Does the race take place in Cameroon?
No, the race takes place near Nordegg, Alberta, about one hour west of Rocky Mountain House, Alberta. But who knows? In a couple years, we may host a race in Cameroon or on Mt. Kilimanjaro!
Are there two races this year? Yes! Due to huge interest in our past few races we are hosting Wycliffe’s Race to 2025: Cameroon events over two back-to-back weekends. The Advanced Overnight Challenge will run Labour Day Weekend, August 31 to September 2, 2012 and the Classic Two-Day Challenge will run September 7-9, 2012. We require a minimum of seven teams per weekend event and a maximum of 12 teams per weekend. Choose the best weekend that fits your fitness level. Registration closes when all spots are taken.
How much do I need to fundraise?
All teams must raise a minimum of $2,600 ($650/racer.) Generous prizes are awarded for highest individual and team fundraisers.
What kinds of prizes are available?
Most prizes are geared to help remove obstacles and impart vision to a new generation to engage in the global Bible translation movement. Bursaries awarded can be used to help pay tuition, go on Wycliffe volunteer work trips or internships or get further linguistics training.
How will the money raised be used?
All overseas Race to 2025 projects are chosen from a list of approved critical Wycliffe International projects and assist the national global Bible translation movement. Typically funds raised are used in crucial projects focusing on Bible translation, mother tongue literacy for women and children, training of national Bible translators and Scripture engagement projects like trauma healing seminars for war-torn nations, ethnomusicology and worship workshops and developing audiovisual helps like translating the JESUS film and producing audio versions of Scripture.
How long are the races?
Registration is on the Friday evenings of August 31 and September 7 between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. followed by basic orientation and a cool session learning more about missions, linguistics and Wycliffe. Mandatory safety instruction is included. The actual races are held on Saturday and Sunday, September 1-2 and September 7-9. Historically, the last teams finish between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Sunday afternoon, after which we do our closing ceremonies and final awards. There is an option to stay the night at Frontier Lodge on Sunday night, so you can travel home on Monday September 3 or September 10. The Advanced Challenge will spend Saturday night in the forest sleeping in tents. The Classic Challenge will return to Frontier Lodge all nights.
What does the registration fee cover? Your registration fee covers lodging for Friday and Saturday nights, meals for Saturday and Sunday, Frontier Lodge staff services, and the use of Frontier Lodge equipment and facilities for the weekend (excluding rentals). There is an additional charge to stay Sunday night.
What kind of activities will the race involve? Standard activities are mountain trekking, mountain biking, rappelling, river canoeing over some class 1-2 rapids, orienteering and linguistics challenges. But with Frontier Lodge setting the course, you can be sure of some interesting surprises, like a Tyrolean Traverse on a rope across a 200 ft. canyon or a surprise challenge of climbing deep into an extremely mucky, pitch dark cave!
Do all members of the teams need to do all the events?
During the event, all team members do all events together and must always be within visual distance of their team members.
What kind of technical training do I need?
Novices are welcome, but come prepared for a physically demanding race course. No previous technical training is necessary. Frontier Lodge provides basic orientation and necessary training for participation in all events. However, the better trained and prepared you are, the greater chance you have for fun! You need at least one member of your team who can read a compass and two to steer a canoe. (Advanced Challenge requires team to camp overnight outdoors with two people able to navigate from one point to another using a map and compass and two people to steer a canoe in a straight line, and avoid obstacles if necessary.)
What kind of physical training do I need?
Come prepared for anything! Again, the better physical shape you’re in, the more fun you’ll have, and the less pain you’ll be in. (Just ask survivors of past Race to 2025 events!) Jogging, weight training, chin-ups and push-ups are great for you anytime. You will be thankful for every effort you make to prepare. (Advanced Challenge requires all team members to be able to run five km in 35 minutes or less and bike 15 km on mountain biking trails.)
What about the cold and potential bad weather?
Certain events could be cancelled if your safety is in danger. However, God is known for providing, “character building” days. It's all part of the Frontier Lodge experience! Be sure you bring EVERYTHING on your required equipment list.
