Primal Quest 2008

You've probably heard me mention my passion for adventure racing. I've probably raced in over 15 events throughout the midwest region...from the Nebraska plains to the Minnesota deep backwoods, Indiana's expansive river systems to the long and lonely Missouri Ozarks. The IA Games event we raced earlier this month, though small as it was, just continues to keep that passion for adventure alive in me. And if I have it my way, I'll be running AND adventure racing far into my later years. Truth be told, I have some hopes of resurrecting again the SOAR Challenge race I co-directed in central Iowa next year if all goes well.

Another reason I keep this passion stoked is that someday I honestly hope to race in the grandaddy of all adventure races...Primal Quest. This is a 10-day event that tests more than just skills and endurance, but also determination and the will to survive. Teams will be pitted against every imaginable discipline the race directors can dream up while racing against the clock, other teams, and the forces of nature, in order to trek, climb, kayak, raft, mountain bike, navigate, etc. to successfully reach the finish line.

Primal Quest 2008 racers are battling the elements at this very moment, deep in the roughest country Montana can serve up. One of the most famous teams, Team Merrell/Zanfel Adventure, is currently in 2nd place trying for their first win over the winningest team in professional adventure racing, Team Nike. I had the pleasure of meeting and racing against Robyn Benincasa, captain of Team Merrell, at the 2007 IA Games Adventure Race where she fielded a team of novices and enjoyed teaching us a thing or two along the course (aka: kicking our butts).

For just a slight taste of what these PQ2008 teams are experiencing at this very moment in Montana, now a week into the event and racing with serious sleep deprivation - though the top team is likely to finish the 500-mile event sometime Saturday night, check out this amazing video below:



Update 6/29, 12:15pm: Team Merrell/Zanfel Adventure has claimed second place in the 2008 Primal Quest Expedition Adventure Race after 6 days, 2 hours, and 10 minutes of racing...way to go Robyn & company!!

Good Luck Weekend Racers!

After the culmination of months of training and preparation, tomorrow begins the long journey for thousands of runners as they tackle the ING New York Marathon. From what we hear, the weather should be near optimal for settings some new PRs ... just don't forget to set those clocks back an hour for daylight savings! If you would like to check out the action:

Television - NBC Sports will broadcast a one-hour highlight show nationwide beginning at 2:00 p.m. CST on November 4; check your local listings for details.

Internet Streaming - Watch the entire race live on the Internet at NBC Sports MediaZone for a small fee.

On-Course Coverage - Watch as two New York Times columnists run the marathon. Follow along as they share their experiences from the race course.

Personally, tomorrow will also mark my unofficial countdown as I begin my preparation towards hopefully entering and participating in the 2008 event myself. Good luck to all NYC runners -- I hope to see you next year!

I also want to send a shout out to a few of my adventure racing friends as they begin the 2007 USARA National Championships in Potosi, Missouri today. Here, co-ed teams of three are required to navigate a series of checkpoints using only a map and compass to guide them while transitioning between several disciplines (trail running/trekking, mountain biking, paddling and orienteering) as they battle it out for the title of USARA Adventure Race National Champion. It's a grueling course which will require racers to push themselves non-stop for over 40+ hours. I've also heard the winners receive guarranteed entry into the 2008 Primal Quest ... that is some serious incentive for these guys and gals. Go Team WEDALI and Team Bike Iowa!

Photos by NYC Marathon and USARA Nationals