Wenger Patagonian Expedition Race 2010
Emotional Proposal Ends A Special Race
News Release / 21.02.2010
Over almost 600km of intense racing, competitors have experienced much of the virgin nature that Chilean Patagonia has to offer, from the wind-swept beach on northern Tierra del Fuego through rolling pampas, the climbing hills of the Karukinka reserve, the majestic Darwin Range and the choppy waters of the Beagle Channel.
Even getting back to the bustling regional hub of Punta Arenas was an adventure, taking 32 hours on a Chilean Navy boat to travel through the southern archipelago blessed with blue skies and uniquely calm waters – an experience that gelled the group of racers yet further.
“We have had an amazing experience here again,� said Helly Hansen-Prunesco captain Nicola MacLeod, speaking, as promised after their 2009 victory, in both Spanish and English. “This race was spectacular, the weather, the environment, the hills, the mountains, the starry skies. We have so many special memories.�
Although the weather was kind this year, blizzard conditions and extremely cold temperatures in the main trek made teams suffer for their wilderness experience – but the overriding emotion from almost all at the ceremony was that the privilege to experience this stunning region was well worth the endurance it took to get there.
Bruce Duncan, from Helly Hansen-Prunesco, put it best when interviewed on the trail right after completing the main trekking section of the course. “Chilean Patagonia is rewarding but you earn your view,� he said. “It’s beautiful out there, but to get to see it you have got to work hard.�
Each team was awarded their intricately carved wooden medals, one by one, with Japanese team East Wind receiving a standing ovation not only for their efforts to make it halfway across the world but also for the persistence that saw them keep going all the way to the finish line.
Helly Hansen-Prunesco also had the amassed crowd of teams, media and organisational staff on their feet as they lifted the Wenger trophy for the second consecutive year – the first team ever to do so – and the immediately promised at least some of them will return again in 2011.
But Jasson Magness, of team GearJunkie.com, stole the show after his team was presented with their medals – by getting down on one knee and proposing to his girlfriend Chelsey Gribbon. “I was going to ask at the finish line,� he said afterwards. “But I thought we were so out of it she might not remember she’d said yes!�
By the end of the evening, as the teams dispersed to leave this remote and spectacular region of the Earth, many were already talking of returning next year – as long as the organisation will have them. To protect the environment, places are limited to 15 teams – and indications are they are already in high demand ...
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