THE RACE DISCIPLINES
According to Discovery Channel Eco-Challenge, for seven to 11 days, teams from all over the world will ocean kayak, trek,
mountain bike, climb, ride horses and camels non-stop for 300 miles (480 km),
moving 24 hours a day. The secret course through the High Atlas
Mountains will be revealed to the competitors just prior to the start of the
race.
Camel Riding
For the first time, competitors will cross a vast desert by way of
arabian camel. All teams will receive riding instruction. Click here to learn more about the misunderstood dromedary.
Mountain Biking
Competitors will ride their mountain bikes across rocky, narrow trails
on the sides of sheer cliffs. Teams will be required to assemble their
bikes at the start of this section and then disassemble them at the
conclusion.
Canyoneering
Competitors will navigate through extremely narrow, wet and
intimidating slot canyons. The water is extremely cold and the
journey is only possible with the use of fixed ropes and, if the snow
melt is late, some parts could require swimming. After ascending and traversing smooth limestone, competitors
will descend via the longest rappel ever contemplated in
Eco-Challenge course history.
Ocean Kayaking
Teams will paddle tandem kayaks for approximately 50 miles (80 km) along the Moroccan coast. Unpredictable weather, strong
winds and large pounding surf necessitate strong ocean-going
paddling skills.
Mountaineering/Hiking
A long, difficult traverse (over 94 miles, 150 km) involving dry canyon trekking and technical rope work awaits the teams as they attempt to cross
the High Atlas Mountains. They will ascend to snow-capped
peaks over 13,000 ft (4000m) and trek a long ridge aove 9800 ft (3000m). Below zero temperatures are a possibility. The
route winds along ancient, barely visible goat and camel trails with only scree
slopes and sheer cliffs to mark the route. Teams will use the aid of
guidelines and must remain roped in on portions of the
mountaineering. Good navigation skills will be critical.
Horseback Riding
Barbery Arab Horses in full velvet regalia will provide each
competitor a chance to experience the ancient culture and history of
Morocco while resting weary feet.
Competitors must be highly proficient in horse riding skills as these
creatures are very fast and spirited.
Coasteering
New to Eco-Challenge this year, competitors work their way along the coastline by jumping from cliffs into the ocean and negotiating boulders by swimming around or between them. Timing the waves is critical to determining when to jump from the cliff and how to get around the obstacles below. At race registration, competitors will be tested on their ability to swim in race clothing and full pack to be eligible to enter this leg. Competitors who fail will not be permitted on this part of the race and will be excluded from overall rankings.
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