PREVIOUS NEWS ITEMS
May 22, 2010
*All single discipline events (pedal and paddle) have been canceled as of May 22, 2010. Everyone seems up for the challenge of the Extreme Spanking so we are going to stick with that and go for the PAIN of it all!*
Check out the May SDAR Newsletter "hot of the presses"! In this issue:
* Early-Bird registration ends on May 25 for"The Pain In The ASSininboine"
* REGISTER for Swamp Donkey 2010... everyone else is!!!
* Mama always said "Run... Forest... Run!"
* "Kick your ASSiniboine training into gear with Elite Performance Center"
*Wilderness Supply Tent and Patagonia Sale May 28/29, 2010
REGISTER HERE FOR **PITA** Pain In The ASSiniboine
May 15, 2010
"Kick your ASSiniboine training into gear" with this great weather! The course map for PITA is available HERE. Teams and solos are all ready getting ready for what is going to be an "epic" ride and paddle.
Only 10 days left until the "early-bird cut off!! Make sure to register before May 25, 2010 and take advantage of the early-bird discount.
May 4. 2010
First 10 teams are now registered for 2010 Swamp Donkey Adventure Race (limit 75 so register quick!)
May 1. 2010
Registration for The Swamp Donkey Adventure Race is open
Returning to Falcon Lake for our 4th Swamp Donkey Adventure Race, the race crew is looking forward to seeing all returning racers as well all the new racers for the 2010 race. "The Moose is on the Loose" September 25, 2010 but how do you top last years incredible race? This year promises to be even bigger and (if possible) better than 2009. Race organizers Rick Shone and John Ford are at it again designing an "All New" course at Falcon Trails Resort to challenge returning teams and new-comers alike.
Register right away to avoid missing Manitoba's premier adventure race as the Swamp Donkey Adventure Race is open to only the first 75 teams registered. The first 10 teams to register, as always will walk away with some "bonus swag"!! Don't miss out!
REGISTER HERE FOR SWAMP DONKEY 2010
February 27, 2010
Check out the March SDAR Newsletter "hot of the presses"! In this issue:
* Register for the newest race in the series "The Pain In The ASSininboine" June 27, 2010
* Read the Ice Donkey Winter Adventure post race report by John. Check out all the excitement of the day and experience the great "frosty" fun at the Forks all over again.
* Ft. Whyte Alive and Swamp Donkey Adventure Racing to design an "All New" course for the Ft. Whyte Eco Race.
* Does your team have a story about training, past or up coming events. Share with our readers and WIN!
February 6, 2010
SMILE FOR YOUR CLOSE-UP!! Need to relive all those fun and exciting moments form the Ice Donkey Winter Adventure? Well now you can! All the race photos are available from Kelly Morton Photography for viewing or purchase. Kelly had a great time shooting the event and is putting together a photo DVD of the entire race. We'll let you know when it's available.
If you're on the Swamp Donkey Adventure Racing Face Book site you can check out the great photo slide show that Kelly put together. Link to the Ice Donkey Video HERE
January 26, 2010
CLICK HERE to find the official race results for Ice Donkey 2010!
January 24, 2010
Race Morning - 6:47 AM and it is + 1 Degrees on January 24! RACE ON!
Post Race - 3:17 PM The Ice Donkey Winter Adventure is officially in the books! Thanks to everyone for your hard work and racing hard! Rick and John had a great time putting on this race for all our participants.
We especially would like to thank Karen and Amber for their amazing effort. You are now considered part of our "Donkey" family. To our Swamp Donkey Crew: Kurt and Liz, you were always are there putting in 110% leading up to this event and we are indebted. Also a special thanks to Taggart, Rose, Alex, Scott, Jean, and Barry, you went above and beyond to assist on race day. Thanks to all our great volunteers and Forks crew that are so amazing, we couldn't do it without your energy. And thanks to Ace for being the brainchild of this great event.
And now our racers: all we can say is Wow! No matter what challenge we throw at you, you're there to take it on, head-first and show us you have the drive and determination!! We will keep working hard because you deserve it!
