The Alaska Mountain Wilderness Classic could be considered "the original adventure race." It was first held in 1982, seven years before the first Raid Gauloises, thirteen years before the first Eco-Challenge, and twenty years before the first Primal Quest. I'll add that the Classic could also be considered the only "real" adventure race - today's most well-known races are really just a prescribed sequence of outdoor sports - and burdensome rules, substantial mandatory gear lists, aid stations and support crews, and numerous checkpoints neutralize much of the "adventure" from these television-oriented events.
ARTICLE OUTLINE
- About the Classic
- About the 2009 Classic: Gerstle River to McKinley Village
- The 2009 Race: My Story
- Some Background
- Gerstle to Donnelly
- Donnelly to Gillam Glacier
- Gillam Glacier to the Yanert River
- The Finish
# WORDS: 4750
# PHOTOS: 7
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Discussion
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EXCLUSIVE! Race Report: 2009 Alaska Mountain Wilderness Classic
What more can I say but that this was really great.
I enjoyed reading this "Race Report" more than anything on this site in a very long time.
Thanks.
Thanks Andrew!
"We all know better than to do this race."
It is astounding that you can beat yourselves up to this extent and still have a great attitudes.
Flipping twice in ice water. Sustained 50 mph winds. No sleep. Failing body parts. And being to laugh about being nearly hypothermic. "Here, let me get a close-up of you shivering."
In addition to the skill and stamina I greatly admire the will and the spirit.
Way To Go !
Confirmed: you're one bad dude, Andy!
Andrew,
That was some excelent video you gave us.
Congradulations on your victory.
Just finishing seemed to be a victory in itself, but what a job keeping up with Bobby and Chris for the first time participating in it.
Great report and video!
Congrats on your win!
Nice report! Looks like fun. Well, not entirely fun, but maybe partly fun.
The shot of Chris' tendonitis afflicted ankle looks a lot like the beginning stages of trench foot to me.
That was very cool, looks like a blast.
Thanks for the video.
Wow, that's intense, Andy. I think I'm beginning to understand the saying it doesn't have to be fun to be fun.
One of the best reports ever – fantastic!
Congratulations
I have to agree with something you intimated in your opening paragraphs: this is a REAL wilderness adventure race. Everything else seems like a tame publicity stunt in comparison.
Congrats on your win! Even though most of the world will never hear of it, who cares; they wouldn't understand anyway. For those of us who do understand, it's a remarkable achievement. Thanks for inspiring us; IMO you're one of the most remarkable athletes in the world.
Just wanted to add my words of "moral support:" This was a really fun read and video–Thanks! Although I hate running, I'm almost intrigued enough to give some things like this a try… so like others have said, inspirational. And I know that the following comparison might be, um, unexpected, it reminds me of something I heard regarding rally racing: In most motorsports you change tires before they're worn out. In rally racing, if your tire blows you just keep driving… even if it means burning through your wheel. (An American racer drove something like 5 miles dragging on his rim.) There's racing, and then there's racing "for real."
Good stuff!
Andy: Thanks for a fantastic article. I continuously look out for your pieces..
As a South African it is great to read and be inspired by all BPL work on the site. Keep going – even small bits of news are appreciated.
Regards
Mark
Wow! This is some great report, it's great showing that there are races like that – for no prize, but personal growth.
"Let me do a close-up of you shivering…" LOL!
You guys rock!
Forrest McCarthy and I did a slightly higher route.
here’s a vid of that race for us.
Alternative flavor…..
and
alternative gear list
plus some tips
and results of other finishers.
Thank you Roman, especially for the lessons learned.
Awesome Job!
And I do like the soundtrack.
Andy,
Congrats to you and the team your joined…. I really enjoyed your report…. Thanks for lugging the video camera too…. Nice wrap up to a great race and report.
Pan
Bloody Hell! That is a tough race… and here I am worried about a little 24hr mtb bike race?! Great job with the vid cam!
Great editing and soundtrack choice, Roman. It really conveys the intensity of the race. Now where do you get the pill that makes you lighter? ;-)
Andrew,
even though you appear to be somewhat busy
THANKS FOR HELPING ME OUT !
TheThriftstoreMountaineer
USA
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