Nelson-flavoured Team Kootenay Kaos enters Raid the North adventure race
By Nelson Daily Staff
Nelson’s Vince Hempsall is part of the latest team entry into the Raid the North Extreme that takes place in the West Kootenay in July.
Team Kootenay Kaos recently registered for the race with only two months to go until race time. The local team includes several notable local athletes, including Laurel Tench of Castlegar, an active member of the trail running, rock climbing, mountain biking and cross country skiing communities; and Sacha Kalabis of Winlaw, who was born and raised in the mountains of the West Kootenay
Hempsall — an avid rock climber, mountain biker, skier and canoeist — and team captain Nelson Rocha of Nelson spearheaded the drive to establish an experienced squad. Rocha has spent most of his life exploring less-traveled wilderness areas in BC and has a participated in a variety of endurance races and extended outdoor expeditions.
Rocha’s team promotes the community spirit of the region, said Geoff Langford, race director for Raid the North.
“Having Team Kootenay Kaos join RTNX is a great boost for our race,” he said. “It will showcase the level of talent and athleticism that exists in the region and will encourage spectators to come out and encourage their local team.”
This will be the first expedition-style adventure race for all members of the team.
Kootenay Kaos is currently without sponsorship but are approaching local businesses to support the team. They require $4,500 for the entry fee and are trying to work with multiple sponsors. Any funds collected over and above the entry fee will be donated to a local non-profit organization.
Raid the North Extreme
The eighth edition of Raid the North Extreme, a qualifier event in the Adventure Racing World Series, will take place in the rugged West Kootenay from July 23 to 31.
Four-person co-ed teams will navigate an unmarked 500-kilometre course for six days and nights, non-stop. They will travel through the Selkirk, Monashee and Purcell mountain ranges by foot, canoe, mountain bike and fixed ropes while experiencing the rich mining and pioneering spirit of the area.
Raid the North Extreme is already approaching sold-out status of 50 teams from around the world including Canada, the U.S., Australia, Mexico, Ireland, Switzerland and St Maarten
Raid the North Extreme is one of two qualifier events in North America for the Adventure Racing World Series. Each race always remains true to its slogan: Real Wilderness. Real Navigation. Real Adventure.
