the rich history of adventure and exploration of this area,� explains Geoff Langford, President of Frontier Adventure Racing, the company organizing this event. “Not only will the racers be expected to spend a lot of time canoeing, following the paths of the ‘Voyageurs’, but they will also explore local highlights like White Otter Castle, made entirely of wood. Travelling through Quetico Park and seeing the waterfalls, hidden rivers and other wilderness treasures will take the competitors through some of the most beautiful scenery they’ve ever raced in.�
In addition, the Atikokan region has been particularly welcoming according to Langford, and this small community has rallied all its resources in hosting this international event. Local organizers even held a qualifying event earlier in the year to introduce local athletes and citizens to adventure racing, and shortly they are going to see some of the very best teams taking on one of the world’s toughest races.
[Full details of the race, and more about the setting and the Voyageurs are on the Raid The North site - use the link top right.]
SleepMonsters
