Frequently Answered Questions

General

Q. What is Primal Quest?
A. Primal Quest is the World’s Most Difficult Human Endurance Competition, a 5-10 day expedition adventure race. It is the largest non-motorized, multi-sport, multi-day event of its kind in the US.

Q. What is an adventure race?
A. An adventure race is a dream come true for the adventure seeking athlete. It demands what all other sports combined can ever demand of an athlete. Adventure racing demands strength, courage, intelligence, organization, commitment, speed, teamwork, endurance, and an ability to compete without sleep. It also requires that you maintain a certain level of proficiency in many different disciplines including navigation, climbing, paddling, and biking, and continually adds new disciplines to the list, like whitewater swimming and canyoneering. You compete in the open wilderness, surviving on what you carry on your back, problem solving with a group of friends and being challenged physically and mentally. Life just doesn’t get much better than this.

Definition from The Complete Guide to Adventure Racing^TM by Don Mann and Kara Schaad

Q. What are the dates for the next Primal Quest?
A.  Primal Quest Badlands Presented by SPOT will be held August 15 – 24, 2009

Q. Where will the 2009 race be located?
A. The 6th edition of the Primal Quest Expedition Adventure Race will be held in the Black Hills and Badlands of South Dakota.

Q. Where else has the Primal Quest race been held?
A. The inaugural race in Telluride, CO (2002) was followed by Lake Tahoe, CA (2003) and the San Juan Islands of Washington State (2004).  Always looking to provide competitors with a dramatic change of scenery from race to race, the 4th edition of PQ pitted teams against each other and the hostile summer desert environs of Moab, UT (2006).  In 2008, teams battled extreme conditions and elevation in Big Sky, MT.

Q. Is registration still open?
A. Yes!!! Register today!

Q. How many teams will participate this year?
A. Approx. 50 Co-ed teams are expected to compete in 2009.

Q. Will there be television exposure in 2009?
A. We are currently in negotiations with several TV Networks. Once we have a signed contract we will provide more information on this subject.

Q. What are the prizes for Primal Quest Badlands?
A.

• 1st Place Team = $16,000, plus free entry into the next Primal Quest event
• 2nd Place Team = $14,000, plus free entry into the next Primal Quest event
• 3rd Place Team = $12,000, plus free entry into the next Primal Quest event
• 4th Place Team = Free entry into the next Primal Quest event
• 5th Place Team = Free entry into the next Primal Quest event of 50% off entry into the next Primal Quest event
• 7th Place Team will receive a PRO discount of 50% off entry into the next Primal Quest event
• 8th Place Team will receive a PRO discount of 50% off entry into the next Primal Quest event
• 9th Place Team will receive a PRO discount of 50% off entry into the next Primal Quest event
• 10th Place Team will receive a PRO discount of 50% off entry into the next Primal Quest event
• First-class awards to all finishers
• And plenty of SWAG from our generous Partners

Note: Don Mann Enterprises and Primal Quest LLC do not guarantee the occurrence of future events. Teams earning free and discounted entries into future races must be comprised of at least two original members.

Website

Q: How do you provide web tracking during the race?
A: Primal Quest uses the SPOT satellite messenger to track racers. SPOT is perfect for racers because it is rugged and reliable enough to stand up to the extreme conditions of the race. It’s small enough to carry easily. SPOT has also partnered with Primal Quest to provide us with their SPOT Racing software for sophisticated real-time mapping, tracking and leaderboard pages on ecoprimalquest.com. For more information, go to http://www.findmespot.com/

Q. Is there a “Looking for A Teammate” section on the website?
A. Check out the Team Resources page on our website for support crew and team mate finder support.

Q. How do I log into our team page on the Primal Quest site?
A. We are finalizing a procedure for teams to log into their own team pages for adding content, photos, sponsor acknowledgements, etc. We’ll be letting team captains know how to log in as soon as this function is available.

Primal Quest Merchandise

Q. What Primal Quest branded merchandise is available?
A. Visit our on-line Shop PQ page to chose from PQ DVDs, Primal Quest embroidered shirts from RailRider®, PQ hats by Headsweats®, PQ stickers and tattoos, PQ Buffs®, PQ pendants by Tarma®, PQ TechSox®, etc.