January 23, 2010
Well....the race crew is here at the Forks tonight and having a blast! Rick just got back from 90 minutes of clearing snow on the biking trails! The weather is amazing - created a little havoc for race planners, but it will be an awesome morning! Looking forward to seeing you all on race day tomorrow!
January 20, 2010
Ice Donkey Winter Adventure - Final Race Update
Things you need to know for Ice Donkey
#1. NO!! The trail is NOT closed!! The Assinboine Credit Union River Trail just hasn't been completed due to warmer weather but this will NOT affect the overall Ice Donkey course. The ski and skate portion of the course will only go as far as Hugo St.
#2. This is the only "winter" race of the season. Unfortunately, there will not be a "Snow Donkey" in March. The organizers will be busy planning a new "Donkey" style race for June 2010!
January 12, 2010
Some awesome prizes have just been announced for Ice Donkey participants thanks to HOT103FM. See all the details HERE. More to come!
January 7, 2010 - January SDAR Newsletter
Happy New Year and all the best in 2010!! We are only days into a new decade. Keep up to date with the January SDAR Newsletter.
* Ice Donkey is only 2 weeks away! Register here today as only 150 spots are available!
* We need you... to Volunteer for Ice Donkey
* Check out the Schedule of Events for Jan, 24, 2010
* It's all about the gear! If you are participating. Here is the Mandatory Gear List
December 21, 2009 - December SDAR Newsletter
Ho, Ho Ho, everyone!! Winter has come so get your latest info in the December SDAR Newsletter! Hot off the presses:
* Seasons Greetings from Swamp Donkey Adventure Racing!
* The Ice Donkey Winter Adventure - January 24, 2010... Race details and registration.
* Don't forget we have Swamp Donkey Merchandise!! Get T-Shirts, Photo DVD's and 360 Nav Boards at Wilderness Supply 623 Ferry Rd. (cash or cheque)
* Tell us your Swamp Donkey story HERE!!
December 5, 2009 - Check Out the "New" Ice Donkey Homepage
Ice Donkey Winter Adventure - Jan 24, 2010
At least it's beginning to feel like winter in Winnipeg. Now as we anxiously wait for the snow and the ice, get into the winter spirit with our "new" race homepage.
Can't think of the perfect present this year? Give your family or someone special the gift of adventure this holiday season. Click to read all about the race and to register.
November 25, 2009 - Announcing The "Ice Donkey" Winter Adventure!
One thing we know in "Winterpeg", if you can't beat it... Then join in the fun and adventure of a truly memorable winter experience! The Ice Donkey Winter Adventure is here on January 24, 2010 at The Forks.
The Ice Donkey Winter Adventure is here! Swamp Donkey Adventure Racing has teamed up with HOT 103 and The Assiniboine Credit Union River Trail and invite you to join us for the first fantastic frosty event of 2010!
Participate as a team of three, solo or the "Family Fun Relay" category in this 2-3 hr winter multi-sport style event that will test your mettle in snowshoeing, Ice-biking, x-country skiing and skating. Compete against others and challenge yourself for ultimate abominable domination. Special winter challenges may include: tobogganing, snowman building, Inukshuk making or whatever Mother Nature may throw at us! We are Winnipeggers after all and this kind of adventure is what we were made for!
Why wait for spring to get out and get moving when winter is just around the corner? Come support The Winnipeg Humane Society and Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba and celebrate the snow. We'll see you at The Forks on January 24, 2010 ...come blizzard or come shine!
November 21, 2009
It may be getting colder outside but things are heating up for the Swamp Donkey Crew. Check out the November SDAR Newsletter for the "Scoop"! In this issue:
- The Ice Donkey Winter Adventure - January 24, 2010... Participate solo, teams of three or the "Family Fun Relay"!
