There's no dispute that fitness based competitions have been increasing at a rapid rate over the past 3-5 years. In 2010, the obstacle course race, Warrior Dash, had 120,000 participants. In just two short years, those numbers increased by 358% to over 550,000. And with 50+ events on the schedule for this year, its anticipated to have more than 700,000 participants in 2014. If you look at the big three of OCR; Tough Mudder, Spartan Race, and Warrior Dash, the participation levels are well over 1.5 million and some estimates show near two million. The 24+ hour Adventure Race format has seen its numbers decline recently, however, the formats of shorter races have changed to make off-road racing a more accessible event. Even U.S. Running events from 5k to Marathons have seen a 11.2% increase in just one years time. With more than 15.5 million finishers at 26,370 events in the U.S. alone. This surge begs the question, where does the growth of fitness based competition go next?
While I don't claim to have the answer to the previous question, I do offer a potential solution. I myself am a competitive person who enjoys the outdoor recreation disciplines of adventure racing (biking, paddling, running) and I often use those activities as my exercise and leisure routine. Adventure races or Obstacle Course races have long been on my list of things to do, but I prefer to have my weekends for other activities and the travel that is often required makes the financial commitment significantly more than the $100-$200 entrance fee. Knowing that I can't be the only one to feel this way and with the increase in fitness based challenges, as well as, a renewed focus on local resources, 3P has created the Pedal, Paddle, Pack Multi-Sport League for 2014.
The 3P Multi-Sport League is an 8 Event league designed to provide a unique 2-person team competition in a simplified format of an adventure race. The courses are shorter and offer challenges for all skill levels. There is less gear required. And, the event locations take advantage of the trails, parks, and waterways we have right here in Central Wisconsin. Because the locations are right out our backdoor, this new league is held on weeknights (Tuesday evenings) starting in late May and ending in early August. Each event will start at 6:00 pm or 6:30 pm depending on course length and available day light hours. And, each event will have winning times around 1 1/2 to 2 hours and will consist of any or all of the following activities; biking, canoeing, and running, while offering a one of a kind league experience.
The teams of two (2) will be required to complete the course based on a course map with checkpoint placement and other league rules. Each team will be awarded points based on their correct completion of the course. At the end of the 8 event league season, the team with the most points will receive a 3 day / 2 night multi-sport wilderness trip for 4. In addition to a final prize for the team with the most points at the end of the season, we hope to be able to award prizes for the teams with the best total Pedal, Paddle, and Pack times. This will be dependent on sponsorships and overall participation. Dates, times, and included disciplines for the events can be found in the 3P League menu on our website. http://www.pedalpaddlepack.com/general-information.html
If you have additional questions about the league concept, please feel free to send me an email at info@pedalpaddlepack.com. We hope to see you on the trail pushing your limits with us this year.
"Leave all the afternoon for exercise and recreation, which are as necessary as reading. I will rather say more necessary because health is worth more than learning." - Thomas Jefferson
While I don't claim to have the answer to the previous question, I do offer a potential solution. I myself am a competitive person who enjoys the outdoor recreation disciplines of adventure racing (biking, paddling, running) and I often use those activities as my exercise and leisure routine. Adventure races or Obstacle Course races have long been on my list of things to do, but I prefer to have my weekends for other activities and the travel that is often required makes the financial commitment significantly more than the $100-$200 entrance fee. Knowing that I can't be the only one to feel this way and with the increase in fitness based challenges, as well as, a renewed focus on local resources, 3P has created the Pedal, Paddle, Pack Multi-Sport League for 2014.
The 3P Multi-Sport League is an 8 Event league designed to provide a unique 2-person team competition in a simplified format of an adventure race. The courses are shorter and offer challenges for all skill levels. There is less gear required. And, the event locations take advantage of the trails, parks, and waterways we have right here in Central Wisconsin. Because the locations are right out our backdoor, this new league is held on weeknights (Tuesday evenings) starting in late May and ending in early August. Each event will start at 6:00 pm or 6:30 pm depending on course length and available day light hours. And, each event will have winning times around 1 1/2 to 2 hours and will consist of any or all of the following activities; biking, canoeing, and running, while offering a one of a kind league experience.
The teams of two (2) will be required to complete the course based on a course map with checkpoint placement and other league rules. Each team will be awarded points based on their correct completion of the course. At the end of the 8 event league season, the team with the most points will receive a 3 day / 2 night multi-sport wilderness trip for 4. In addition to a final prize for the team with the most points at the end of the season, we hope to be able to award prizes for the teams with the best total Pedal, Paddle, and Pack times. This will be dependent on sponsorships and overall participation. Dates, times, and included disciplines for the events can be found in the 3P League menu on our website. http://www.pedalpaddlepack.com/general-information.html
If you have additional questions about the league concept, please feel free to send me an email at info@pedalpaddlepack.com. We hope to see you on the trail pushing your limits with us this year.
"Leave all the afternoon for exercise and recreation, which are as necessary as reading. I will rather say more necessary because health is worth more than learning." - Thomas Jefferson
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