Keeping in Touch

Q. My team is competing in the 2009 Primal Quest race. Is there a place we can communicate with other teams who will be racing?
A. The PQ Forum is now online and live. You can check it out by clicking on the Forum tab on the top menu of the PQ site.

Q. Why should I subscribe to the PQ Newsletter?
A. Through the newsletter, we’ll distribute details about the 2009 Primal Quest Badlands Presented by SPOT event and other key race information. If you subscribe, you’ll be one of the first to know the news! Team captains are automatically added to the subscription list.

Q. How do I subscribe to the PQ Newsletter?
A. Just click on the white envelope found in the right sidebar of any web page or here. All you need to supply is your email address (required) and we will put you on our PQ Newsletter distribution list.

Q. How do I opt in or out of future Primal Quest emails?
A. In each email you receive, there will be a link to unsubscribe or change your areas of interest.

Volunteers

Q. How many volunteers does it take to put on a race of this length?
A. Approximately 90 international volunteers.

Q. What should I do if I want to volunteer?
A. Please complete the on-line application on our Volunteers page.  Sign up SOON!

Q. I’ve been selected to volunteer in the 2009 Primal Quest. How can I communicate with others who will be also be volunteering?
A. Check out the PQ volunteer forum. Our volunteer coordinator, Beth Roseman will add your name to the list and will send you information on how to log in to this area.

Media

Q. I’m a member of the media. How can I register for PQ 2009?
A. Contact our media director Kraig Becker kraig.becker@ecoprimalquest.com .  We’ll be pleased to have you join us!

Q: Does PQ 2009 have a media guide?
A: Yes it can be found on the Media Resources page of the Primal Quest website.

Course

Q.  Will PQ furnish water, ice, and Gatorade/Poweraid at every transition area in adequate supplies for all teams….even the teams arriving late (in the back of the pack)?
A.  We will not be supplying water at every TA.  There will be lots of water on the course that can be used after being treated or filtered.  You will probably need to carry 200oz during certain sections on the course.  If a TA does have water available – there will be water for the first team to arrive and until the last team departs.

Q. At transition areas, how do we handle changing clothes, etc? Can we “bare all” or do we need to put up some shields to get behind, etc?
A. We would recommend you have a towel to change under.  Some pack a shower robe to change in, more to keep warm than anything else.

Q. At transition areas, will there be any electrical power for charging batteries, etc?
A.  No

Q. At transition areas, can we drop off trash or does it need to go back in gear boxes….used Restop bags?
A.  We will have trash pick up at all TA’s for  Restop bags and all.

Q. Will the swim section be on flat water? Looking at swim boards that is noted on gear list…very minimum or should we go with a big, bulky whitewater board?
A.  The swim will not require you to use a whitewater riverboard.

Q.  Will the rubber kayak section be in whitewater? Don’t want to get specific race details…just want to know if we need to train in whitewater.
A. You will not experience any whitewater beyond Class II or that will require special skills.

Q. What do you mean by “multiple fixed anchors”? Is it a rope on rock face that is anchored in many spots that we will go around while we are in ascent/repel OR does it refer to when we finish an intermediate climb and proceed to the next rope? Just not sure.
A.  Both of these.

Q. How does PQ handle DNF’s on race course? Get transportation back to HQ- hotel?
A.  If we can take a team off the course and back to the hotel we will.  This could require a team to wait for hours or days at a TA depending on the circumstances.  We also provide shuttle service phone numbers for a teams convenience.

Q.  How does PQ handle medical emergency costs? For instance, we need emergency assistance and require ambulance or helicopter, does PQ pay for this?
A.  The racer is responsible for all emergency costs.

Q. Where will the 2009 race be located?
A. The 6th edition of the Primal Quest Expedition Adventure Race will be held in the Black Hills and Badlands of South Dakota.

Q. Will there be substantial navigation involved in 09?
A.  Yes, more so than previous PQs.

Q. Will some of the sections of the course have different route choices?
A.  Yes, more so than in previous PQs.

Q. Will the mountain biking involve some singletrack and if so, what % (if you can share at this stage)
A. Yes, there will be significant portions on single-track.  The percentage will be disclosed during the pre-race brief.

