Patagonian Expedition Race

WPER 2009 logo

WPER 2009 logo

Patagonian Expedition Race, currently Wenger Patagonian Expedition Race, is an annual adventure race, located in Patagonia, Chile, after Antarctica the most southern region of the world. Competitors in mixed teams of four athletes compete in the disciplines of trekking, sea kayaking, orienteering, mountain biking and rope activities. The race is international and it has become known as "the last wild race".

History

Since its founding in 2004, courses from 320 miles (520 km) up to 680 miles (1100 km) in 2007 had to be completed in 9 to 12 days. Largely relying only on psychological and physical strength the participants are allowed to use compass and map only to find their way to the beautiful but deserted Patagonia, making the Patagonian Expedition Race one of the most extreme existing adventure races. The 2007 event was the longest race of its kind ever made.

The popularity and awareness of the race has increased since its inception in 2004. The media awareness has increased over the years and was featured in several international magazines, papers and TV broadcasts.

The geography, the long distances and the climatic conditions have made this a very challenging race for all those that have been part of this adventure at the end of the world. Half way through the course, a trekking section of 110 kilometers made 6 of the 11 participating teams drop out.

Beginning in 2009, the race will be sponsored by the Switzerland-based company Wenger, the logo will carry the company's Swiss flag emblem, and the name will be changed to ‘Wenger Patagonian Expedition Race’. Wenger will supply Swiss Army knives and Swiss watches along with footwear, tents and other camping equipment to the Patagonian Expedition Race. This new association will run through 2011 and it is the first title sponsorship of the annual adventure race.

Peter Hug, Chief Executive Officer of Wenger SA, said, “We are delighted to extend our involvement in and support of the Patagonian Expedition Race. It’s a unique human challenge, conducted in an environment where preparedness is everything and precision multi-discipline tools for the job are vital – exactly the principles on which our company was founded over 100 years ago.”

The Wenger Patagonian Expedition Race is the only adventure race worldwide that has been granted an official partnership by an Olympic Committee. The 2009 race will again follow the event’s successful international challenge format.

Approximately 60 athletes, from nations including USA, Canada, China, Australia, Germany, Croatia, Israel, Spain, France, Brazil, Argentina and Chile will compete against each other and Mother Nature in mixed teams of four.

Their challenge will take them across some of the most remote lands on Earth, starting south-east of the Southern Continental Ice Field until they reach the end of the American continent, where it breaks up in a maze of islands and fjords, reaching the Cross of the Seas at the end of the world; a 10-day, 600km challenge incorporating mountain biking, trekking, rope work, kayaking and orienteering.

Editions

The 2004 challenge was won by.

The 2005 challenge was won by.

The 2006 challenge was won by France.

The 2007 challenge was won by France.

The 2008 challenge was won for the third time by France, as Team Authentic Nutrition completed the challenge in a total time of 6 days 2 hours and 42 minutes.

The 2009 Wenger Patagonian Expedition Race, in its sixth summer edition, took place between February 10th - 21st.

Goals of the race

Though the challenge in sports is one main aspect the other goal of the race is to communicate and to sensitise the ecological uniqueness and the rich cultural heritage of Patagonia. Stjepan Pavicic, Race Director, said, “In 2002, we began the large undertaking of organizing the Patagonian Expedition Race. From the beginning, we have focused on creating an experience that is not only a physical and mental challenge, but one that sends a message to the world: we must protect and preserve this remote and pristine region of Chilean Patagonia. Today, our event is bringing this message to the world, and we are proud to have a global company of Wenger’s calibre to join our quest. The brand, its products and its corporate philosophy fit perfectly with our initiative.”

External links

• Interview with the organizor Stjepan Pavicic (spanish)
• Race report PER 2007
• Video PER 2006
• Team Clusaz, Winner 2005 describes its impressions
• Article of a former participant(spanish)