9-1-1 Adventure Challenge-Cancelled
26 06 20089-1-1 Update. Stay posted to triangle-ar-team.com for further!!
Just to update this original post, just wanted to fill everyone in on the lastest whisperings before they get out anyways. There are some mumblings, albeit low and far between that the 9-1-1 will return in 2009 as an early season (March) race to fill the niche coming out of winter. More planning and discussions will take place after the October 4th Gold Nugget Adventure Race and hopes are that this race will fall under the RDU-Trailblazer banner. In making this move there will hopefully be a “strength in numbers” revitalization for the race. In the meantime, get off the couch and we’ll see you out at the 2008 Gold Nugget Adventure Race. http://gnar08.wordpress.com/
From Race Director Bruce Dale:
With mixed feelings, I have decided to pull the plug on the 2008 race. There are a variety of reasons the most significant of which is job related. I have been tasked very recently with leading some Home Land Security initiatives that will require extensive travel and training over the next 3-4 months. The result is simply not enough time and availability to make the event happen again. After 8 years running, this was a very tough call to make but all the factors pointed toward simply cancelling the event.
In addition to the above, I have seen a steady decline in race entries especially in 2007 with a decrease of nearly 50%. The registrations recieved in 2008 are even further behind at this point in time than they were in 2007, these numbers point toward a poor turnout and long term not meeting our cost outlays for insurance, awards, permits, shirts and boat rentals. Much of this money is paid up front and recouped through entry fees, unfortunately the registrations are so far behind it does not appear that this has a reasonable chance of happening and the race will end up in the financial hole. In trying to put my finger on it, I can only point to a “been there, done that” reasoning that after 8 years everyone has either done the race repeatedly or is seeking some differant terrain to test their mettle. It’s been a good run since our small beginning (12 teams) in 2000……….. We’ll see you out on the trails!
I understand the reason for cancelling this event. I’m sorry that it won’t happen. I was looking forward to this being my first adventure race. What about the entrance fee already paid? Thanks, Deb Young
Bruce, that’s too bad the race has been canceled, I hope it’s not permanent. I have been trying to compete in this race for the past 2 years, but have been unable to, because of conflicts; the summer in NC always seems to fly vacation commitments, etc…Perhaps if the race was earlier in the year, or after the summer holiday there may be more “enthusiasm” ? It would be a shame to see a local race like this fall by the wayside, especially for the cause it supports!
cheers,
rich
Sorry to hear that the race has been cancelled. I was looking forward to the event.
With this cancellation, the folks at active.com need to be notified of the change and the event needs to be be removed from there website. It is still posted as of 7/17/08.
Hope to see it next year.
Hi guys! What’s up?
I’m from Brazil and I run adventure race over here eather… I was just checking out your page It’s nice to make contact.
Keep up the good job!
best fo luck!
Sorry to hear it was canceled, had a great time last year even though I came unprepared, and was prepping to redeem myself, hopefully it will be on next year plus I had a couple of friends doing it this year since they have jumped on board for it.
Regret to hear the cancellation news. You hinted at it but this speaks to the need for recruiting new comers to the sport. It is an expensive sport and takes time; this is true but if they can only experience that trying primal moment on the trail then …
The words in the AR community should get out that we need to teach the sport when possible. Free training also never hurt; that is how I got into it (no RD, no support).
Sorry to hear this has been cancelled. I was looking forward to it as my first adventure race. I have been racing triathlons in this area for many years and had never heard of this event. I found it by actively searching for adventure races online. Perhaps some ads in local magazines like Endurance would increase enrollment in the future. Hope to see it come back next year. All the best.