Q. Can you give us some sort of idea about the caving that will be involved in the race?
A. The caving will be several hours ( approx 8 ) in duration with some basic navigation to clear all controls.  We will not send you guys into a maze and loose you for days – The cave section will be directed by one of the leading authorities in this sport – Marc Ohms.  Believe me with the outside temps pushing 100F this section will provide a great change of pace.

Certifications

Q. Will teams be required to provide skill certificates?
A. We are not requiring competitors to provide documented proof of most skill certifications to participate in the 2009 event.  The same skill level as prior events will be needed to safely compete on this course.  All athletes will be tested during race check in to show adequate ability for all listed skills. First Aid Certification is still required for a minimum of 2 members per team.

For more details on on-site skill testing see Newsletter #1.  If unsure if your medical certification meets the requirement, please contact Chris Caul at chris.caul@ecoprimalquest.com.

Training

Q. What advice would you offer to racers who plan to compete in the 2009 PQ?
A. As this course will have more navigational choices, it is recommended to brush up on your orienteering skills.

Q. Can you suggest any training program ideas or specific things other people and teams have used and are needed to do in preparation for the event?
A. Yes!  Short answer is to check out the “AR Tips” http://www.ecoprimalquest.com/wp-primal/category/ar-tips/ section of the PQ website.

Slightly longer answer: The Primal Quest 09 course is long and very challenging.  At 600 miles (965K), it is the longest course in PQ history.  There is also the possibility for extreme heat, particularly in the Badlands areas. Navigation in PQ 09 will be more critical than in any of the previous PQs.

Athletes should be well versed in both day and night navigation, able to treat and manage medical issues that arise, and able to understand nutrition and hydration both for themselves and a teammate under extreme physical and emotional demands. These tasks, and more, must all be done under severe sleep deprivation. Team DNFs occur mostly for two reasons: (1) feet problems and/or (2) stomach problems.

Q. Will the rubber kayak section be in whitewater? Don’t want to get specific race details…just want to know if we need to train in whitewater.
A. You will not experience any whitewater beyond Class II or that will require special skills.

Gear

Q: What Type of maps will be provided?
A: PQ will supply one grid tool along with each map set. We have a single tool with1 to 24,000, 25,000, 30,000, and 35,000. 1:100K will not be supplied. The racers can use the 25,000 tool with a little math. The teams are welcome to bring and use their own map tools.

The maps are pre-gridded. 1:24,000 and 1:35,000 are at 1000 m grid spacing, 1:100K is at 5000 m grid spacing.

Q. Are teams allowed to use their cell phones during the race?
A. Cell phones are for emergency use only. You’ll need to have a FULL charge on your cell phone in the event of an emergency, as you may need to talk through a rescue or medical emergency with our Medical/SAR team.

Q. What about required uniforms for the race?
A. PQ will provide race jerseys for the Badlands event to which you may attach sponsor patches. Otherwise, there is no requirement for uniforms.

Q. Will we be carrying all of our food with us the whole race or can we have food in our oasis boxes?
A. You will be allowed to have food in a designated oasis box.  The food box will not be available in every TA, so you will be required to carry significant amount of nutrition on the course.  Our rough estimation is most teams in Utah (PQ’s last unsupported event) did not consume 50% of the food in their oasis box.

Q. Do we need to have water in our oasis boxes or will there be water available at the TA’s?
A. Water will be available at certain TA’s.  There will also be lots of water sources on the race course that can be consumed after it has been treated.  In Utah some teams had other fluids in their oasis box, such as Ensure or soft drinks

Q.  What do you recommend for transporting our paddles?
A.  Your paddles will need to go in a protective case (either padded or hard shell) that will be transported with the paddle/swim section mesh bags.  It will be important to have a means to strap the mesh bags and paddle cases together so you will not have to “look around” the TA for loose items.  Also make certain the mesh bag is strong enough to take the riggers of shuttles and rough handling.

Q.  What are you looking for in the sun shade canopy.
A.   Make sure it’s free standing and the entire team can get adequate protection.  It could be 110 F in the Badlands in August.  By the way did we mention there are no trees there?
Q. We are expecting that all of our gear, clothing, shoes, and food needs to fit in our gear boxes (except for biking, swim, kayak items – bike to have box, swim/kayak to have bag). Does this sound right?
A. This is correct.

