If cycling, trekking, and kayaking is your thing, you might be interested in the Patagonian Expedition Race (PER). Except that the race provides a twist and takes these sports to the extreme and to the end of the world.
The Return of the Last Wild Race
A new level of exploration and adventures of the wild side of Patagonia has awakened. And it will only get tougher.
Are you ready for this journey at the end of the world?
Reputatably, one of the world’s toughest adventure races, PER features long treks through virgin peat bog, dense forests and steppes, kayak sections along the shores of glacier outfalls, and a 272 kilometer bike ride into heavy, Patagonian winds.
In this year’s edition held in February, team GODZone Adventure retained their winning streak with a race time of 5 days: 22 hrs: 25 mins–making it the team’s sixth, and captain Nick Gracie’s fourth, PER title.
Most teams struggled with illness or injury, some requiring medical attention and even an evacuation.
What makes Patagonian Expedition Race so magnetic?
In light of these struggles and triumphs, Race Director Stjepan Pavicic reflected on what makes Patagonian Expedition Race so magnetic.
“Why are we here time and again? What invisible force attracts all of us here?”
The answer: “The Place, the Challenge, and the Human Endurance experience…sometimes we need to return to our original home in the wild, to reconnect with where we’ve come from.”
The success of this year’s PER is largely indebted to its supporting partners. Turismo 21 de Mayo, a tour agency specialising in nautical excursions, provided logistical support through the fjords. DeLorme, a leading manufacturer for GPS-tracking devices, provided tracking and technical support, which allowed headquarters and race followers to monitor teams’ movements. Recasur was the official car rental partner, and the Chilean Army and Airforce were invaluable in providing maritime and aerial support.
More information about future races will be announced on PER’s Facebook and official website.
