MedWAR North

When

Saturday March 1st, 2008

7:30am Check-In Opens
8:00am Rental Pick-up Opens
9:00am Race Start
4:00pm Race Finish
5:00pm Dinner Served

Where

Albion Hills Conservation Area about 40 minutes northwest of Toronto. See Detailed directions and map.

Teams

Teams of 3 bold enough to take on medical scenarios while racing in winter. Anyone can participate. There are no age, gender, or medical training divisions.

Possible Race Components

Land: Nordic Skiing, Snowshoeing, Hiking/Running, Orienteering
Preparation: Gear, Food, Water, Medical Supplies, Etc.
Wilderness Medicine: Knowledge and Skills

Race Format

Teams of 3 compete in a multi-leg format in winter terrain. Legs involve snowshoeing, nordic skiing, orienteering and wilderness medicine challenges which teams will complete in different orders. Each team receives a map and must navigate to a series of checkpoints. At the checkpoints, tasks must be completed that test physical ability and/or wilderness medical knowledge and skills. The team must successfully complete the task and demonstrate all procedures before moving forward in the race. Expected race finish times are 4-7 hours. This is an unassisted race - no support crew.

Race Scenarios

Although scenarios will follow traditional MedWAR form allowing any type of situation to be simulated from sandstorms to deep-sea diving, most will be slanted towards those appropriate to the location and season. Past race highlights include rescuing team members who had slipped through ice breaks, fallen while ice climbing, or were buried in avalanches.

Required Equipment & Rentals

See the Required Equipment page for a full list.

Each team member needs equipment for nordic skiing and snowshoeing. Ski skates are NOT REQUIRED. Traditional "classic" cross-country skiis are great. Alpine (downhill) skiis are NOT appropriate.

Rentals are available at the venue:
This cost is NOT included in the registration fee.

Skis, boots, poles OR snowshoes $19.75CAD (can be exchanged for no extra charge - We will try and make it
feasible for teams to come through the rental centre at the junction between the skiing and snowshoeing.)

OR if teams wish they can carry the snowshoes with them throughout at a cost of $34 CAD.

Rentals open at 8:00am. You must pick up your rentals by 8:30. The race starts is 9:00am.

Prizes

First, second, and third place teams each receive mystery prizes, as well as the glory of being crowned victor of MedWAR North.

Registration

Race Registration Fee:
$220 Canadian dollars per 3-person team

Registration Deadline February 16, 2008
After that, please contact us.
Entries accepted based on availability.

Entries are limited to first 20 teams.

Registration Includes

Team members each receive a souvenir, race day insurance, maps, safety equipment needed for challenges not explicitly stated as required gear, and a post-race celebration dinner. A race number, topographic map and trail map will also be provided on race day for navigational purposes.

Accommodations

Several reasonable hotels are located in Albion.

Race Support

This 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 texts, clothing, gear, etc).

CME Credit

At this time we have no new information. If CME credit becomes possible for this race, information will be posted online. Please check back for details.

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 4-7+ hours and racers will cover 10-15 miles. Weather and darkness may play a role, but the race will take place rain, snow, or shine.