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History of Adventure Racing

Jun 13, 2006

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.

The copyright of the article History of Adventure Racing in BMX/MotorX/Skateboarding is owned by Jodi Gallegos. Permission to republish History of Adventure Racing in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Comments

Jun 13, 2006 1:30 PM

Jill Florio :

I liked your <a href="http://extremesports.suite101.com/blogs.cfm#hooked_on_adventure_ racing">blog on adventure racing</a> and how your exercise machine also doubles as a laundry relay station. In every house I see, these machines are relagated to some never used room and covered in drying laundry, or are in the corner of bedrooms and covered with clothes needing to be hung somewhere.

They should just go with it. the manufacturers, that is. And actually MAKE an machine that doubles as a valet/clothes rack. Multi-use, part of their new commercial demographic. I bet people would buy them and feel less bad about the expense after, when they realize how much they spent on basically metal/plastic house sculpture. :)

Jun 13, 2006 3:02 PM

Jodi Gallegos :

Maybe they can invent an attachment that is powered by the treadmill and emits a nice steam to de-wrinkle the items hanging behind the treadmill.

Jun 13, 2006 4:15 PM

Jill Florio :

OOOh! Likee that one. And one for steam cleaning the carpet. Or for running the dishwasher, and storing energy for powering the lights. America will have the most fit housewives. (or at least less desperate housewives on the streets). heeheehee

Jun 14, 2006 12:34 PM

Jennifer W. Miner :

I was looking into buying a collapsibloe treadmill, that I could slide under my bed while not in use. You know, to save space. So, my husband sees me researching this, and says, "But where will you hang your pantyhose?" :)

4 Comments