The history of adventure racing spans only about 20 years. How did adventure racing develop? Take a brief look at the early evolutions and history of adventure racing.
Pain is weakness leaving the body-Gerard Fusil
A History of Adventure Racing
Adventure has been a driving force in the history of humans. Think of all the things we have achieved simply because someone wondered, "yeah, but what else is there?" That same spirit of adventure, as well as a competitive nature, has driven the evolution of adventure racing and sports in general. Adventure racing didn't just happen out of the blue.
In the 1970's the fittest of all people ran in marathons. In the 1980's triathlons became the ultimate test of endurance. In 1978 the first triathlon premiered in Hawaii. Few people know that it came about because of a disagreement as to which of 3 local athletic events was the toughest-a swimming, bicycling, or running marathon. Adventure racing began to take shape as race organizers hosted their own events incorporating different disciplines and courses.
The First Organized Adventure Race
In 1989, French journalist Gerard Fusil developed a race that would challenge the mental, as well as physical limitations of its racers. This multi-day event, Raid Gauloises debuted in New Zealand. Competitors had only a compass, map and their own skill and ingenuity to rely on. Equipment was limited to that which they could carry and natural forms of transportation were used. Followers of adventure racing were predominantly European during the first few years.
Mark Burnett and Eco-Challenge
In 1992 the first American team participated in Raid Gauloises. Team American Pride was led by team captain (and Brit!) Mark Burnett. By 1995 Burnett had developed his own expedition race. Eco-Challenge Utah brought media attention and a televised component that adventure racing hadn't yet experienced. With the enhanced coverage came an increased awareness of this growing sport.
Adventure Racing Today
There are many variations on adventure racing. The following are some general categories.
- Sprints and short courses- usually 1-3 days. These are good for beginners. Examples of short courses are the Endorphine Fix and Teva Mountain Games Vail
- Expedition races- these races usually last 7-10 days and are multi-discipline events. Examples are Primal Quest and The Raid (an evolution of Raid Gauloises)
Overshadowed by Danger?
The history of adventure racing also includes tragedy. During a three year period three people lost their lives during races. There has been debate as to how, or even if to enhance the safety along courses. Many people argue that the element of danger is part of the draw. Would adventure racing draw as many competitors if the degree of challenge and inherent danger were eliminated?
For now at least the danger and tragedy doesn't seem to have impacted the sport. Each new race draws a multitude of teams determined to test their skills and the limits of their adventurous spirit.
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