race information

The following race information was available for the 2006 SOAR Adventure Challenge, and is considered outdated for all current and future events.

What is the 2006 SOAR Adventure Challenge?

Began in 2005, the SOAR Adventure Challenge adventure race was created to provide midwest adventurers an experience unlike many had seen before. A typical adventure race includes trail running/trekking, orienteering/navigation, mountain biking and a paddling event. Rope work is also featured in most races. Part of the appeal of adventure racing is expecting the unexpected, and race directors pride themselves at challenging racers with unexpected or unusual tasks.

The 2006 SOAR Adventure Challenge will be offered in both short and long course formats, as follows:

Short Course

The short course will expect to last 6-8 hours and cover approximately 20-30 miles, and is designed to challenge the beginner teams who are just starting their adventure racing experience or wish to grow their skills.   It will consist of hiking/running, mountain biking (gravel road and single track), paddling, zipline/rope elements, land navigation and a variety of fun mystery events.

Long Course

The long course will expect to last 12-14 hours and cover approximately 50-60 miles, and was chosen to appeal to the intermediate/advanced teams who are looking for a challenge and variety.   It will consist of hiking/running, coasteering, mountain biking (gravel road and single track), paddling, zipline/rope elements, land navigation and a variety of fun mystery events.   A portion of the race will also be featured during darkness, hence additional equipment will be necessary.

When will it be held / what is the race schedule?

The SOAR Adventure Challenge will be held on Saturday, July 8th, 2006.  The preliminary schedule for both courses are as follows, and are subject to change if necessary.

Short Course



Registration check-in, mandatory gear check	Saturday, July 8th -- 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Pre-race meeting	Saturday, July 8th -- 9:30 a.m.
Race start	Saturday, July 8th -- 10:00 a.m.
Post-race meal	Saturday, July 8th -- 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Awards & prize raffle	Saturday, July 8th -- 7:00 p.m.



Long Course



Pre-race meal	Friday, July 7th -- 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Registration check-in, mandatory gear check	Friday, July 7th -- 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Pre-race meeting	Friday, July 7th -- 10:00 p.m.
Race start	Time to be announced at pre-race meeting
Post-race meal	Saturday, July 8th -- 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Awards & prize raffle	Saturday, July 8th -- 7:00 p.m.

Where will the race be located at?

Race headquarters will be located at Camp Wesley Woods, six miles south of Indianola or approximately 15 miles south of Des Moines, Iowa, just off Hwy 65/69.   Racers will enjoy the logistical and navigational challenges of nearby state parks and surrounding areas.

Racer Divisions

The following divisions listed below will be allowed.

4 person, co-ed   (Premier division)
4 person, open*
2 person, co-ed
2 person, open*

Four person co-ed teams will be considered the premier division, therefore premier prizes & awards will be awarded to the top three teams in this class only.   All other divisions will receive awards for first place only.   All racers will be eligible for prizes drawn during the final ceremony.   In 2005, we were able to provide prizes for all participants -- this is anticipated again for the 2006 event.

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

Registration / Cost

Registration for the 2006 SOAR Adventure Challenge opens February 1, 2006.  Registration fees will include all race maps and materials, canoe/kayak rental, PFD's (short course only), paddles, race numbers, goodie bags, prizes/awards and post race meal for racers.

	Short Course	Long Course
Early registration (February 1st - March 31st):	$60 / person	$80 / person
Normal registration (April 1st - May 31st):	$65 / person	$85 / person
Late registration (June 1st - June 26th):	$70 / person	$90 / person

Please note: The 2006 SOAR Adventure Challenge will be limited to 200 racers.   Due to an overwhelming response to the inaugural 2005 race, race directors have decided to impose this limit to ensure race participants receive the race-provided equipment and level of safety needed.

Cancellations

The following cancellation fees will be imposed, if necessary:

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

Prizes & Awards

Four person co-ed teams will be considered the Premier Division, therefore prizes & awards will be awarded to the top two or three teams in this class only. All other racer divisions will receive awards only. All registered racers will be eligible for a multitude of door prizes to be drawn during the post-race awards presentation.

Pre-Race and Post-Race Dinners

Camp Wesley Woods has graciously agreed to provide the following race meals:

Pre-Race Dinner

A pre-race meal will be available on Friday night from 7:00 – 8:00pm. This will be located in the main lodge and will coincide with the race check-in scheduled nearby for that evening. All long course racers/non-racers are invited to attend. The meal cost for each racer will already be included in the long course registration cost; however there will be a $5 fee for anyone who would like to additionally attend. Please let us know ahead of time how many are planning to attend the meal, so we may be able to plan accordingly.

Cost: Free for Long Course team members, $5/person for all others.
Dinner menu: Spaghetti with sauce, bread, tossed salad, cookies/bars, soda and water.

Post-Race Dinner

A post-race meal will be available at the conclusion of the race on Saturday evening from 5:00 – 7:00pm. This will be located in the main lodge and will occur prior to the awards ceremony and prize raffle. All racers/non-racers are invited to attend. The meal cost for each racer will already be included in the registration cost; however there will be a $5 fee for anyone who would like to additionally attend. Please let us know ahead of time how many are planning to attend the meal, so we may be able to plan accordingly.

Cost: Free for ALL registered team members, $5/person for all others.
Dinner menu: Hamburgers, hotdogs, chips, salads, cookies/bars, soda and water.

Volunteering

For those of you who are interested in adventure racing and would like to see what a typical race is like, we invite you to come to the race and volunteer.   Approximately 40 volunteers will be needed for the 2006 SOAR Adventure Challenge.

Feel free to submit the volunteer form for opportunities to help with the race.   Volunteering is the closest thing to experiencing adventure racing, next to doing the race itself!   We appreciate any support you would be willing to offer.

Camping / Lodging Accomodations

Camp Wesley Woods will be offering camping sites (electric & non-electric) and dorm rooms for the race weekend. Lake Ahquabi State Park also will have camping sites available.   All accommodations are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are NOT included in the race registration fee.

Hotel accommodations are also available in Indianola. Please visit the Indianola Chamber of Commerce web site for further details.

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 re-supply and change out gear throughout the race.  SOAR Adventures 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 in 2005, we are adamant at keeping race registration costs to a minimum.  The SOAR Adventure Challenge is meant to allow teams to experience the adventure of a quality race without spending a huge amount on race fees and/or equipment.

SOAR Adventures will announce at a later date where race proceeds will be designated for.

Sponsorship & Press Coverage

If you would be interested in providing either sponsorship or press coverage for this premiere central-Iowa event, please contact the publicity director.   Facts and figures from our inaugural 2005 event are available here.