Introduction to Adventure Sprint Racing
Adventure Sprint Racing in South Africa was conceptualised by Mike Baker (On Track Club) and Mark le Roux (Old Mutual) in 1999. In less than a year On Track Club's Adventure Sprint Races grew in popularity to the extent that by 2000 it exploded into the biggest televised Adventure Sprint Series in South Africa.
Today it is a unique, adventure tourism product that has become a multi-million Rand industry throughout the South Africa.
For On Track Club the primary objective of the Adventure Sprint Series is that of sustainable adventure tourism / sports development. For the competitors these races provide a day of carefree adventure for friends and family; this is the engine that drives On Track Club's Adventure Tourism Development Programme. For the adventure development squad this is an opportunity to put their newly acquired skills to practice AND earn money in the process
Race Format for the Adventure Sprint Series
We believe that the experience we have gained through presenting events to date ensure that our race format is one of the elements that make the ASS races unique and an identifiable cut above the rest. Our Adventure Sprint races are an adventure, as opposed to a modified 'off road' triathlon series. Our events are fast, challenging adventures.
Mountain biking (20km)
The mountain biking legs are based on the successes of our Ride For Wildlife mountain bike series. The courses are designed to be, totally off road, fairly fast and not too technical. There will be one or two single-track sections and special stages along the way. The mountain biking section of the race is guaranteed to be a lot more fun than just 20km of cycling on a dirt road – it is a draw card for the event.
Water discipline (+- 40 minutes)
Our events have a unique approach to the water discipline. There are no long swims! Our water stages are creative and adventurous. For the non-swimmer there is always a rope at hand, swimmers can, if they wish, go for it under their own steam. The emphasis is on fun, safety, mass participation and ensuring that this leg is doable by the man in the street and adventurers of all ages.
Trail running with natural obstacles along the way (5km)
This is an Adventure Race and the run must be an adventure. Wherever possible the obstacles would include things like crossing and wading through rivers, negotiating steep slopes and overcoming natural obstacles. Along the route we will try to incorporate specialised Adventure Racing disciplines like rock climbing, Tyrolean Traverses and Burma Bridges.
The obstacle course at the start finish area
Background to the Adventure Sprint Series
There is only ONE original Adventure Sprint Series in South Africa. However, today there are a host of adventure race organisers who present variations of this sport to the extent that "Adventure Sprint Racing" has become the accepted term for adventure Races of between 30km and 50km. Most of these variations are presented at an exceptional, professional level – most of which will be listed on this site.
Within two years of conceptualising Adventure Sprint Racing On Track Club perfected the concept and launched it as a national series. There is no doubt that it works; participating teams reported this as being the best Adventure Racing concept. Many race organizers throughout South Africa have adapted this concept into events of their own and the sport has mushroomed into a multi-million Rand industry. The tourism industry has identified with the tremendous tourism potential of this as an annual series. Plans are now underway to introduce the Adventure Sprint Series to other countries around the world with a view to creating an international Adventure Sprint Series.
The success of this initiative can be measured by the fact that since adventure sprint racing was defined and presented by On Track Club in South Africa for the first time, today there are no fewer than 14 new event organisers presenting versions of adventure sprint races throughout the country.
On Track Club has been presenting Adventure Race's since 1998. To date we have an unblemished track record in terms of our consideration for the environment and working within the parameters set by our hosts.
After a brief break to consolidate its achievements On Track Club plans to re-launch the Adventure Sprint Series in 2007. In 2007 On Track Club's adventure racing focus will include; the 30km adventure sprint races to the 150km Short Course Adventure Races, Morgan's Run (A 400km expedition Adventure Race) and the SA Adventure Racing Opens – register online and we will keep you posted
On Track Club's Adventure Sprint Races provide a day of adventurous fun for the whole family. Elite athletes and weekend warriors do battle shoulder to shoulder, on the course. The nippers have a 2km course of their own. The venues are carefully selected to ensure there is something for both competitors and spectators. Remember, while you are being entertained and having fun you are also assisting On Track Club with its development efforts and you are making a contribution to local conservation efforts – Join the club.