MERRELL Adventure Addicts to test their mettle at Ecuador’s volcanoes

As more South Africans swap the couch for the great outdoors, adventure racing is on the up. At the forefront, the MERRELL Adventure Addicts are arguably one of South Africa’s top adventure racing units. Having achieved seventh place at the Adventure Racing World Championships 2011 (ARWC) in Tasmania, the foursome are back to tackle Ecuador’s volcanoes.

‘Though we were disappointed that we didn’t make the top five at ARWC, 2011 was still a successful year,’ reflects team captain, Graham Bird. ‘Other highlights include; winning the 500km Expedition Africa and completing the Freedom Challenge.’

This year, Bird will focus on his team: Tatum Prins, quiet, determined and wise Hanno Smit and powerhouse, Donovan Sims. An equally massive year is in the pipeline.

2012: Part One

In February, the team will head to Ecuador for the HUAIRASINCHI 2012. This 350km adventure race forms part of the Adventure Racing World Series. In order to acclimatize, the team will visit the famous ‘Avenue of Volcanoes’.

‘Usually, we only consider international races in the second half of the year, but this race stood out from the calendar,’ comments Bird.

The MERRELL Adventure Addicts plan to defend their title at the 500km Expedition Africa in May. Now in its second year, and also part of the Adventure Racing World Series, the event will be staged in the Eastern Cape region, which surrounds Port Alfred.

2012: Part Two

The team will focus on the local racing scene: The Windhoek Lager Fish River Canyon Ultra, staged along the iconic Fish River Canyon in Namibia, July; the 250km Quantum Energy Leap Adventure Race in Western Cape, August; the Wildrun along the Wild Coast in Eastern Cape, September; Merrell Eden Duo on the Garden Route, October; and the Skyrun in Eastern Cape Drakensberg, November.

The team plan to share their expertise with the adventure racing community at the Merrell Adventure Weekend in Swellendam, March. The weekend will incorporate a number of races and discussions.

‘After nearly three decades in the adventure business, we truly believe our performance products are inspired by active people like the Adventure Addicts,’ concludes spokesperson for Merrell (South Africa), Jaco Steenkamp. ‘We encourage everyone to get outside, from beginner to seasoned pro.’