- The date is set so mark your calenders for the next Swamp Donkey Adventure Race - September 25, 2010
- All I want for Christmas is...Swamp Donkey Merchandise!! Get T-Shirts, Photo DVD's and 360 Nav Boards at Wilderness Supply 623 Ferry Rd. (cash or cheque)
- Pushing Daisies hit the stage Fri Nov. 27/ 09 at Shannon's Irish Pub. Come check it out!
October 20, 2009
Check out the October SDAR Newsletter. Hot off the Presses!! In this issue:
- Last chance to order Swamp Donkey Racer or Cotton T-shirts. Deadline is Oct. 30/ 09 Contact John to order
- 2009 Swamp Donkey Photo DVD is AWESOME! Over 1200 pictures. Order yours today. Contact John to order
- Come join the fun for The Halloween Nite Nav on Oct. 25/ 09. Meet at Birds Hill Park 6pm (Chickadee Parking Lot). We'll have some Halloween goodies at all the CPs; bring some of your own to share with everyone after the crash - marshmallows, hotdogs, chips etc... - We'll finish around 9pm (ish); after all it's a school night.
October 6, 2009 - Lost and Found Items
All items are available to be picked up at Wilderness Supply - 623 Ferry Rd, Winnipeg.
September 30, 2009 - RACE RESULTS
The official results have been posted online. Want to know exactly how you compared, or where you can improve next year? Take a look at all the times HERE.
September 28, 2009
Congratulations to all racers and thanks to all volunteers and sponsors! The 2009 Swamp Donkey race was a huge success! It was a very challenging race this year with lots of trekking and lots of paddling. It was so exciting for us to watch everyone pushing through and enjoying what we threw at them! The terrain certainly is very beautiful out there and this years race covered lots of new ground (approx. 50 km for the advanced course!)
The race team finally rolled out of Falcon at about 3 pm Sunday after all the clean up. The excitement was still in the air and a bit of sadness to be leaving. We had a bit of a scare when we lost an entire SD card with over 600 photos from race day on it. Thanks to whoever picked it up and dropped it off at Bees Knees B&B - that was a huge relief!
Results should be out shortly. We're just sitting down right now to begin inputting. There is a mound of timing sheets to go through but we hope to finalize results in a few days. In the mean time, if you didn't get a racer T and would like one, please feel free to contact us HERE. We're working on a way to make pictures available to those who want them as well.
What an awesome weekend! Thanks very much!
September 24, 2009
This is it folks, training is done, mandatory gear has been purchased, bikes are tuned up and it's time to RRRRRaaace! The Swamp Donkey Adventure Race is only a few short hours away and 73 excited teams will be converging on Falcon Trails for the 3rd annual Swamp Donkey. The set-up for the race weekend is going great and the race crew are like kids before Christmas morning. Ensure you read the updates for all your last minute details and put on your "game face" because it's going to be Awesome!!
September 23, 2009
The race crew is heading to Falcon Lake today to set up for the race tonight!
Some most important points:
1. Race starts at 9:00 AM Saturday. Registration is open Friday from 4:00 - 9:30 PM. Registration is open Saturday for late registration from 6:00 - 7:25 AM. Racer meeting is at 7:30 AM sharp!
2. Racers must drop their canoes and kayaks at the Falcon Lake Community Center (see racer updates) BEFORE you come to Falcon Trails Resort. You will be met by race staff there.
3. You must then come to Falcon Trails Resort to register for the race. Take Falcon Lake south shore road from town all the way to the end. Come down the hill to the Ski Chalet and you will see the large white registration Tent.
For more details see:
For more details see:
September 21, 2009
Swamp Donkey Volunteers! Once again, thank you for volunteering your time to help with this race! We have found that the more info we can provide for the volunteers ahead of time, the easier it is on race day. Many of you will have more specific tasks than a check point or transition area - those attending a special task, will be given additional instructions on or before race day. Please let us know if you are arriving on Friday or Saturday. Contact Barry HERE
Please take a few minutes to go over the volunteer info HERE
September 18, 2009
Team HOT 103some joins the Swamp Donkey Race this year! Local radio host Ace Burpee (and first time Swamp Donkey racer) commits to the challenge of racing hard and having fun. Check out Ace's blog and pre-race jitters HERE!
