Adventure Racing: Behind the Scenes
when the pass certain marks. Then a final race time is taken at the finish line using computerized timers. This not only prevents cheating, but also allows for accuracy of race results, which is serious business for elite racers who are competing for points.
Safety First
Another factor to consider when hosting an adventure race is safety. Race organizers attempt to ensure that competitors stay safe during the race. Mark Gist, president of International Adventure Events, is a recreational lawyer with experience in risk management-skills that come in handy when dealing with adventure racing.
"'Safety' cannot be guaranteed or promised," Gist said. "You need to look at the particulars to analyze what precautions can be taken to help participants protect themselves."
Gist and his staff attempt to educate participants of possible dangers involved in adventure racing and encourage them to "prepare for both the expected and unexpected" before they undertake a potentially dangerous activity.
One of the races that International Adventure Events hosts is the REI Alpine Adventure Classic. This eight to 14-hour, 45-mile race consists of an eight-mile paddle, 25-30-mile bike ride, and 12-mile trail run. An average of 130-150 competitors will take to the course.
Prior to the event, a series of free clinics are offered at various REI retail stores, in addition to on-site clinics at the event-covering topics ranging from navigation to what to carry during the race.
The worse dangers that Gist fears are catastrophic events like bike accidents or drownings. In order to avoid such incidents certain safety standards have been put in place, such as requiring participants to wear helmets, personal floatation devices and using standard safety gear. Another way of minimizing is risk is to use manned checkpoints.
"We monitor the position of participants (on the course) to determine if participants are lost or injured as quickly as possible," said Gist. "Risk management is a matter of limiting and educating about risks, not eliminating risks."
Just in case something unpredictable does occur and a racer is injured, each event is staffed with medical personnel, such as an EMT, doctor or paramedic.
So, the next time you're out doing an adventure race, don't take the little things for granted-like arrows pointing you in the right direction, cold water at the finish line or an organized transition area. Realize that it took a lot of people a lot of hours to ensure that you have a pleasurable and adventurous race.
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