Anaconda Adventure Race - Competitor Briefing Info

The details on this website were updated on 17 October 2012 and are the final details for the 2012 event. The 2012 Anaconda Adventure Race at Augusta event program containing all the details on this website plus additional diagrams, maps and sponsor offers can be downloaded from here. (Either left click the link to download or right click and ‘save link as’ to your desktop. 31meg)

Event Schedule

Friday November 2nd, 2012

Saturday November 3rd, 2012

Sunday November 4th, 2012

Anaconda Adventure Race - competitor registration

Every participant in any race must come to the Event Registration Desk in the Adventure Expo in Turner Caravan Park before your race to collect your registration pack. Times are listed in the event schedule above and summarised below:

Anaconda Mini
Friday November 2nd: 5:00pm – 8:00pm
Saturday November 3rd: 8:00am – 10:00am

Anaconda Junior Survivor
Saturday November 3rd: 12.00pm – 3:00pm

Anaconda Adventure Race
Saturday November 3rd: 11:30am – 5:30pm
Sunday November 4th: 6:00am – 6:30am (late registration: by prior arrangement only)

Registration packs for team mates WILL NOT be provided to team captains, ALL TEAM MEMBERS MUST COLLECT YOUR PACK PERSONALLY and also sign the race indemnity form. For teams, some items in your registration pack will differ from your team-mates.

Anaconda Adventure Race Competitor Briefing

• Anaconda Mini - 7:00pm, Friday November 2nd, Adventure Expo in Turner Caravan Park
• Anaconda Adventure Race - 5:30pm Saturday November 3rd, Adventure Expo in Turner Caravan Park

It is highly recommended that all competitors attend the competitor briefing to receive any last minute changes.

Race Start

Sunday November 4th at the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse:

• 7:45am Individuals and Pairs race start
• 8:15am Team Competitors race start

Note – due to limited parking at the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse we will be running a bus service to take runners and spectators to the start line as detailed below under ‘Buses to race start’

BUSES TO RACE START

 We will be providing a free bus service for all runners (team runners, individuals and pairs) to the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse for the start on Sunday morning. It is not mandatory that runners catch the bus but we expect there to be some traffic delays with cars getting out there and recommend that runners catch the bus just to be safe.

The buses will leave from the front of Turner Caravan Park on Blackwood Ave (the main road) at 6:45am. DO NOT BE LATE. We will not wait for you at the bus stop, nor at the race start so make sure you leave yourself time to get there.

The buses will take runners first until all runners have left for the start, then the buses will return and do another run with any spectators who want to go to the lighthouse to watch the start. Space will be limited so any spectators wanting to go to the start on the buses should be at the front of the Turner Caravan Park at 7:05am to catch the bus. Spectators who catch the bus out to the start will be able to return to Augusta in the bus which will depart the lighthouse approximately 15 minutes after the teams start.

TRAFFIC & PARKING NOTES

The Anaconda Adventure Race weekend will bring a significant increase to the number of cars in and around Augusta and the Cape Leeuwin area. No-one wants to be stuck in traffic and considering how small the township is, please be patient and sensible when it comes to transportation. Here are a few recommendations for how to escape the traffic during race weekend:

• All runners can catch the buses leaving at 6:45am to the start at Cape Leeuwin. All spectators wanting to go to the start should also catch the buses leaving at 7:05am.
• We recommend that team swimmers do NOT go to the start (unless on a bike) as we expect there will be some traffic delays getting back to Flinders Bay after the start.
• We discourage most people from taking their own car to the start due to limited parking. Parking will only be along the left hand side of the road leading to the Lighthouse and will be on a first come - first served basis. You may end up having to walk 1-2km to get there and back. If you have a bike, it’s an easy ride from Augusta.
• Do not try and drive from central Augusta or the Turner Caravan Park area to the Flinders Bay Transition Area (TA) during the races on Saturday or Sunday – either walk or ride a bike. The run and MTB courses cross the main road a couple of times so it will be hard to get through. Park your car in the middle and then walk or ride (it’s only about 2km).
• For Mini competitors - drop off all your equipment into the transition areas first thing on Saturday morning between 7:00am and 10:00am
• For AAR competitors - drop off all your equipment into the transition areas on Saturday afternoon – especially into the Flinders Bay transition area. There will be limited access there on Sunday, so set yourself up with plenty of time on Saturday. The Flinders Bay T1, T3, T4 will be open from 3pm on Saturday and then from 6:00am on Sunday and the Colourpatch T2 will be open from 4:30pm on Saturday and from 6:00am on Sunday. Both areas will have security in place overnight.
• NOTE: Albany Tce will be closed to all cars between 10:00am and 4:30pm on Saturday and 7:00am – 4:00pm on Sunday. You may park on Albany Tce if you enter the area prior to the road closure times but you will NOT be able to remove your car until after the road closure is dismantled at the stated times.
• Skippy Rock Rd will be closed between Leeuwin Rd and Skippy Rock Car Park Rd between 7:50am - 8:30am on Sunday.
• Use our bag transfer service to get your equipment to the right places. It is possible to do the whole event without needing a car or a support crew on race day at all. We can bring back your spare clothes from the run start and watch over your equipment at other times so why not use the service and then avoid the car all together.

