Midwest MedWAR

When

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Start time: 10am
Finish time: 7:30pm

ALL DETAILS ON THIS PAGE ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. PLEASE CHECK BACK FOR UPDATES.

Where

Pinckney Recreation Area near Ann Arbor, MI

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 new format. Teams will be given a map and a Passbook. Teams will navigate to several Mandatory Checkpoints and additional Bonus Checkpoints worth time off their race time. Teams may not split up during the race at any time unless specifically directed to do so. The team with the lowest time wins.

Checkpoints

In the the race, you will navigate to several checkpoints. Some checkpoints contain wilderness medical scenarios which must be passed. At each Bonus Checkpoint is a codeword and a medical question. You will find as many of these before the deadline as you are able. Each Bonus Checkpoint found during this portion of the race gives a time bonus. If the question is answered correctly, you receive an additional time bonus. 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 a deadline on finishing to avoid disqualification.

Finishing Order

The order of finish will be based on your race time plus time bonuses based on the number of checkpoints you find and answer correctly before the race deadline. It is to your advantage to find and answer as many questions correctly as possible. A time bonus will be given for every checkpoint found and an additional time bonus will be given if the checkpoint is found and the answer is correct. The amount of time bonus given will be explained before that portion of the race.

Race Support

The race is self-supported and competitors are expected to either carry their own water or detoxify 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

Please see the full list of required gear
One canoe, 2 paddles, & 3 PFDs (Rentals through Heavner Canoe for $45 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.).
PDAs, cell phones, ipods, radios, and other forms of transportation or communication are prohibited.
No Bikes are required this year.

Prizes

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

Registration

Race registration is $135 per team of 3 ($45/person). Race registration is non-refundable after September 3rd (90% refundable until August 20; 50% refundable until Sept 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 and FAWM 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. This year you will be responsible for your own camping reservation and fees but this is reasonably inexpensive and can be arranged by calling 1(800) 447-2757. This is a central number but it does work. Ask for the Bruin Lake Campground which has modern (electricity and running water) sites. They also have showers. Hint: They do charge a reservation fee which can be avoided by simply showing up. They are NOT busy that time of year. Please note that there is no place to buy food in the campground. You should bring food for Friday night with you. Alternatively, 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/FAWM Credits

Elegible Racers can receive CME Credit from the Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center for your participation in this program. You must complete a CME Evaluation in order to get credit. The evaluation can be found linked in the CME Section. Information will also be avaiable at reac check-in.

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.