DART-nuun Wins the USARA National Championship

Written by Glenn Rogers
Created Date: Tuesday, 18 November 2008 08:17

November 8th 2008 Blue Ridge, Georgia - Team DART-nuun crossed the finish line at 8:30 this morning winning the 2008 USARA National Championships after 25+ hours of racing. The team, composed of Mari Chandler, Sean Clancy, and Glenn Rogers, competed against 80 of the best teams in the nation. All teams had competed in various qualifying races around the country and came together here to determine who would be crowned the national champion.

It has been a long journey getting here since the team qualified at Desert Winds Adventure Race in May. Together, the team has gone undefeated in 2008 racing the Checkpoint Tracker Adventure Racing Series which includes 24hr and 3 day races. After seven races together this year we have grown more cohesive and efficient. After each race we grow stronger. We have seen each other perform at our best and worst during many races and we are able to work together and help each other without saying a word.

All teams were up at 5AM for a train ride to the start where the race began with a short orienteering section to separate the teams before the paddle down the Taccoa River. DART-nuun led from the start and never looked back. After a 15 mile paddle, the team found their stride riding through the Chattahoochee National Forest. The race had the teams riding to various trekking loops. The navigation varied from straightforward forest road riding to technical off-trail bush/bike whacking. The crux of the race occurred at night on a large bike rogaine section. We knew that this section would be difficult physically, mentally, and navigationally. While we made a few mistakes, we continued striving forward with determination. During the night, the other top teams also had their share of problems and DART-nuun was able to make their lead insurmountable.

A large part of our success is attributed to the gear we use. It rained for a large part of the race and once it stopped, it got very cold. We came prepared. All us us wore Ibex base layers including El Fito bike Knickers and Woolies Crew. On top of that we were equipped with Arcteryx Alpha LT. And of course we wouldnâ??t be anywhere without our Stella headlamps lighting the way.

Next up for DART-nuun is the Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge in December.