We are not saying ‘leave your families / spectators at home’. We want as many people as possible to come down to Augusta and watch the start, but we are encouraging you to plan your car usage and travel around the course before hand – easing the squeeze on all of us.

ADVENTURE EXPO & KIDS ACTIVITIES

There will be plenty going on before, during and after racing at the Adventure Expo in Turner Caravan Park on Albany Tce in Augusta, so make sure you bring your family and friends to be part of the action!

Adventure Expo
There will be plenty of sponsors’ stands and information tents set up as part of the Adventure Expo including an on-site Anaconda store plus displays by all other sponsors.

Kids’ entertainment
We have plenty of kids’ entertainment with an inflatable slide and face painting set up on Saturday and large jumping castle and face painting on Sunday. And don’t forget the Anaconda Junior Survivor Challenge taking place on Saturday afternoon which provides kids with their own adventure event (further details below).

Food and beverages
There will be a range of tasty food and beverages available from a variety of stands inside the Adventure Expo all weekend including two coffee stands, Dutch pancakes, wood fire pizza, baked potatoes, fruit salads and fruit juices, ice-cream, sandwiches and plenty more. The event bar will also be in full swing and makes the ideal location for a pre race catch up or post race celebration.

The Event Bar
The Augusta Lions Club will have a satellite event bar set up adjacent to the finish line to keep spectators and celebrating competitors topped up with plenty of drinks and good times all weekend. Remember, no alcoholic drinks can be taken out of the designated bar area.

Body Maintenance
Margaret river wellness centre will be doing free spinal checks,

MC and live Race Updates
MCs Robert Goyen and Matt Poyner will be calling the race and providing plenty of live updates, information and interviews over the race weekend from the Adventure Expo and Flinders Bay.

Race administration
If you need any information on the event or have any issues then come and find us in the race administration marquee in the Turner Caravan Park

SOCIAL ADVENTURES

Event Bar
There will be an Event Bar set up immediately adjacent to the finish line in the Turner Caravan Park all weekend that will also be serving beer, local wines, and a few soft options as well. What better way to catch up with friends or celebrate a great weekend down south than with a drink in the bar right in the middle of the event expo at the Turner Caravan Park where you can enjoy the race atmosphere and watch people crossing the line. [Please remember that alcoholic beverages bought from the bar can only be consumed within the cordoned off bar area.]

Pre race Pasta Dinner
The Augusta Hotel will be hosting a large buffet pasta meal on the Saturday night. They will be cooking up a range of fresh pastas and sauces that will provide you with the necessary carbs to get you through the rigors of the course on Sunday.

The buffet will be approximately $22 each, with one sitting from 6:30pm. All pasta buffet diners are strongly recommended to pre-book by contacting the hotel on (08) 9758 1944 or e-mailing Angelika at angelika@flindersbaycorp.com.au The hotel will also have their normal pub fare available.

Social media: Live event updates on Twitter #AnacondaAugusta
We will be tweeting live event updates over the whole weekend so make sure you’re following Rapid Ascent at http://twitter.com/Rapid_Ascent and you’ll receive a steady stream of results, photos and news snippets from around the course as it happens under the tag #AnacondaAugusta. (Tell your friends and families at home to follow us so they can keep in touch with what’s happening too). 

TRANS-TASMAN ADVENTURE RACING CHAMPIONSHIPS

As a true battle of the Adventure Racing heavy weights, the best off road racers from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa will be going head to head to determine which country reigns supreme in the world of adventure racing.

As a ‘race within a race’ - two males and one female from each country will be competing as individuals seeking overall glory, but their times will be added together with the lowest combined time determining the winning nation as well as a $1,000 bonus and ultimate bragging rights in the off road stakes. Formally conducted as the Trans Tasman Adventure Racing Championships between Australia and New Zealand, South Africa has been added to the action in 2012 to create an even more exciting event.

Teams will consist of:

• New Zealand: Braden Currie (#1), Sam Clark (#4), Nic Leary (#7)
• Australia: Jarad Kohlar (#2), James Pretto (#5), Deanna Blegg (#8)
• South Africa: Alex Pope (#3), Robert Crichton (#4), Jane Swarbreck (#9)

Australia won the inaugural Trans Tasman Championship in 2007 at Dunsborough and again in 2010 but the trophy was clenched by the kiwis for the first time in 2011 and come into 2012 as race favourites but they won’t have it easy with some strong competitors chasing them the whole way. Each athlete will be wearing a race bib in their nation’s colours (and corresponding number above) so if you’re fast enough to see them in action on the course then give them a shout and a cheer as they race to bring the trophy home.

ADVENTURE EVENTS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

 Also taking place on race weekend will be the new Anaconda Mini adventure race as well as the awesome Anaconda Junior Survivor Challenge for kids.

