Just a quick note:

This was my first time back to the Spillway race since 2007 (ironically, the first Adventure race I ever participated in).  2007  was run in April, was cool, raining, and muddy. 2010? What a difference.

8:00am Starting time saw am 84 Degree temp, with a humidity giving us a feels like 93 Degrees (you heard that, 93 at STARTING TIME).  The temperature rose quickly from here, with even the winners finishing in over 90 degree weather with a feels like 100 Degrees.

Speaking for myself, and some of the teams I was running close with, everyone was experiencing heat issues, and hydration issues. I know that although I fought off cramps the entire race, when I finally crossed the finish line the cramps came on  in my legs full throtle.  I drank 3.5 20 ounce bottles of Gatorade and sports drinks, and an entire Camelbak of water.  The heat caused this race to see many teams walking (something I have never seen in top 10 all male teams). I also saw a lot of cooperation being given between teams in the long run on the opposite side of the park (teams actually walking together, discussing strategies, and reading maps together).

I know that there was canoing controversy on the Co-ed and female portions of the race, flags being missing or torn down. I heard many teams telling me about “bush-wacking” through the swamps to take “Short-cuts”. I even heard a couple teams fighting it out internally while trying to keep their canoes straight (believe me, we have been there before).  All in all, a great experience, although physically exhausting.

Dave continues to make these races challenging for all levels of racers, and the races seem to continue to bring more and more racers each year.  We will post new pics ASAP. If you hace a race experience you would like to post, please email me:

malatestaint@yahoo.com