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Odyssey Mega Dose Adventure Race To Inject Blue Ridge Mountains with Unprecedented Sports Action
Natural Bridge, VA - Odyssey Adventure Racing, the premier ultra-distance sports promoter in the US, is excited to include the new Mega Dose 4-day adventure race to it's list of exciting multi-sports events. This race begins at the historic and breathtaking Natural Bridge in western Virginia, which is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. To be held May 25 - 29, the Mega Dose is a 4-day, unsupported, expedition-style adventure race for teams of 2, 4 or solo competitors. The race combines the disciplines of trail running, whitewater paddling, mountain biking, trekking and climbing with the challenges of navigating with map and compass along a 200+ mile course. "We wanted a mid-length adventure race to offer to competitors that would take the place of the BEAST of the East," said Don Mann, the founder and president of Odyssey Adventure Racing. Mann was referring to Odyssey's popular 5-day race that was held in southwestern Virginia in '98 and '99. The BEAST 2000 World Championship Adventure Race will be held in Alaska in August. "Racers were excited that the BEAST was moving to Alaska this year, but were disappointed there would not be another expedition-style race on the East Coast," explained Mann - which is why he created the Mega Dose.
Referred to as the "fastest-growing" sport in the world, adventure racing challenges competitors not only in physical endurance, but also in teamwork, problem solving, ingenuity, strength, courage and skill. Teams will start the Mega Dose from the Natural Bridge and race through a series of predetermined checkpoints over challenging and diverse terrain. Each athlete must overcoming individual mental, physical and emotional exhaustion in order to maintain team integrity. Teams must be intact throughout the entire 200+ miles to finish officially.
The Mega Dose begins with an off-road marathon along Purgatory Mountain and through stunning Shenandoah Valley farmlands. Next, competitors will paddle through class II & III rapids in 16-foot canoes along waterways once traveled by Monocan, Shawnee and Powhatan Indians. Following the paddle comes a mountain bike section that climbs up and over 44,000 insidious feet of elevation through the Blue Ridge Mountains. Teams will also hike over through some of the most beautiful terrain in the Eastern US, and demonstrate their climbing skills on a challenging fixed-rope course.
Racers will be treated to pre-race and post-race banquets at the beautiful Natural Bridge Inn located just steps away from the historic natural monument. Media representatives are encouraged to attend the festivities and to cover the event. Racers and Odyssey staff members will be available for interviews and photos.
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Odyssey Adventure Racing (OAR) is a unique race promotion organization that specializes in premier ultra-distance and extreme sporting events. Our mission is to create and produce competitive experiences that provide athletes with mental and physical challenges not found in more traditional sports. We strive to attract adventurous individuals who are eager to escape their ordinary routines through bold and daring endurance competitions. Unlike race organizations that focus on one discipline or sport, Odyssey creates and promotes events that cover a wide spectrum of endurance sports from triathlons to multi-day adventure races, and several other one-of-a-kind offerings.
For more information on the Mega Dose or any of Odyssey's other events, visit www.beastoftheeast.com, write oarinfo@aol.com, or call 757-425-2445. |
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