Certification required to enter Primal Quest triple-event race
Posted on 04/19/08 11:54 AM| by Kraig
Article By JOHN CRAMER of the Missoulian
The words “primal” and “quest” probably don’t come to mind for Montanans looking forward to some leisurely springtime exercise.
But for participants in Primal Quest, an upcoming 400-mile foot, bicycle and boat race in southwestern Montana, the time is nearing to submit proof they’re up to the challenge.
April 15 is the deadline for turning in certificate-of-ability forms in mountain climbing, first aid, navigation, paddling and swimming.
Each participant must have a qualified guide or instructor sign the certificate.
The adventure race is scheduled to run from June 21 to July 2.
The race’s specific route isn’t announced ahead of time so participants can’t sneak a peek, whether on the ground or via satellite maps.
But the location became known because much of the race is to be held on the Gallatin National Forest and other public lands in southwestern Montana.
That required Primal Quest, a commercial enterprise, to apply for special-use permits and the U.S. Forest Service to seek public comment.
The race’s route overlaps two national forests, two Bureau of Land Management jurisdictions and Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks and Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation land.
Brian Knight, a spokesman for Primal Quest, said some portions of the route might be reconfigured to preserve an element of surprise.
He said details are being completed on the final course, which will cover a mix of public and private lands.
Participants will board half a dozen buses the night before the race and travel an unknown distance to the starting line, he said.
More than 80 four-person, co-ed teams from eight countries will pay a $12,500 entry fee and compete for a $100,000 first prize.
Expedition adventure racing started in the 1980s in New Zealand and became popular in the 1990s.
Today, about 50,000 people nationwide participate in 300 adventure races, ranging from several hours to more than 10 days, according to the United States Adventure Racing Association.
Primal Quest was created in 2001 and has conducted races in Colorado, the Lake Tahoe area, Washington state and Utah.
During Primal Quest Utah in 2006, racers faced a 10-day, 417-mile course through the desert and mountains near Moab for a $250,000 prize.
Knight said a few participants are professional racers, but that nearly all are dedicated weekend warriors.
“They’re everyday people who are out there training and looking for something extra,” he said.
Reporter John Cramer can be reached at 523-5259 or at john.cramer@missoulian.com