What kind of equipment will I need?
You are required to bring a mountain bike, bike helmet, climbing harness, climbing helmet, and wet suit. Additional equipment items needed are: a first aid kit, sleeping bag or bedding, flashlight or headlamp, water bottle or thermos (enough for 2L), backpack (minimum 25L) and compass. (See registration forms for full equipment lists. Advanced Challenge requires extra equipment like tent, dry bags, stove, fuel, pot, and eating utensils.) Equipment list
Where can we get the necessary equipment?
If you don’t have the needed items already, you can purchase or rent from outdoor equipment outfitters like Mountain Equipment Co-op, or your local university outdoor department (e.g. The University of Calgary Outdoor Centre). Limited supplies of climbing harnesses, climbing helmets, mountain bikes, wet suits and stoves can be rented from Frontier Lodge on a first‑come‑first‑serve basis.
Who can race? Our goal is 24 teams. We have had racers from Germany, Peru, United States of America and New Zealand. Teams from all nations are welcome! Teams of four must register and pay in full by August 12, 2012. Classic Challenge requires co-ed teams. Advanced Challenge does NOT require co-ed teams. Minimum age of racers is 16, but only one minor is allowed per team, and only with parental consent.
How do I sign up my team?
Complete the registration forms and pay your registration fee online. Forms are also available to print from the website. Wycliffe Bible Translators address is 4316 10 St. NE, Calgary, AB, T2E 6K3 (attention Race to 2025).
Are there time limits for each of the various activities?
Not for the main events; but there will be limits for special team challenges.
What if the weather is bad?
The race will continue whether there is rain, snow, sleet or sun. Barring raging forest fires, flash floods, hurricanes, earthquakes or any other catastrophic events, the race will go on.
What if someone drops out prior to the race?
The registration fee is non-refundable for the racer. An alternate must be found to take the place of the dropped-out racer. You must arrive with a team of four.
What if someone drops out during the race?
The team will be allowed to keep racing, however, time penalties will be added to overall race time. In certain events where you MUST have four (or two groups of two) to physically complete that event, the team would be asked to skip that challenge and be penalized. Alternative racers may be available to step into a situation like this, but no guarantees.
What about first aid and safety?
Each team must carry a first aid kit and at least one member needs to have basic first aid knowledge. Frontier Lodge has certified first aid staff on site. Qualified and experienced personnel will be at all climbs and rappel sites, and other sites of foreseeable danger.
What if I get lost?
All teams are provided with two-way radios for emergency contact with Frontier Lodge staff. If a team is unable to reconnect to the race course via radio contact, we will come and look for you.
What hazards may I encounter?
Sharp sticks, jagged rocks, possible cold and wet weather, hypothermia, slippery conditions, twisted ankles. (See “what if weather is bad”). Self-awareness, self-control and communication with your team are essential and will counter these risks.
Are we allowed support personnel to help during the race?
No. Other navigational aids are not permitted.
Will there be water stations?
Limited water stations may be available in the summer. Please ensure your team carries enough water each racing day.
Do I have to have previous linguistic knowledge?
No.
What is required in terms of orienteering?
At least one team member must know how to use a compass. (Advanced Challenge requires two people able to navigate from one point to another using a map and compass.)
How do we get to Frontier Lodge?
There is a map under the contact tab on the Race to 2025 website, you can Mapquest their address or get a map from their website at www.frontierlodge.ca.
Frontier Lodge is located 5 km west of Nordegg (approximately 96 km, 1 hr driving time, west of Rocky Mountain House, AB) on Highway #11. A brown sign (“FRONTIER LODGE”) is visible on the highway. Turn south at the same entrance as “Fish Lake Recreation Area,” but follow the road to the end (approx. 2.5 km). We are approximately 3 hours from both Edmonton and Calgary.
Equipment Rental Options
Frontier Lodge (Race to 2025 on-site rentals—limited quantities, book ahead)
Contact: Jared Bourn
403-721-2202
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