Please note that these are APPROXIMATE numbers, and the final distances and times won’t be posted until we do the final laying out of the course in early June 2015!! The distances may vary greatly depending on short course options. We also reserve the right to change the course due to natural disasters or other factors, and to meet finish line time commitments.

The basic disciplines will include:

> Trekking (lots!),

> Glacier travel

> Mountain biking

> Ocean paddling

> Packrafting (lots!)

> Trail/Mountain running

> Flatwater paddling

> Orienteering

> Coasteering

Inquiring minds want to know, so please find a “lite” description of the 12 segments under Segments … remember, to be an official finisher, you have to complete the first SIX segments plus at least ONE additional CP, and make it to the DarkZone and Finish line on time!

 

Can Point to Point (P2P) and Modified Styles live together in harmony?

We believed they can, and in Expedition Idaho 2011 and 2014, we proved it, with some of the most amazing races and finishes ever!

We will be following a similar program this year, with teams racing to the “Dark Zone” campground the final night of the race, and then embarking in waves on the last day for the “Mad Dash/Victory Lap” to the finish!

Expedition Alaska will feature 12 distinct phases, with a number of smaller “sub-phases” included. Teams must complete a minimum of 9 phases + ONE additional CP AND make it to the Dark Zone AND the Finish Line before the cutoff to be considered official finishers!

Some of the details…

Our top teams (The Premier Division) will be able to race the course out essentially Point to Point, and we fully expect that some of the teams will be able to clear the course under the time limit. These teams must meet various time cutoffs, and must have all team members still racing.

After about the mid-point of the race, teams will have the choice of shorter alternate routes that will allow/encourage them to reach the finish within the 6.5 day time limit, and at this time, they will be placed in the “Open” division.

There will also be on-course time cutoffs, where we will direct teams to alternate routes for safety or time concerns. If a team loses a team member, they will also be changed to the Open division.

 

 

Segment 1: Trek/Glacier Travel – 40 miles

Segment 2: Packraft/Trek – 16 miles

Segment 3: Ocean kayak – 30 miles

Segment 4: Trek/Packraft/Whitewater rafting (Guided): 100 miles

Segment 5: Mountain biking – 70 miles

Segment 6: Trek/O course/packraft - 24 miles

Segment 7: Trek - 16 miles

Segment 8: Flat water paddling – 30 miles

Segment 9: Bike– 30 miles

Segment 10: Bike/Coasteer– 35 miles

Segment 11: Ocean Kayak - 25 miles

Segment 12: Run – 3 miles

 

You will receive the pre-plotted maps for segments 1 - 6 prior to the race. After that, you will receive the following phase’s maps and coordinates at each TA. You will plot as you go.

 

You will have access to all your gear at each of the main TAs as well as the DarkZone. Once you leave the TAs you are out in the rhubarb, so to speak. In most cases, you will be on your own, and may not see civilization until the next TA. You will be dependent on your own wits, navigational skills, and decision making abilities to make your way around the course… this is YOUR adventure, not the course designer’s. We hope to have some of the check points manned, but don’t count on it - you must plan on being self-sufficient between TAs!

Please download the official Expedition AK 2015 Gear List here: Mandatory Equipment List 2015- Updated

Within certain phases, there will be substantial rope and climbing elements. You will need to have harnesses, helmets, etc as needed. You will be informed of this at the TA prior to the ropes section so that you may pack your climbing gear with you. Ascending will be required!

 

The first time cutoff will be after Segment 5. Further time cutoffs will be in force after each of the remaining 8 segments. The main and absolute goal is to make it to the DarkZone camp no later than Saturday morning at 6:30 am latest. (You can arrive there as early as Friday night - your time will stop once you arrive, so you won’t lose time to your competitors.)

Total distances will range between 340 - 600 K (200 - 350 miles).

The whole course will be an orienteering challenge, with some portions demanding more than others. Be prepared to focus on map detail, compass headings and waypoints. There is a very good chance to end up “Off Grid” during some of the long treks if you’re not careful!

We want all teams to be finishers! We are not going to have “unranked” teams… we think that everyone who completes a fair portion of the course and reaches the finish line in time deserves to be ranked!

Therefore, all teams that finish at least 6 Phases + 1 additional CP/OP, and reach the Final Phase DarkZone campground and then the Finish line on July 4 will be considered official finishers! Just FYI, in two Expedition Idahos, ALL teams have made it, and been official finishers!

• All Teams who complete the race with all intact and with all/most Segments and all/most CPs/OPs (Control Points/Optional Points) will be ranked first (the “Premier” Division)
• All Teams who complete the race with all team members intact and with the most segments will be ranked next
• All Teams who complete the race with all team members intact with fewer segments and most CP/OPs will be ranked next
• Teams finishing with a lost team member will be ranked next
• Teams finishing with 2 members lost will be ranked next, but can also join another willing team.
• Solo racers will not be allowed to continue on their own, but may join another team who accepts them. Solo or 2 person teams may form ad-lib teams with other solo/pair racers, but will be ranked after 3 person teams.