Patagonian Expedition Race
The Patagonian Expedition Race Closes
Rob Howard / 27.02.2016
The 2016 Patagonian Expedition Race came to a close last night with the prize giving ceremony in the gymnasium of the school in Puerto Natales, which had served as PC8 in the race.
Most of the teams gathered for the ceremony, and those who had not mastered the conditions or the cut-off time to make it to the second part of the race had for the most part been out trekking in Torres del Paine on the classic ‘W Route’.
The hall was full of race tents, kayaks and other gear, set out to make an impressive venue, dominated by the podium with a huge backdrop featuring scenes from the race and the faces of Masato Tanaka, Jason Magness and Nick Gracie.
Race Director Stjepan Pavicic thanked all those who helped support and produce the unsponsored race, especially the military here, who play such a big part and all the race staff and volunteers. The competitors gave them all a long standing ovation in thanks for their unstinting hard work.
Pavicic then spoke of the spirit of the race and the motivations of all those taking part to share their love of Patagonia and to push themselves to the ‘brink of the impossible’, before the finishing teams were presented. First up were Mind Over Body from Canada, an aptly named team who have proved a ‘novice’ team can complete the race with the right approach and a bucket load of determination.
Then the podium teams were presented to huge cheers for all their accomplishments. Third were Merrell Adventure Addicts, the first South African team to complete the race, then East Wind who overcome such enormous challenges to finish in second place, and in first place Godzone Adventure who reclaimed the trophy they have now won 6 times in a row.
Nick Gracie spoke about their problems with illness early in the race, and the fact none of the team ever thought of giving up and pushed through their problems. He congratulated all the other teams, said what a privilege it is to visit Patagonia and race here, and lead everyone in a round of applause for all the friends and family who were at home, looking after the children, paying the bills and supporting the teams in their dream of racing here in Patagonia.
Before viewing the race film, and watching a surprise showing of the Merrell Adventure Addicts in-race video, Pavicic said they would try to keep everyone informed about future races, but there was no date set for the next PER yet. (Almost all of the teams here have said they will be back.)
Let’s hope it’s not too long ... adventure racing needs this race.
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