Overview
The next Ultra Marathon is March 1-2, 2008. There is an equipment
inspection Friday, February 29, 2008. Cost is $95 for a solo entry and $190 for a double.
All WaterTribe events are dangerous events as defined by Florida
law and common sense. You are responsible for your own safety.
You must read and understand the warning before you register for this event.
The Ultra Marathon is an unsupported, expedition style
adventure race for kayaks, canoes, and small boats. The distance is
roughly 68 statute miles depending on your course selection.
There is a time limit of less than
2 days (see schedule). Your safety and well being
are completely up to you.
Unsupported means that there are no safety boats or support crews
to help you during the race. You are not allowed to have a support crew
follow you or meet you during the race. See the official WaterTribe rules
for more details.
Expedition style means that you must carry the same type of
equipment and supplies that you would carry on a major expedition lasting 4
weeks or more. However, paddlers in the marathon can carry a much lighter
load than paddlers in the full 8-day challenge. See the official required and
suggested equipment list for some suggestions. However, due to the
sprint nature of this event, you are not required to carry camping equipment as
listed in the required equipment list. Except for a
waterproof VHF radio, the required equipment list is SUGGESTED
for the Ultra Marathon. Of course you must still carry all safety
equipment as speicfied by the Coast Guard, local regulations, and common
sense. And you must carry at least one waterproof VHF per boat.
SPECIAL NOTE: The above paragraph will be
modified. As of UM2008 there will be a required equipment list and inspection
for all Ultra Marathon participants. Also, the required finish time is noon
on Sunday. This finish time applies to UM and EC participants.
Although this is a race, many participants are more interesting in
cruising and adventure. Whether you are a cruiser or racer is up to
you. Just getting to the starting line is a major accomplishment.
You should be an expert kayaker and/or sailor before you consider this
marathon.
The Ultra marathon follows the SW Florida coast line from
Fort Desoto in Tampa Bay, Florida to Grande Tours in Placida, Florida.
Although this is a highly populated area, the paddling is great and your
co-adventurers are the best group of people you'll ever meet.
There will be a feast and award ceremony Sunday afternoon for all
finishers who have arrived by that time. Even if you are a cruiser, set
your sights on Sunday noon. It will be worth it.
Note that the WaterTribe Ultra Marathon runs concurrently with the
Everglades Challenge. The schedule mentions both races.
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