Iconic adventure race seeks Tahoe comeback
By Benjamin Spillman, Reno Gazette-Journal
Lots of people who cover more than 400 miles cycling, paddling, ascending and trekking might say they’ve had an active season.
People who join the Primal Quest adventure race at Lake Tahoe Aug. 22-29 are expected to be able to do as much in about four days.
Organizers are planning a revival of the iconic race that from 2002-09 was known as one of the toughest events of its kind on the planet.
Maria Burton, who directed the event for its first three editions, is seeking to bring the race back with a modern twist. It’s a big job considering that by August, when the next race is scheduled, Primal Quest will have been on hiatus more than five years.
The 2003 race started in South Lake Tahoe with 80 teams and covered 457 miles. The disciplines included caving, mountain biking, trekking, ascending, traversing on ropes, rappelling, whitewater paddling, night navigation and orienteering.
Burton said the 2015 event will have some similar disciplines but will be updated to include newer activities, such as standup paddleboarding, which only recently has exploded in popularity.
Some of the reasons Lake Tahoe is a good adventure venue are the diverse terrain and great views and proximity population centers that can accommodate event support and online access.