SCAR’red For Life

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Guest article by Kinetic Konnection’s Rob Pula

As I watched my brother stand on a rock and listened to him count down 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, Go! I wondered how many of these 275 smiles on these soon to be Adventure racers would still be smiling at the race end.

The first ever South Coast Adventure Race (SCAR) took place Saturday June 21st, 2014. I had (and my bro Andrew) the privilege of designing an unmarked race course that took racers through 80 km on bike, foot and canoe. Racers had to carry mandatory gear, food and water with them the entire time. Travelling on road, trail, marsh, footpaths and thick bush while fighting the heat, stinging nettle and the BUGS. They were given maps and instructions hours before the race start in order to determine their route that allowed them to collect check points & transition areas (in order) along their way. With the use of a compass, maps and determination teams made their way to the finish.

For most of the racers (teams of 2 or 3, female, male or coed) this was their first crack at an Adventure Race. Spirits were high (including mine) but my nerves were on edge. Would racers end up despising the challenge ahead or would they embrace it? Adventure Racing involves skill and fitness but above all it involves an attitude in which perseverance & grit pours out of.

Lead teams were done in 6 hours and some teams finished in over 9 hours. I am not sure what is more impressive. Going fast and finishing early or staying out on the race course for over 9 hours with never giving up?

I have been SCARred for life and I think these racers have also been SCARred. Scarred with the reminder that human perseverance and will is in all of us and if we take the opportunity to let that shine the world can only get better.

To all the racers that competed in the first SCAR my brother and I bow to you and congratulate you on job well done. Most (90%) of you were first timers and I am proud to say that you held up the true spirit of Adventure Racing.

To see pictures of the race click here. Visit the SCAR Facebook.

SCAR 2015 – Will you leave your mark?