For 2010, SOAR is offering the Quest in Quiet Waters in lieu of the West Lake Challenge. Please click here for information about the Quest in Quiet Waters.

Presented by RailRiders

For information on prior years' races, read below:

"This is one of the most fun races ever! I don't know how you get more and more creative. Part Adventure Race, Part Scavenger Hunt, ALL FUN!" Al Kormesser, a professional climbing guide, and finisher of multiple West Lake Challenge races.

The course for 2009's event, scheduled for 28 February, is still being planned, but Race Director Will Murphy promises to produce another "thinking racer's race." Just remember that if you raced in this or any other adventure race before, now you are a veteran racer, so you will need to go to the Racers' Division, or team up with a couple of your friends that are new to the sport. That is what the West Lake Challenge is all about sharing the fun and rewards of outdoor adventure and teamwork with those who have not had the opportunity to try it yet. A preliminary description of the race is below. Share it with your friends, just note that the information is subject to change. Registration available by mail or through Active.com -- active.com

Note also that Synergy Outdoor Adventure Resources, Inc. (SOAR), which designs and presents the West Lake Challenge, will be presenting a seminar, Introduction to Adventure Racing. The event will be scheduled for a few hours each day on a weekend, and will include "classroom" and field experiences. This is a novice-level presentation. Proceeds will benefit the Fort Lauderdale Children's Theatre, a 501(c)(3) charity. E-mail WillMurphy@SOARteam.com for more information on Introduction to Adventure Racing.

WEST LAKE CHALLENGE 2009

The West Lake Challenge is an adventure race, a multidisciplinary competition in which teams will face varied challenges requiring stamina, mental flexibility and teamwork. The primary disciplines will be canoeing (or kayaking for some Racers' Division competitors), running and, optionally, biking. It is not a relay teammates remain together. This race will not necessarily be won by the fastest athletes. Think or lose! Be a team player or expect to flounder! Victory is possible, and fun will be all over the course! Estimated winning time is approximately two and a half (2 1/2) hours. The race will have a theme which will be revealed during the event. Entry includes t-shirt (if register early enough), race event and a post-race luncheon and awards ceremony.

Divisions:

The Adventurers' Division is for three-person teams. Two of the three must have no experience in adventure racing, and neither of those two can have experience competing in more than one of these categories: running or orienteering; paddling; mountain biking. Teams in the Adventurers Division will be supplied with a boat, paddles and PFDs (personal flotation devices) for the race.

The Racers Division is for two-person teams. Competitors in this division are unrestricted as to prior experience. Teams in this division must provide their own paddling equipment including boat. Note that there are sit-on-top kayaks available for rent at the park for a nominal fee.

TEAMS WILL RECEIVE THEIR RACE INSTRUCTIONS IN THE ORDER IN WHICH THEY REGISTER.

Entry Fee:

Adventurers' Division -- Super Early Bird (45 days prior to race) $150 per team; Early Bird (15 days prior to race) $165 per team; Regular (7 days prior to race) $180 per team; Late Registration (1 to 6 days prior to race) -- $210

Racers' Division -- Super Early Bird (45 days prior to race) $100 per team; Early Bird (30 days prior to race) $110 per team; Regular (15 days prior to race) $120 per team; Late Registration (7 to 14 days prior to race) -- $150 (Only Super Early Bird and Early Bird registrants are guaranteed a t-shirt).

Park entrance fee of $1.50 per person is not included.

Where: West Lake Park on the south side of Sheridan Road east of US1 and just west of A1A. Conveniently located in Hollywood, Florida, the park is populated by numerous wading birds such as great blue heron, birds of prey like osprey, many species of fish and is even visited by the occasional manatee.

When: 28 February 2009. (If lightning or other dangerous weather forces a postponement, the race will be held on the day after the planned date. Note that ordinarily rain will NOT delay the race.) Race meeting at 8:30 a.m. Race start at 9:00 a.m. No race-day registration.

Equipment: (subject to change) Mandatory equipment -- Each racer must have a hydration system with at least 50 ounces of water or electrolyte replacement beverage. Each team must have one compass, one cell phone and the means to protect it if submerged. Teams in the Racers' Division must have two single or one tandem canoe or kayak, two class III PFDs and paddles.

Optional equipment -- Map case or at least heavy duty zip lock bag for maps and race documents ( Hint: This is optional, but if you do not bring something and your map falls to pieces because it got wet, you will feel silly). Hat. Sunscreen. Energy bar or gel or other food. Bug repellent. Sunglasses. One mountain bike per team. If you elect to use a mountain bike, an approved helmet is MANDATORY, and gloves are recommended. Bikes must be dropped off by the Anne Kolb Nature Center -- stay on Sheridan east and find the entrance over the bridge and on the left (north) side of Sheridan. Find a race volunteer near the tower behind the Nature Center. Then hustle back west to the entrance to the south side of the park and check in before the meeting.

Registration by Mail: Click here to download and print forms for on-line registration. WLC 2009 Registration and Waiver

Online Race Registration -- Online registration for the West Lake Challenge is powered by www.Active.com

Rules:

1. Follow race officials' directions and park rules at all times. Any disputes will be resolved by the race director in his absolute and unfettered discretion, and his decision shall be final.
2. PFDs must be WORN at ALL times when in contact with boats.
3. The park includes nesting areas for protected birds. Do NOT enter these areas. Do NOT harm or harass any wildlife, including plant life in the park.
4. The park will not be closed to the public. Exercise extra caution around people who may not be aware of their surroundings. If you bump or startle someone you may be penalized and even disqualified.
5. Teammates must remain together at all times, unless specifically directed otherwise.
6. Exercise good sportsmanship at all times. Have fun. It is the last rule, but don't overlook it.

Contacts:
Race Director Will Murphy
2040 Polk Street
Hollywood, FL 33020 232-7434
WillMurphy@SOARteam.com

Kids' Race!

This year, we are considering adding a kids' race for little adventurers, ages 7-11. If your kids would be interested, please let us know. We will only add this to the event if there is sufficient demand.