The Anaconda Mini is a new ‘half-distance’ adventure race designed especially for novices and new comers to adventure racing that will take place on Saturday morning. It still involves the same adventure disciplines as the premier race (swimming, running, paddling and mountain biking) but each leg is made a little easier by being half the distance and on simpler terrain so just about anyone can be involved. Visit the Anaconda Mini webpage here for more information

The incredibly popular Anaconda Junior Survivor will also be under way on Saturday afternoon as a fun, off road running and obstacle event for kids aged up to 13yrs. Filling to capacity with 650 kids each year this long anticipated event is full of fun as kids get their chance for a dose of adventure. Visit the Junior Survivor webpage here for more information

SUPPORT CREW

Support crews are not mandatory. They can make logistics a bit easier but they will have virtually no impact on your overall placing if you are organised before the event. For those competing in teams, your team mates can also be your support crew as they will be going to all of the transition areas anyway (we would hope!)

Points for support crews:

• All teams will receive two green wrist bands for your support crew as part of your registration pack. Please ensure that support crew members wear these wrist bands. Without them, they will not be permitted inside the transition areas.
• Support crews may NOT help competitors at any point inside or outside of the designated transition areas. Competitors must get changed, find their equipment and move their boats by themselves.
• Support crews are only able to enter transition areas to drop off equipment when your competitor is not there. Entry to the TA will only be permitted upon presentation of a support crew wrist band (provided in the registration pack of team swimmers, individuals and pairs).
• Support crews are able (and encouraged) to enter transition areas to collect your competitor’s equipment after they have departed. We particularly encourage support crews to collect the following gear during the event: - all Mini competitors’ equipment to be removed from TAs by 3:00pm on Saturday afternoon, this includes boats and swimming gear, MTBs and running gear
• For AAR: Running gear from T1 at Flinders Bay (this is for teams only) – as this area will be packed up after the last runner
• Swimming gear from T2 at Colourpatch – as this particular area will be packed up at 4:00pm
• Paddling gear from T3 at Flinders Bay - as we have a lot of boats to fit in a pretty small area!

COMPETITORS EQUIPMENT

 The following items will be given to competitors during registration and are compulsory for all appropriate legs as part of the event rules:

Numbered Race Bib
The numbered race bib will be provided to individuals, pairs (2) and the team runners in the Anaconda Adventure Race, and to the team swimmers in the Anaconda Mini Race at registration. The bib is your relay baton and must make its way around the entire course with each team member. The bib must be worn OVER THE TOP OF ALL OTHER CLOTHES AT ALL TIMES. It is a tight-fitting lycra bib that will not slow you down in the Ocean Swim (it must be worn over the top of wetsuits), but it is also super-stretchy and will fit over the top of your PFD for the kayak leg.
Anaconda Adventure Race competitors will receive Anaconda branded bibs and Anaconda MINI competitors will receive Rapid Ascent branded bibs. Please return bibs to the box immediately after crossing the finish line.


Timing band
All entrants will be given a timing band at registration to place around your ankle. This timing band (along with your race bib) is also the relay baton for teams, so you MUST transfer it from one team mate to the next, inside each transition area. Take your time securing the timing band and ensure it is properly attached before proceeding to avoid losing it as well as incorrect times being registered and us going out to look for you!

NOTE: Upon accepting the timing band at registration you become responsible for wearing it during the race and then returning it to us at the end of the race. If you withdraw from the event at any time please ensure you return the band to an event official. Failure to return the band will result in a fee to you of $100 (this is cost price to us for losing them!)

Wrist bands
ALL competitors must wear the orange wrist band which will be attached by race officials at registration. Without this you will NOT be allowed inside the transition areas (TAs) and you will NOT be allowed to remove equipment from TAs. You will also receive two green wrist bands for your support crew. Please ensure that they wear them as no one without a wrist band will be permitted into any transition area.

Race Number
ALL competitors will have their race number written on their arm and leg during registration. Please DO NOT wash it off. This number is used if you or one of your team mates either withdraws from the race or does not make a cut off time.

Kayak stickers
You will receive 2 kayak stickers. Place one on each side of the front of your kayak so that you can be identified from both sides.

Bike number plate
You will receive a number plate to go onto your bike so you can be identified whilst on the bike course. Make sure you firmly attach the number plate to the handle bars of your bike using the zip ties provided.

Other items provided in your registration bags:

• Kayak (AAR only) and MTB (for AAR and MINI) collection tokens – these must be presented to officials when collecting the appropriate equipment from each TA.
• Anaconda branded swim cap – these must be worn by all swimmers during the swim leg.
• Race t-shirt (Anaconda Adventure Race competitors only) - made of technical sports fabric.

EQUIPMENT TRANSFERS

Warm up gear back from the start
If you are a runner and will not have a support crew or team mate with you at the start at Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse then we will transport your clothes from the start to the finish. Clothes must be in a closed bag, have your name and team number on it and must be given to the officials at the rental truck located at the Lighthouse. We will transport them to the Race Admin marquee at the Adventure Expo where they may be collected upon presentation of your race number.