Q. What type is food recommended for gear boxes? If we have canned or pre-packaged foods, the contents need to be stored at room temperature. I can imagine the temperature in the Badlands on a sunny day will heat up these black boxes.
A. I would expect the boxes to reach 150F + at times. Most people will back MRI’s and race bars. We saw everything from cookies to canned tuna in UT. Soup is another good item.

Q. Which human waste bag is required…. Type 1 or 2?
A, We do not require a particular type; however we do recommend that you use Restop brand to support our generous Partner. They make excellent low-weight human waste bags.

Q. Any type of sleeping bag OK? Bivy bags, fleece bags? I know we cannot use an emergency (foil) bag for our sleeping bag.
A. Yes, however it does need to be an actual sleeping bag. – We do not expect temps below 70F, but this is SD and temps could really drop if a storm hits.

Q. Under team safety gear list, its stated we need drybags for communication equipment. What equipment do we need drybags for? Cell phone and what else?
A. Cell phones and hand held UHF radios

Q. Not sure on what mandatory gear is required to be carried for each section/discipline of the race. For instance, the swim section, do we carry the sleeping bag, shirt/pants, rain suits, sun canopy, medical supplies, etc? Same thing for ropes section. Just trying to figure out training weights for the backpacks.
A. All these decisions will be based on the actual weather conditions at time of the race and will be communicated in the Course Passport. We’ll limit the amount of mandatory gear when and wherever possible.

Q. During the race, can we leave an overnight bag with the hotel or must we pack it in our gear box?
A. We will have some storage for your non race items.

Q. Can we leave vehicles at the hotel during the race?
A. You will be able to park somewhere near the venue. It will likely be at the hotel or could be a few blocks away. This detail will be worked out soon.

Q. I wanted to ask you about the free standing sun shade canopy for the team gear. Can this be a shelter that uses trekking poles and guys as support or does it have to be truly free standing? If the latter, do you or your team have recommendations on that piece of gear?
A. The shade you describe sounds like it will work. Keep in mind that the likely location you will be using the shade there will be no trees. So the shade will need to have everything it needs to stand. The Trekking poles can work for support and packs placed on the ground can be anchors or you could carry lightweight pegs. We do not have a recommended system. There are several good systems available.

Q. Can the light that is to be mounted on the helmet be attached by elasticated bands or does it have to be ‘permanently’ attached.
A. Any mounting system is ok.

Q. Can you recommend a type of swim fin to be used in the river / lake sections? We have both the type that would be used for snorkeling and those used in pool swim training – the snorkeling fins are larger, more effective but bulkier to carry.
A. You will not need to carry the fins on the course. I’d recommend the larger ones.

Q. Can we use our kayaking life jackets in the swim section?
A. Yes

Q. We were planning to use a 12 inch diameter pipe with end caps to transport the paddles – is this OK?
A. Yes

Q. Throw bags are required for the swim and the kayak section – 2 being mentioned in both sections. Can we then buy a total of 2 throw bags and use them on both the swim and paddle legs or do we need 2 throw bags for each section, the total then being 4?
A. The same two can be used for both sections

Q. Will there be electrical outlets along the course that we can use to plug in our coffee machine and mini-bar? (ha, ha…. We wish!!)
A. We wish too. I do carry the jet boil and coffee press. But then again I’m driving a truck most of the time – they do fit nicely into a gear box for use at the TA’s.

Host Venue

Q. What can we expect for accommodations?
A. The host venue Rushmore Plaza Holiday Inn http://www.rushmoreplaza.com/ will have several comfortable and affordable options for teams. Each team will arrange their own accommodations based on their needs.

Sponsor Partnerships

Q. What does it cost to be a sponsor for PQ?
A. We have several Primal Quest Partner Plans available accommodating budgets of all sizes. So no matter how big or small you want to come on board we have a place for you. To obtain sponsor information, contact colleen.coleman@ecoprimalquest.com or visit our Sponsorship page on the PQ website.

Q. I like to buy from companies that support the sport of adventure racing. What sponsors are currently committed to PQ 2008?
A. We couldn’t agree more! Visit our Partners page to see our current list of sponsors. Please note this list is growing as we reach agreements with more and more companies, so please, check back often. We could not put on a race at this level without them and they deserve the enthusiastic support of the whole Adventure Racing community!

Check back often for updates!