Primal Quest Race Eyes Montana

By Lucia Stewart, 8-16-07

The world’s largest adventure race, Primal Quest, is weighing-up the Big Sky vicinity for their 2008 five-day race.

Montana is one of four states in consideration for the June 21-July 2 dates, along with Wyoming, Colorado and Idaho. Ninety teams representing 17 countries are registered for next year’s event.

The announcement will be made in mid-September, awaiting conversation with the state agencies for permitting of their “secret course” in the Gallatin National Forest, which will be bearing over 350 racers, not including their support network and checkpoint staff.

The concept — a co-ed group of four are equipped with only a map, compass and their teams combined skills to race against the clock on 400+ miles of trekking, climbing, kayaking, rafting and mountain biking to reach the finish line. Teams travel day and night, usually extending over five days.

The idea of adventure racing began in the 1980’s in New Zealand, and popularized in the 1990’s by particular events, such as Eco-Challenge. Primal Quest hosted its first race in 2002 in Telluride, Colorado, where 62 teams from 8 countries joined.