March 1, 2007, PRINCE RUPERT: More than twenty teams from across North America, and from as far as Singapore, Australia and Brazil, have signed up for Raid the North Extreme. Only two weeks after registration opened, there has been an enthusiastic level of international interest.

Raid the North Extreme is one of the world’s most authentic expedition races. Taking place in Prince Rupert from June 23-30, 2007 this six-day adventure race will see teams navigate through one of Canada’s most diverse wilderness destinations.

“I’m very pleased with the level of interest in the event thus far,” said Geoff Langford, race director of Raid the North Extreme. “This is the only true, full-length expedition race in North America in 2007 - combined with the unmatched terrain in this region, it’s a must-do event.”

As teams from all over the world register for this year’s event, there are several that are turning heads:

One of the most interesting teams is SART – the Singapore Adventure Racing Team. A fairly young team in their mid-20s, they have recently competed at XPD in Australia, and tested out Canadian racing at Raid the North Sun Peaks, BC last year. They loved the race organization and the Canadian wilderness so much, they’re returning to test themselves on a longer race, and a more rugged landscape.

Race organizers have spotted a Coastal Disturbance; a creative name for a local Prince Rupert team made up of exceptional outdoor adventurers and athletes. The team is officially registered and is looking forward to seeing some action. They are taking a serious approach to training for the race and are aiming for a strong finish. Team Captain and local coffee shop owner Judd Rowse recently completed a climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro, and he sees this as yet another challenge that he is eager to face.

Team MOMAR/Helly Hansen will certainly be competitive. All members will have participated in at least one expedition-length race before they reach the Extreme starting line. They are counting on their years of short-race experience, including the Mind Over Mountain and Raid the North series’ to carry them through. With roots in British Columbia, Ontario and Newfoundland, this will be a truly national team.

The race roster is also rich with stars and stripes with 6 teams coming from Tennessee, Washington, California and Oregon.

Team DART-nuun from Seattle has been tearing up the international race scene. They are looking forward to a rematch with BanffLodgingCo.com, the Canadian team that won Raid the North Sun Peaks last season. DART-nuun has a full and aggressive international race calendar for 2007, already winning their first race in their home state of Washington.

Team Dirty Avacodos pits from San Francisco has signed up for their first Raid the North experience. It should prove to be a memorable introduction. The race organizers are anticipating that this high energy, fun and competitive team will keep everyone entertained on the course.
And what a course it will be. Teams will test themselves on a course designed by Lawrence Foster, the designer of the 2004 AR World Champs course in Newfoundland. Lawrence captained Team Holofibre to a 3rd place finish at Primal Quest 2005, and is one of the most competitive racers in North America.

The Prince Rupert region has provided organizers with a bounty of course opportunities. Teams will paddle vast inlets that puncture the majestic coastal mountain ranges. They’ll trek, up above the clouds to snow covered ridges, skirt pounding waterfalls of glacial meltwater and snake along the Skeena River, where 24 foot tidal changes swell in and out from the Pacific Ocean. They will mountain bike on ancient first-nation trails, travel long-abandoned mining and forestry roads, and cross through long-forgotten valleys and passes.

www.raidthenorthextreme.com

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