Based on tracking from Teams Merrell/Zanfel and Salomon/Crested Butte’s SPOT Satellite Messengers, these two teams have made the same navigational error as OrionHealth.com did last night.  The error cost team Orionhealth.com an estimated 6-8 hours.  These two teams are out in the daylight, so they are better positioned to rectify the error, but who knows which will get back on track first!

Stay tuned for continued adventure…

Without our valued partners, Primal Quest wouldn’t be the event that it is. Each day, over the course of the race, we would like to take the opportunity to thank those partners that have contributed to the success of PQ and have helped us to put on the best adventure race in the world.

When it comes to adventure racing, there are few pieces of gear that are as important to the team as their maps. The racers can be outfitted from head to toe in the best equipment available, and be in the best shape of their lives, but without good maps to show them the way, it can all be for naught. Fourtunately, when it comes to providing the Primal Quest teams with maps, we have the best partner in the business.

MyTopo is responsible for putting together the amazing set of maps that each of the teams use to navigate across the course. These maps are highly detailed and accurate, offering topographical details unlike any other. Something that is vitally important when finding your way through a place like the Badlands or Black Hills of South Dakota.

Adventure racers are notoriously hard on their gear, and by the end of a long race, their maps are usually shredded. But not so with maps from MyTopo, which are printed on water proof, synthetic materials that are resistant to tearing as well. The result is the highest quality, most accurate maps on the planet, that are designed from the groud up for adventure racers and outdoor enthusiasts.

MyTopo’s contribution to the race didn’t end there however, as they also fed their topographical data into the SPOT tracking system allowing those of us following the race online to see the teams moving across the exact same maps that the racers are carrying, something that has only been done at Primal Quest.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the entire staff at MyTopo. We know that they work long hours to prepare the maps for the PQ teams, and without those efforts we would be lost, both literally and figuratively.

Although Team OrionHealth.com was expected to arrive early this morning, they had several navigational errors overnight — add this to the headwind that is steady at 30mph and gusting up to 36 – and they are now not expected to arrive until the early afternoon.  To see their path, go to the SPOT tracker page, check the box for “OrionHealth.com” and click “Show Tracks.”  You’ll see a couple of loops that were taken, and you can also see that the next two teams, Salomon/Crested Butte and Merrell/Zanfel, are nipping at their heels.  Keep in mind, Team Merrell/Zanfel has a significant penalty to make up, so even if they finish slightly ahead of another team, they will most likely place behind them.  The final penalty will be reflected in the official results at the end of the race.

• The notorious South Dakota Weather is going to have an impact on the race again today. Rain and cooler temps are expected. #
• Tentative prediction has the first team crossing the finish line sometime tonight. #
• http://twitpic.com/eiwi9 – Team Five-Ten/Numa prepares for the swim – their strategy of using inflatable boats is not ideal in the curre … #
• http://twitpic.com/eiwi8 – Team Five-Ten/Numa prepares for the swim – their strategy of using inflatable boats is not ideal in the curre … #
• http://twitpic.com/ejf5n – A racer from Big City Mountaineers talks with medical about how to get his blistered, swollen feel in good en … #
• http://twitpic.com/ejg6s – Medical staff treats a member of Team Archipela for severe blisters, cutting his websuit so it doesn't rub them #
• http://twitpic.com/ejgcx – Valerie and Shawn are happy to be back out on the course with Team SOAR #
• http://twitpic.com/ejgop – Tracy from Patent Docs prepares for the FaceLevel Swim Orienteering Course #
• http://twitpic.com/ejgtp – Two members of Team Active Racing catch some zzzzs at the lake TA #
• http://twitpic.com/ejh5z – A member of Kickapoo Scouts has difficulty getting his wetsuit over his swollen feet and ankles #
• http://twitpic.com/ejhap – "I look like a Power Ranger in this wetsuit!" (Team Kickapoo Scouts) #
• http://twitpic.com/ejheh – A racer draws a map of the course in the sand for his teammates #
• http://twitpic.com/ejho3 – Team Inner Strength heads out on the Warren Windows Lake paddle #
• http://twitpic.com/eji1b – Team Five Ten NUMA prepares dinghies for the swim… A questionable strategy or such a windy day! #
• http://twitpic.com/ejj1f – It's a party at the lake! Over ten teams were in some phase of the Angostura water section today. #
• http://twitpic.com/ejj1e – Team South Dakota heads out on the paddle with their fan club cheering them on, as usual. #
• http://twitpic.com/ejj1d – Team SOAR + Valerie and Shawn + Lake = Good Time #
• http://twitpic.com/ejl4j – Weather turns a bit nasty at the lake #
• Strong head winds have made it tough going for OrionHealth. It looks like they'll now arrive at around 4 AM Thursday morning. #

The weather here in South Dakota has turned quite windy, causing race officials to shut down the water course until conditions improve.  OrionHealth.com, originally expected to finish tonight, has been hampered by significant headwinds.  Race HQ now believes the team will arrive early in the morning, possibly at daybreak.  Track them with our SPOT tracking tool to get the latest and greatest information!