The EnduranceSource BIG 10

  5. Primal Quest

Primal Quest is an expedition team endurance race which takes place each year over a period of 5-10 days. Competitors much paddle, bike, navigate, swim, canyon, climb and run their way through obstacles and rugged terrain to complete the entire course (this year it will be over 600miles!). Racers must also struggle on with battered feet and sleep deprivation, not to mention cope with the incredible 13,000 – 15,000 calories which they can burn each day (over the 5 – 10 days). This is definitely a race for those adventurers who are extremely fit and have a couple of screws loose!! Good Luck!

  4. Complete a major Ocean Crossing (without engine power)

The Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean are two enormous volumes of salt water that punctuate the continents. Rouge waves, whistling wind, no support or harbour - taking on one of these goliaths is nothing short of a truly immense challenge. People taking up the challenge will need to source the right vessel, the right gear and if they are not going solo, then they will also need to source the right crew. Crossing one of these oceans without engine power is an adventure in the truest sense of the word.(See Sean McGowan interview with EnduranceSource, as he prepares to Row across the Atlantic)

  3. Cycle across a continent

This challenge is definitely for the free spirits out there who are looking to both; test themselves physically, as well as experience a journey that is truly life changing. The challenge itself requires a huge investment of both time and determination. Many cyclists have crossed continents in every direction imaginable (North to south, East to West etc...), with the most popular continents to cross being Europe and the United States. The brave souls who strike out on this journey run the risks of road traffic, bike accidents, being mugged, technical difficulties and even attack by wild animals (depending on which continent you cross). People have been known to undertake these journeys with only a few hundred dollars in their pockets, or at the other extreme, with a support vehicle for company. Whatever way you do it, it’s definitely a journey you’ll always remember!

  2. Swim across the English Channel

The English Channel is one of busiest shipping lanes in the world.

At its narrowest point it stretches 21 miles across, from the shores of the England to the coast of France. Renowned for its’ changing currents and unpredictable weather, the channel is somewhere which many a yacht skipper would fear to tread. But then there is a different breed of person, who looks at the Channel and instead of on obstacle they see a challenge and a goal. Something which they aspire to not merely cross, but swim. Using nothing but the power of their own muscles and reserves of determination to conquer to cold water between two nations.
Training for this event can take up to 2 years and those who dare to take up the challenge must book a Pilot boat to accompany them on the swim, at least a year and a half in advance! The average time for a channel crossing is between 12 – 14 hours and thos ae who wish to record an official channel crossing must brave the cold waters without a wetsuit. NOT for the faint hearted!

   1. Trek to a Pole

‘I want to stand on the Moon’ – well you can’t. But you can trek to one of the most remote and rarely visited points on Earth, the Polar ice-caps, with particular reference to the South Pole. Located the southern most point on the planet, the South pole is destination that few humans will ever have the opportunity to grace. The South Pole is an incredibly inhospitable place, with air temperatures as low as – 40C that will freeze your breath as it leaves your mouth and winds that will scream and tear at your gear and tents. Trekking to this Pole involves covering over 1,200 Kilometres of snow and ice over the course of two months. Behind you on a sled, you will need to pull everything your need to survive including your food, fuel and gear.

We hope you have enjoyed the “EnduranceSource - Big 10”, we know that this list will differ with the opinions of others so we welcome your comments and suggestions below!