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adventure scotland. What is an “Adventure Race”?. Multisport Team or solo Mainly offroad/in wilds Duration 1 day to 15 days Distance – tens of miles to 500 miles+ Non-stop or “stage” (with overnight stops). Disciplines. Running - mountain/trail Biking - mountain/trail/road
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What is an “Adventure Race”? • Multisport • Team or solo • Mainly offroad/in wilds • Duration 1 day to 15 days • Distance – tens of miles to 500 miles+ • Non-stop or “stage” (with overnight stops) Ian Callaghan 2000
Disciplines • Running - mountain/trail • Biking - mountain/trail/road • Kayak/canoe – sea, river, lake • Climbing/ropework • Rafting • Canyoning • Swimming • Horse riding Ian Callaghan 2000
History of Adventure Racing • French “Raid” tradition • 1989: Raid Gauloises • 1994: W I Challenge • 1995: Eco-Challenge and Southern Traverse • 1997: Formation of ARA • 1998: Salomon and Hi-Tec Series • 1999 Elf “Authentic” Adventure Ian Callaghan 2000
Development of the Sport • Initially long, “expedition” events with self-supporting teams, totally amateur • At a similar period, boom in triathlon/”Ironman”/”ultra-marathon” races • Blending of two traditions and development of a range of formats, distances, levels • Very significant growth in calendar, participation, skills since 1995 • Accompanied by growth in media and sponsor attention Ian Callaghan 2000
Segmentation Ian Callaghan 2000
Participants • “High end” demographic • Age range 25-40+ • Participation by women encouraged by event rules • Global, but US/Aus/NZ very strong • Many participate in a wide range of events from 24hr to “expedition” Ian Callaghan 2000
Geography Ian Callaghan 2000
Calendar Ian Callaghan 2000
Sponsors • Ever-widening range of sponsors as sport grows, becomes known and establishes media credentials and safety record • Some major direct TV tie-ups e.g. Eco (NBC), Southern Traverse (Discovery Channel) • Major events typically have several sponsors with titles to e.g. stages/disciplines/supplies etc • UK events to date mainly sponsored by gear suppliers/others with direct link to the sports involved Ian Callaghan 2000
Media • Sport now served by many specialist magazines, e-zines and e-mail lists • TV “specials” getting major audiences • Regular features on major worldwide TV magazines such as Transworld, Gillette, Sports Unlimited • “Novelty” reporting giving way to serious coverage of gear/training, personalities etc sample e-zines: www.quokka.comwww.kimm.com Ian Callaghan 2000
“Adventure Scotland” • Segment: Below “expedition” but long enough to attract foreign teams • Date: Early Autumn 2001 • Gap in AR Calendar • Outwith main tourist season, but reasonable weather and light • Shooting/fishing access? • Name: ?? - To reflect adventure, heritage, culture Ian Callaghan 2000
Format • Team event, no solo • Probably mixed requirement • Part relay, part all-team • Mainly “stage” but with some night sections • Individual days/stages open to local athletes/clubs/groups • Sections for disabled athletes/teams Ian Callaghan 2000
Disciplines • Mountain running • Mountain, track, road biking • Sea, loch, river kayaking • Rafting • Ropework • Canyoning, “coasteering”, swimming? Ian Callaghan 2000
Entrants • Worldwide for main event • Outside UK/Europe, focus on N America/Australasia because of historic/cultural connections • Respected AR names in these areas to be appointed to promote the event • Travel bursaries for selected teams • Cash prizes if possible • Local clubs/groups/schools/individuals for separate days/stages • Disabled teams/athletes over special stages Ian Callaghan 2000
Route • Ideally Border to North Coast with full traverse • “Complete” routes are attractive • Distances can be made very flexible by use of road bike stages • Showcase “Prologue” in Edinburgh or other media-friendly location • “Pursuit” finish/prizegiving etc in Inverness? • “Races within the race” for local participants • Spectator/hospitality points/stages Ian Callaghan 2000
Ancillary Activities • Marshalling as an “activity holiday” • Corporate hospitality • “Mini races” within route • Overnight bivouacs • “Prologue”/Finish • Charity fund- and awareness-raising Ian Callaghan 2000
Race Management – Key Roles Ian Callaghan 2000
Sponsorship Targets Ian Callaghan 2000
Media Targets - Screen • Television • Documentary special – international co-production? • Syndicated sports magazines – Transworld, Gillette etc • National, local news • Internet • Live coverage • Pre and post coverage with video • AR e-zines Ian Callaghan 2000
Media Targets - Press • International • Area/country teams – general/human interest features • Airline, hotel, car hire, corporate magazines etc • National • Human interest features (e.g. charity, disabled) • Sports?? • Specialist • AR magazines worldwide • Separate disciplines worldwide • Sponsor interests • Local press - UK Ian Callaghan 2000
Support Needed Ian Callaghan 2000
Summary • A long-distance “adventure race” on the mainland of Scotland is feasible and would attract athletes worldwide • It is a sponsorable product and could command significant media attention • The event could be structured so as to combine an “elite” race with more accessible “mini-events” • Prima facie, the ideal timing would be Autumn 2001 Ian Callaghan 2000