Earlier tonight Nike claimed first place in Primal Quest Montana, continuing their dominance of the event. Here are a few short video clips of the team riding across the finish line, and talking about their win. 

Video by Frances Fisher

Team Nike rolls into Big Sky Resort at 9:19 PM local time to claim the 2008 Primal Quest Championship! They completed the race of 500+ miles in 5 days, 11 hours, 19 minutes, and 45 seconds.

More notes from the field as the top teams charge towards the finish line.

- Nike seems to be a lock for first place, and Merrell has a firm grip on second place, but the race for the third, and final, podium spot is still up for grabs, with Bones currently holding down that position, but Dart-nuun and MOAT, currently in fourth and fifth respectively, aren’t about to give up without a fight.

- The Orienteering course that follows the rope section has been a hit so far, with Nike and Merrell both grabbing all the flags, and banking up serious bonus time credits. Not that either of them need them.

- The Montana course seems to be a big hit, as the chatter amongst the racers has been very favorable. A number of teams have been overheard as saying that the course is amongst the most beautiful they’ve ever seen, with the section in the Crazies especially standing out. One long time racer, whose resume includes all the Eco-Challenges, has said that this is the best course he’s ever raced on. 

- Conversely, it seems like PQ is a hit with the locals as well. Montana is abuzz with adventure, and teams are reporting that they have been greeted and embraced warmly by everyone they’ve encountered. Montana residents are following the race very closely, and seem to be enjoying every element of the event that is showcasing their state. 

- Kudos to Team Quixote who struggled with navigation early on in the race, but have shown dedication and determination, have stayed in the race, and have moved up to 39th place. Word is they’re having fun and enjoying the adventure. 

Photo by Wouter Kingma 

June 28, 2008

By Craig Stein

As our photo crew of two trekked up into the Bridger Range mountains Wednesday evening to intercept teams Merrell and PeakAdventure.com we had no idea the amount of suffering being experienced by the racers. Upon arrival at the summit, after a three hour hike, we set up for what we thought would be a perfect photo opportunity as the sun began to set below the western plains. We waited! As the light faded and no teams approached we packed up and headed back down the Truman Gulch trail towards Bozeman where the next transition area would be.

Early Thursday morning we awoke to the sound of communications team members talking with the support crew of team PeakAdventure.com. “Your team is being evacuated off of Sacagawea Peak,” said the race staff member. “A helicopter is in route to pick up the search and rescue team and then your team will be flown off the peak.” The crew member’s fears were quickly put to rest as they were informed that the injury was non-life threatening and simply an extremely painful case of tendinitis.

With PeakAdventure.com out of the race, team Merrell sits by itself with a huge gap to close on the first place team Nike with no real challengers from behind. Would this race now be a blow out?

Robyn Benincasa of team Merrell has also had her own physical challenges throughout the race so far. Besides her hip reconstruction she has also had a bout of tendinitis in her right foot. The medical team at Storm Castle wrapped her up on Thursday and sent her back out onto the course. The team left the transition area and headed off for the free climbing segment of the race.

Our team headed to the rocks and watched Merrell approach the fixed lines as the last light of day hit the peaks. The squiggle of team member’s head lamps up the big wall was an impressive sight against the star lit sky above. Team Merrell completed the climb at a much quicker pace than team Nike, whose member Monique Merrill had difficulties on the first pitch.

After Merrell reached the top, it was time to hit the orienteering section above the climb. “That free climb was the most spectacular I have ever done in a race!” expressed veteran racer John Jacoby. “I was glad we did it in the dark so I did not have to see what was below or above us.” The team slept out in the bush last night and returned to the transition area to complete the rappel section, then refueled for the long trek ahead to Ennis Lake. After the team was shuttled to the Logger Creek trailhead we spoke with Jeff Aikins, head crew member and fiance of Robyn, about her and the team’s overall condition. “They are doing well,” expressed Jeff. “I think they are doing better since they are no longer racing for the top position. Robyn’s tendinitis pain has now been replaced with a toe blister,” Jeff continued.

Team Merrell member Travis Macy had a morale boost as his family met the team at Storm Castle to help support the team. Mark Macy, Travis’ father, is one of the original adventure racers in the extreme sports world. “We are very proud of Travis. It is great that we share the same passion for adventure racing,” doted Mark. “Travis has always been at the top of his game as a state champion cross country runner and valedictorian of his high school class in Evergreen, Colorado.” He went on from there to run at the University of Colorado at Boulder,” stated Mark. “He is very honored to have been asked to be part of this talented team.”

While it seems unlikely that team Nike can be caught with a nine hour lead, maybe Merrell’s low pressure racing spirit will allow them to make up some time to the finish. If all goes smoothly for team Nike we should see them cross the finish line some time tonight.

What!? Another repeat first place finish by Primal Quest champions Nike in the dark? Stay tuned race fans!

Photo by Craig Stein

UTA8 is an unsupported transition area where teams dropped their bikes (after a 3 hour Sportraxx by Simpson ride) and headed out to trek the Crazy Mountains on the TATE Trekking segment. The Crazy Mountain hike has taken teams 20-30 hours to complete, so regardless of whether teams start at night or during the day, they will be out there during night hours.  If they started at night, as most of these teams did, breathtaking views awaited them at sunrise.  Here are some pre-hike images.

Team Sawbones looks for a place to sleep for a few minutes.

Jenn Jerabek stops at UTA8 before heading into the Crazy Mountains

 A member of Team Kagome takes a 15 minute nap by the campfire before trekking into the dark.

Team Pura Vida is in good spirits before their nighttime trip into the Crazy Mountains.

Yolanda Iribarren of Team Pedales Adventure uses the Media Team car’s side mirror to primp.  She pointed out her crowning jewels — earrings that she’s worn the whole race, “Because I am a girl!!!!” she said with girly enthusiasm.

Team HART/Marmot sets out for the hike in daylight hours, but they’ll trek through the next night in the 24+hour TATE Trekking Segment.

 Don’t forget to peruse the photo gallery for some stunning shots!

Continued coverage from media outlets around the country…

Injury reduces Primal Quest team to three (Milwaukee Sentinel Journal)

Familiar terrain (Bozeman Journal)

Primal Quest team evacuated off Sacajawea Peak (Bozeman Journal)

Montana team leaves Primal Quest (Billings Gazette)

Primal Quest spokesman expects finish Saturday (A.P.)