2005 race information

The following race information was available for the 2005 inaugural event, and is considered outdated for all current and future events.

What

The SOAR 8-Hour Adventure Challenge will be an 8-hour race.  It has been designed to challenge the intermediate teams as well as be a learning event for teams just starting their adventure racing experience.  The course will consist of hiking/running, mountain biking (gravel road and single track), paddling, land navigation and a variety of fun mystery events.

When

The race will be held on Saturday, July 16th, 2005.  The preliminary schedule for race day is as follows, and is subject to change if necessary.

Originally, the race was to be held in mid-May 2005. However, after talking with some of the other race directors in the area we have decided to move the race to July.  This date will allow racers more of an opportunity to participate in a variety of races through out the season.  By choosing the July 16th date, the SOAR 8-Hour Adventure Challenge intends to provide teams with a chance to prepare for races later in the season, such as the Extreme Heart Challenge.

Where

Race headquarters will be located at Camp Wesley Woods, 6 miles south of Indianola or approximately 15 miles south of Des Moines, Iowa, just off of Hwy 65/69.  Racers will enjoy the logistical and navigational challenges of nearby Lake Ahquabi State Park and surrounding area. For driving directions, please see Directions.

Registration

Registration for the 2005 SOAR 8-Hour Adventure Challenge is now open.  The registration fee includes: maps, canoe rental, PFD's, paddles, prizes, post race meal for racers and prizes.

Early registration (by April 15, 2005):	$60 / person   DEADLINE PASSED
Normal registration (by June 15, 2005):	$65 / person   DEADLINE PASSED
Late registration (after June 15, 2005):	$70 / person

As of 06/16/2005: Due to an overwhelming response of registrations, we will be limiting the race field to 100 racers.   We realize some of the racers may have waited for the last minute to sign up for the race and we apologize for having to do this at this time.   Once the 100 racer limit is reached, you can still send us an email with your teams basic information stating which division you would like to be in, and if we have a cancellation we will inform you of an opening.   We will be considering ways to allow more racers to sign up and will keep you posted of any changes.

Divisions

The following divisions will be allowed:

4 person, co-ed 4 person, open* 2 person, co-ed 2 person, open*

* Depending on the number of teams registered, the open division may be broken into male and female. This decision will be made closer to race day.

Prizes/Awards

Prizes will be awarded to the first, second and third place teams in all divisions.  All registered racers will be eligible for door prizes to be drawn during the post-race awards presentation.

Cancellations

$20 per person, if before June 15th
$30 per person, if before July 1st
No refunds after July 1st 

Post-Race Dinner

We would like to invite all the racers to the post-race meal.  We will be supplying a variety of foods, including: hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, salads, lemonade and water.  The cost will be $5 per non-racer.  Please let us know ahead of time how many are planning to attend the meal so we are able to plan accordingly.

Volunteers

For those of you interested in adventure racing and want see what a race is like, we would like to invite you to come to the race and volunteer.  Feel free to contact one of the members of the race staff about opportunities to help with the race.  Volunteering is the closest thing to the adventure racing experience, next to doing the race itself. We appreciate any support you can offer.

Camping

Lake Ahquabi State Park has camping available on a first-come, first-served basis.  The camping fee is not included in the race registration fee.

Friends, Family & Support Crews

This race will not require a support crew.  The race headquarters will act as the main transition area for teams to resupply and change out gear through out the race.  SOAR-Adventures.com would like to encourage friends and family to come out and support the racers. There will be several locations along the race course where the racers may be seen and encouraged.

Race Proceeds

As you might have noticed, we are trying our best to keep the race registration costs for teams to a minimum.  This race is meant to allow beginners to experience a race without spending a huge amount on race fees and equipment.  With that in mind, this race is not designed to be a 'money maker'.

SOAR-Adventures.com has decided to help out the central-Iowa adventure racing community by partnering with the Lake Ahquabi State Park to provide a permanent orienteering course.  We intend that any proceeds from the race be used toward construction and maintenance.  Once finished, the course will be open for public use.