Midwest MedWAR

When

October 11, 2008

Pre-Race Check-in: 12 Noon - 2pm
Race start 2pm
Race ends 10pm

ALL DETAILS ON THIS PAGE ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS.
PLEASE CHECK BACK FOR UPDATES.

Where

Pinckney Recreation Area

Who

Any three people with an interest in wilderness medicine. Teams often have any combination of healthcare professionals, emergency personnel, students of all varieties, and outdoor enthusiasts. Everyone is welcome. There is no minimal knowledge requirement. There are no divisions based on age, gender, or medical skill level.

Possible Race Components

Land: Hiking, Running, Orienteering, Climbing, Ropes Elements
Water: Canoeing, Stream/River/Swamp Crossing & Wading
Preparation: Gear, Food, Water, Medical Supplies, etc.
Wilderness Medicine: Knowledge and Skills
Unexpected Challenges...

Race Format

The race will be run in a Test-O format. The first several checkpoints of the race will take several hours to complete. This will be a common path for all teams. After this the teams will be given a number of checkpoints to find and a deadline. The number of checkpoints you find and answer correctly before the deadline will determine the order of finish. A 10-minute time penalty will be assessed for every missed checkpoint and a 5-minute penalty will be assessed if the checkpoint is found but the answer is incorrect.

Checkpoints

In the second part of the race, you will navigate to several checkpoints. At each checkpoint is a medical question. You will find as many of these before the deadline as you are able. The question must be answered correctly or a 5-minute time penalty will given. Once you have turned in your passbook for correction you will not be allowed back out on the course. YOU MAY CARRY ANY REFERENCES YOU SEE FIT. Remember, things can get wet in the woods. There is an 10pm deadline on finishing to avoid disqualification.

Finishing Order

The order of finish will be based on your race time plus time penalties based on the number of checkpoints you find and answer correctly before 10pm. It is to your advantage to find and answer as many questions correctly as possible. A 10-minute time penalty will be assessed for every missed checkpoint and a 5-minute penalty will be assessed if the checkpoint is found but the answer is incorrect.

Race Support

The race is self-supported and competitors are expected to either carry their own water or purify it during the course of the race. Any assistance received from the race staff will result in disqualification. Participants must bring items they feel will be necessary to compete (backpacks, medical kits, food, water, medical textbooks, clothing, gear).

Required Equipment

One canoe, 2 paddles, & 4 PFDs (Rentals through Heavner Canoe for $41 per team. Teams must reserve canoe in advance. No kayaks, non-approved canoes, or other boats. No kayak paddles. No extra paddles.)
Some major supplies and safety items will be provided, but participants must bring any and all other items they feel will be necessary to compete (backpacks, medical kits, food, water, medical texts, clothing, gear, etc.).
GPS units, PDAs, cell phones, radios, and other forms of transportation or communication are prohibited.
A finalized required gear list will be posted by September.

Prizes

First, second, and third place teams will receive prizes. Everyone gets a T-shirt and a post-race dinner!

Registration

Registration is now open. Race registration is $135 per team of 3 ($45/person). Race registration closes October 3rd or when we reach 30 teams. Race registration is non-refundable after October 3th (90% refundable until Sept 26; 75% refundable Sept 27-Oct 3).
Registration limit 30 teams. If you plan to register a large number of teams please contact the race director early to reserve your spots.

Registration Includes

Maps, race day insurance, safety equipment if needed for challenges (unless part of Required Gear), CME credit if qualified, pre-race demonstrations (TBA), and post-race celebration dinner. Team members each receive an exclusive MedWAR Race T-shirt. A race bib (number) and topographic map will be provided on race day for navigational purposes.

Accommodations

Camping is NOT included in your registration fee. Camping is available at modern or rustic sites within the park. To reserve a campsite, please contact (800) 447-2757. Modern campsites have showers. There are also numerous hotels in Ann Arbor (about a 30 minute drive from Race Headquarters).

Volunteers

We need volunteers at Checkpoints and medical scenarios. Volunteers will receive an exclusive MedWAR T-shirt, food throughout their volunteer time, free camping, and are invited to the post-race celebration dinner. Medical knowledge is helpful, but not required - we will teach you everything you need to know. To volunteer, please see additional information.

CME/CEU Credits

Continuing Education credits applications are planned for healthcare providers. Details provided on the CME page. Please indicate CME/CEU at registration. You will be provided with the paperwork at race check-in. If you have questions, please contact us.

The Fine Print

This adventure race requires physical exertion. While most persons in good physical health should be able to compete, racers should be prepared for potential physical exhaustion. Teams must be entirely self-sufficient during the race (food and water MUST be carried). Expected race finish times are 6-10 hours and racers will cover 10-15 miles. Weather and darkness may play a role, but the race will take place rain or shine.