Team Intrepid had some bike problems in the wee hours of the night, but managed to cross the finish line shortly after 3:00 yesterday. Their timing was great — the post-race party was underway, and they were greeted with beer and wine! Way to hang in there Team Intrepid! One member was forced to run most of the final bike leg with his bike, but the team’s perseverence paid off. A member of SMAC/SOLAR accompanied them for the latter part of the race and provided much needed moral support.

Over the past week, we have taken the opportunity to thank each of our major partners, without whom there would not have been a Primal Quest Badlands presented by SPOT. But as the event comes to its conclusion, we want to thank one two other partners, without whom there not only wouldn’t have been a race, but there wouldn’t have been a course either.

Last year, when we began looking for a new venue to host Primal Quest, we considered many great destinations from around the world. But, an unexpected invitation to South Dakota made us quickly realize that everything we needed was right there, and the possiblities of an amazing event began to take form. And once we took a look at the Badlands and Black Hills, the decision was already made.

We would like to thank the State of South Dakota and the Rapid City Convention and Vistiors Bureau for helping us make Primal Quest Badlands a reality. Your generosity and hospitality have been on display since our initial meetings and have lasted right through the race, and for that, we shall always be thankful.

We would also like to take one last opportunity to thank the people of South Dakota as well. Your interest in Primal Quest has been fantastic, and your warm reception to all of the athletes, volunteers, and staff has been remarkable as well. This event wouldn’t have been nearly as successful without you either, and we all appreciated the cheers of joy, the helping hands, and the amazingly friendly faces that we saw at every stage of the race.

Than you South Dakota!

I think this image sums up how we’re all feeling right about now.

Major thanks to Lintz Bros. Pizza, a very popular, and tasty, South Dakota pizza shop that is a favorite amongst the locals. Last night, Lintz Bros. delivered a stack of pizzas to PQ finish line so that the tired and hungry racers had something to chow on after the race was complete. From the looks in the eyes of th racers while eating, I can tell you that it was much appreciated by everyone involved.

It has been a busy morning today at Primal Quest Headquarters in Rapid City, as a number of teams have reached the finish line at long last. Amongst them are Team InnerStrength, the aptly named Team 29, the Kickapoo Scouts, Team MAAR (Middle Aged Adventure Racers!), and SC2/Synergy Racing. Congratulations to all of these teams for finishing the Quest! You’re an inspiration to us all.

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Team Tecnu Extreme/Staphaseptic Adventure Racing became the last team to complete the full course of Primal Quest Badlands presented by SPOT earlier today when they rolled across the finish line in great spirits. In all, the racers covered more than 600 miles of South Dakota backcountry as they became just one of ten teams to finish the full course, something they should all be very proud of. Great work team!