Raid the North Extreme Announces 2011 Date and Location

EC First+Trek

The 2011 Raid the North Extreme Adventure Race is set to go down July 23-31 of next year in a beautiful and remote region of British Columbia. This will be the 8th running of this expedition length race that promises Real Wilderness, Real Navigation, and Real Adventure.

The RTNE adheres to traditional adventure racing conventions, pitting coed teams of four against one another on a six-day, 500km (310 mile) unmarked route through some of the wildest and most demanding terrain in all of North America. Teams will be required to run, trek, paddle, mountain bike, and climb their way through the course. Navigation will, of course, play a pivotal role, as the competitors will have nothing more than a map and a compass to help guide them through the series of checkpoints.

The 2011 Raid the North will be held in the West Kootenays of British Columbia, a rugged wilderness that is dominated by both mountains and water. While the course remains an unknown at this time, you can bet that the teams will have to contend with the Monashee and Selkirk mountains, while fending off one another along the way. Slocan Lake and Kootenay Lake are likely candidates for possible paddling opportunities as well.

Registration for the event has not yet opened, but is promised for “Autumn of 2010,” so expect it soon. The first ten teams to register and pay their entry fee will receive a reduced rate of $3995 CN, as opposed to the regular rate of $4500 CN. Those prices include six days of racing, a nights stay at the local lodge before and after the event, and shuttles to the regional airport. Teams will also get to attend the pre- and post-race ceremonies, including meals, and a big blow out party at the end.

It looks like fans of adventure racing in North America can look forward to some good events again next year. The Raid the North Extreme should be one of the top events in the world during 2011.

Kraig Becker