As described by Liz
Caldwell and Barry Siff
Adventure Racing as we know it today originated in New Zealand.
The spirit and roots of Adventure Racing are embodied in the Kiwis of this
tiny and rugged country. Although most Americans first became aware
of Adventure Racing via the Eco-Challenge's first race in Salt Lake City,
Utah, 1995. However, the Kiwis had already been "Adventure
Racing" in multi-sport events for 20 plus years. Steve Gurney,
a Kiwi and one of the most accomplished participants in the sport, was
competing in multisport events in his homeland since the 1970's:
"I remember trekking up mountains, skiing down, and then paddling for
hours and getting a beer for the accomplishment. It was good
fun", he said. The roots of modern Adventure Racing stem from
the first organized endurance multi-sport races, like the Coast to Coast,
started in New Zealand in 1980, and the Alaska Wilderness Iditarod classic
held in Alaska since 1983.
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