Media

Adventure racing has come to Peterborough & the Kawarthas, and based on the overwhelming response to the inaugural STORM the Trent, it is indeed here to stay. In May of 2002, over 275 outdoor enthusiasts gathered at a secret location to take the challenge of Peterborough's first adventure race event, and were treated to a spectacular day of hiking, cycling and paddling, as well as a series of Survivor-style "mystery tests." This year's event takes place on May 25th and features two all-new race courses, perfectly suited for seasoned adventure racers, eager first-timers, and the "everyday" outdoor enthusiast.

What's a "STORM the Trent"?

• a "self-guided adventure tour" featuring off-road cycling, hiking and paddling components, combined with a series of "mystery challenges."
• a unique and affordable day of adventure designed specifically to cater to a wide range of participant fitness and skill levels, by offering two separate race routes varying in distance and degree of difficulty
• a fundraising event in support of local conservation efforts

The basic premise is quite simple: a combination of three common outdoor activities typically separated into individual day trips, into a single day of recreation and fun in a controlled environment. In keeping with the "adventure" theme, the location the race courses are kept top-secret until just before the race starts. The only information provided to the participants beforehand is the approximate distance of the course and the equipment needed to complete it. Competitors may race individually, or as part of a team of two or four.

What's an "Adventure Race"?

Adventure racing (in its purest form) is a multi-stage team endurance sport, which involves any non-motorized means of transportation in at least three disciplines; most often hiking, mountain biking and paddling. Since the airing of the first Eco-Challenge on the Discovery Channel in 1995, this concept has been adapted by event organizers across the globe, such that there are now hundreds of adventure races worldwide, making it one of the world's fastest-growing sports. While these events are marketed primarily to endurance racers, STORM events are a scaled-down version of the adventure race concept, designed to be more appealing to a wider range of participants.

What's all the Hype?

With the global fascination in the superhuman feats of the competitors in the Eco-Challenge, and the subsequent birth of Survivor and the phenomenon known as "Reality Television," a newfound urge to "get out and do something" has been sparked within outdoor enthusiasts of all levels of fitness and skill. Unfortunately, the majority of outdoor recreation products available to consumers come either in the form of competitive, high-priced events featuring elements of extreme physical exertion, or of expensive adventure tours.

STORM the Trent offers a much-needed alternative. It holds the unique distinction of being the only event of its kind in the province produced as a community fundraiser rather than as a for-profit venture, and designed specifically to accommodate a wide range of fitness and skill levels. While other adventure race events are often designed with only a very specialized market in mind, STORM events are produced with the vision of bringing the exciting, yet often intimidating concept of adventure racing to a level that virtually anyone can participate in and enjoy. They offer the same thrilling experience of challenging oneself through self-sufficiency and physical activity for which adventure racing is known, but in a more fun and less intimidating race format.

The concept of a grass roots, introductory-level adventure race is one which has already seen great success. Race Director Sean Roper founded the STORM adventure race series in North Vancouver, British Columbia, with an event that now brings over 400 outdoor enthusiasts to the area each October. The high registration numbers these events consistently bring in give proof to the clear demand for accessible outdoor recreation products, and the growing interest in the adventure race concept.

For more information, contact Sean Roper at
705-742-2201 or 1-800-461-6424