Mark Webber Pure Tasmania Challenge preview

Field set for the running of the 2008 Mark Webber Pure Tasmania Challenge

An international field of seventy elite sportspeople, celebrities and corporate teams have signed up for the Mark Webber Pure Tasmania Challenge (19 - 23 November), a gruelling five day multi discipline adventure race through one of the world's best adventure playgrounds - Tasmania.

Webber's fourth Pure Tasmania Challenge will cover a 280km course with a mix of mountain biking, kayaking and running/trekking. In true adventure racing tradition a number of mystery disciplines are also included (in the past these have included abseiling and whitewater rafting).

Webber an outdoor fitness enthusiast said: "I'm really thrilled to see how the Challenge has grown over the years both in terms of its global recognition as a premium adventure race and also a fundraiser for great Australian charities."

Webber's team 'Pure Tasmania' will see him partner leading Australian actor Daniel MacPherson for three days of the five day event and Australia's best female adventure racer Christie Sym for two days.

Webber says this adventure race is different to any other around the world.

The 2008 course includes five stages covering the jagged contours and icy streams of Cradle Mountain, the river and lake network around Barrington, the amazing peaks of Mt Roland, the historic Port Arthur region and urban stages in Launceston and Hobart.

Webber said each of the four events held to date has seen all competitors make it to the finish.

"I really enjoy seeing people from all different backgrounds using this event to challenge themselves, initially thinking they won't get through, but they always do. To then see their reactions and sense of achievement when they get to the end is quite inspiring." image.net

-credit: markwebberchallenge.com