Team Blackheart are heading to Abu Dhabi (one of the seven United Arab Emirates) in the Middle East to compete in the World's premier Adventure Race - the Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge. Now in its 4th year, the race draws 60 teams from around the world to compete over 5 days of sun and sand dunes. The race involves two epic legs - including a 110km desert run, and a 130km ocean kayak leg that spans over two days and involves a camp on a desert island.
The race is Team Blackheart's first international race since winning their 2nd XPD Australia title in May this year. However various members have been very active locally, winning both the Geoquest 48hr, and the Darkside 12hr Adventure Races. For this race regular team members Rob Preston and Damon Goerke are being joined by Kathryn Ewels and Luke Haines. Luke joined the team at late notice, but has been doing very well on the Australian multisport circuit for the last few years including wins at the Upper Murray Challenge and Freycinet Challenge in 2009. Rob and Kathryn raced the World Orienteering Championships and Wulong Mountain Quest (in Team Peak Adventure). Ewels also took home 2 gold medals at the Australian Orienteering Championships, and 2nd place in the World Rogaining Championships in New Zealand a few weeks ago. Damon also clocked up a win in the Great Ocean Walk 100km Ultra run last month, then 6th place in the World Rogaining Champs with Rob.
None of the team members have raced the Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge previously, so they will have a very tough challenge against more experienced teams like Thule Adventure Team, and Team Orion (both from New Zealand).
Two other Australian teams will be racing, both from Queensland. Brisbane based Team Rogue-Sleepmonsters were fortunate to win a free entry courtesy of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Association and Sleepmonsters website. Rogue have raced together extensively on the local AR scene, however this is their first overseas race. Team Giddiup are based in Cairns and also have a lot of experience on the local scene. Other Aussies competing are Jarad Kohlar who will join the very strong Thule Adventure Europe team, and Cath Todd in 2XU Blackberry.
The race starts on Friday 10th December and will be covered on the race Website - http://www.abudhabi-adventure.com/ and http://www.facebook.com/teamblackheart
Thank you to our sponsors who help our team race in Australia and abroad.
Blackheart Outdoor Store www.blackheart.com.au
Shotz Sports Nutrition www.shotz1.com
Silva Compasses www.silva.se
Salomon www.salomonsports.com
Aussie Butt Cream www.aussiebuttcream.com
Trigger Point Therapies Australia www.tptherapy.com.au
Rob Preston
Team Blackheart Adventure Racing
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