Test your fitness at NIChallenge
Think Ironman – with less stress on the body and more fun.
It’s the NIChallenge, an adventure race that’s a fun way to test your fitness.
Instead of running 26 miles on pavement, biking 112 miles on roads and thrashing in Lake Coeur d’Alene with nearly 1,800 other Ironman swimmers, participants in the second annual North Idaho adventure race mountain bikes and run on remote trails, paddle in peaceful waters and have fun in the woods. Although the exact course is keep top secret until race day, the start at Beauty Creek Campground leads to some great possibilities, with plenty of trails and water in the area.
The U.S. Adventure Racing Association claims the sport is “sweeping the nation at a phenomenal rate.” Emphasis is placed on teamwork, rather than individual achievement, and “just completing a race is often considered a victory,” according to the USARA.
NIC’s adventure race offers 10 to 15 miles of mountain biking, four to six miles of trail running, two to five miles of paddling, with an obstacle course and test of basic navigation skills thrown in.
All physical fitness levels are encouraged (remember though, the race is three to six hours long with hills to climb), says NIC’s Outdoor Pursuits Coordinator Paul Chivvis.
“The race can quench anyone’s thirst for adventure, challenge and competition, while having fun with your friends,” Chivvis said.
Participants compete in teams of two or four. Seventy individuals on 28 teams finished last year on a course consisting of a 14.8-mile bike ride, four miles of running, a two-mile paddle and an obstacle course. “Two Wheeler Dealer” had the best time of 3 hours and 23 minutes, with the “Snapdragon Go Getters” 10 minutes behind for second place. Some of the other notable teams included “Seemed Like a Good Idea,” “Two Crazy Rednecks,” “Team No Beer” and “Hell Bent.”
Registration is available on the NIC Web site, www.nic.edu/activities, until Sunday, or until Thursday at the NIC Outdoor Pursuits Office, in the lower level of the Edminster Student Union Building. The general entry fees are $75 per person, or $25 for NIC students and $50 for NIC staff and faculty. Racers get a Cloudveil Capilene shirt, food at the race and chances to win prizes.
Mountain bikes, canoes or kayaks with floatation devices and personal gear are required – see the Web site, www.nic.edu/activities/pursuits/NICequipment.asp for a complete list. Rentals are available at Kayak Coeur d’Alene, full Spectrum Tours, Vertical Earth and from NIC Outdoor Pursuits.
Directions to the race start from Coeur d’Alene: Take Interstate 90 east to Highway 97 (about 10 miles from downtown Coeur d’ Alene). Turn right on Highway 97 (exit 22) for about 2.3 miles, then left on Beauty Creek Road (Forest Road 438) for a mile to the Beauty Bay campground.
When: Next Saturday, starting at 9 a.m.
For more information: call (208) 769-7809.