The Course

The full course for the Mountain Designs GeoQuest 48hr is designed to be challenging, rewarding and as enjoyable as possible for all participants. However we don’t expect that every team who starts will complete the course. It wouldn't have a reputation as a tough event if everyone could do it! With good teamwork and determination, finishing teams can expect to spend anywhere from 28-52 hours on the course. No specific provisions are made for sleeping, you will need to plan your own sleep strategy.

The Geo-Half course will be approximately half the distance of the full course. The legs will still be challenging, but with the additional time available to complete the half course, teams have a greater chance to reach the finish line. Sleep is also a good option if you are entered in the Geo-Half.

Format

The Mountain Designs GeoQuest course was traditionally in a "clover leaf" format, but has evolved to become more "linear". All teams begin the adventure at the same point, then navigate their way through each leg consecutively. At the end of each leg is a Transition Area where you change from one discipline to another. At most Transition Areas you will be met by your support crew.

Click for an overview example of the 2010 course. (Note Geo-Half travelled shorter distance on some legs that are shown on the map as the same for Full and Half).

While on the course, team members must stay within 100m of each other for the entire race. If a team member pulls out, then that team will not receive an official finishing place. The team may be permitted to continue "unranked" providing there is a minimum of 3 people. The winning team in each category will be the first team across the finish line after successfully navigating all legs of the course, and having all the team members they started with.

To foster an adventurous spirit, and save some of the excitement for race day, the exact course will not be released until the day before the event. All teams will be given the course at the same time, at the course briefing.

Our aim is give teams the opportunity to challenge themselves non-stop for 48 hours. This means that even if a team is going slow, they should still be able to race on the course for 48 hours, regardless of how far along it they get. Teams will however need to be back at race HQ, even if your support crew has to come and get you, for the official race finish on Monday morning (which is actually 52hrs after the start).

Environmental impact is a major concern and it is expected that competitors be aware of this. Generally adventure racers are responsible when it comes to looking after the environment in which they are racing, and we hope that this will continue with the Mountain Designs GeoQuest. The race rules detail some specific environmental requirements.

No specific provisions have been made for water re-supply on the course (it is an adventure race after all!). Teams will need to carefully consider their water needs. This includes how much to carry and whether it is likely that water will be found on the course.

Generally teams will need to be prepared for all weather conditions. It is a good idea when the location is announced to research the local weather and climate. This way your team can be better prepared for what may be in store.

Tactics Tip!

My most memorable moment in the Moroccan Eco-Challenge was out-foxing the US Navy SEALS and sending them down the wrong valley. We were only slightly in front when we noticed the small track heading up the valley wall, we dropped packs and rested until the SEALS rounded the corner. Upon this, we stood, and with maps flapping, began pointing down the valley at where we were supposedly going to go. The SEALS were only too pleased to see the Australians resting their aching muscles and powered past with their typical arrogant attitudes. As soon as they were gone we returned to the small track leading out of the valley and plodded up the steep incline. We never did see the SEALS again, we beat them by over half a day!

Kit Marshall
Team Australian Edge
1998 Eco-Challenge