September 14, 2009
RACER UPDATE #1 has been released. This is very important to ALL RACERS and has information and links that will make your race weekend run like a finely tuned machine. Don't procrastinate, the 2009 Swamp Donkey Adventure Race is less than two weeks away!
September 6, 2009
Well "the boys" were at it again, crashing around in the bush, biking to remote locations and putting the finishing touches on what is going to be the event of the year. John, Rick, Kurt and Alex spent a "Swamp Donk-elicious" weekend in and around Falcon Lake working hard and burning the midnight oil pouring over maps, estimating timings and figuring out last minute logistics for The Swamp Donkey Race on September 26/ 09. Stay tuned for "Racer Updates" which may include clever "Hints" about this years race course and remember "Registration closes on September 18/ 09" **DON'T MISS OUT**
September 3, 2009
EXTRA EXTRA... READ ALL ABOUT IT!! Hot off the presses is the SDAR Newsletter for September 2009. In this issue is * Important Racer and Volunteer Info * New Swamp Donkey Racer T-Shirts and "Merch" Now Available * Accommodations Still Available * Post Race Party With "Pushing Daisies" * PRIZES, PRIZES, PRIZES *
August 28, 2009
Swamp Donkey Technical Racer T-shirts are NOW available! Get one before September 20 for only $32.50. The shirts are awesome this year and a huge step up in performance over the T-shirts we've had previously. Take a look and order one HERE.
August 24, 2009
Join in the fun and meet other AR enthusiasts. John and Rick have just announced * All - New * training dates open to all Swamp Donkey 2009 participants. Please click on sessions to contact John and sign up as spots are limited.
* Westview Park Hill Run (aka "Garbage Hill")
Sunday - Aug 30/ 10am-12pm.We will meet at the South side of the hill at Wellington & Empress. Please bring water. (These sessions are free)
* Birds Hill Park Bike Trails (Bur Oak)
Wednesday - Sept 2/ 6:45pm- 8:45pm. We will meet at the Bur Oak parking lot. Please bring mountain bike, water and helmet is mandatory. (These sessions are free)
* Wilderness Supply Navigation Clinics
Sept. 15/ 16. This course is designed for the first time navigator or someone wishing to brush up their skills. The indoor clinic will introduce the basic terminology and techniques of successful navigation, the outdoor clinic (which we highly recommend) will get right into the bush and put some of these new skills into practice! ($25.00 or $45 for both)
August 12, 2009
Watch WINTEC-Subaru Canada at Primal Quest Adventure Race, August 14-24
Cheer on local racers and friends Alex Man, Catherine Alleyn-Dornn, Kurt Gibson and Jim Mandelli at the grueling 10 Day Primal Quest Adventure Race! Read more about the race and watch the leaderboard at the Primal Quest Website. One of the Swamp Donkey Race sponsors, SPOT, is tracking the racers out on the course. Follow the racers on their route by watching their SPOT tracks HERE.
August 8, 2009
Local Team in the Winnipeg Free Press
Local racers Catherine Alleyn-Dornn, Alex Man and Kurt Gibson are racing Primal Quest in the South Dakota Badlands. Read the latest article in the Winnipeg Free Press here.
August 4, 2009
Race start will be at 9:00 AM for the 2009 race. Please note that this is 1 hour earlier than previous. There are a couple of reasons for doing this:
* We will have a 9 hour cut off as the race will run from 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM. We have been tweaking the advanced section of this race to increase the length for those who make the advanced course cut off. Some of the fastest advanced teams should expect to be on the race course for at least another full hour to hour and a half. There will be some options so advanced teams must choose wisely.
* We are planning a great weekend package and would really like to encourage everyone to make it out to Falcon Lake on Friday evening and stay until Sunday morning. We are working on a great post race party that you don't want to miss. Make a weekend out of Swamp Donkey. Race hard and then relax for a bit with us and get to know other racers!
July 24, 2009
54 Teams have now signed up to race the 3rd Swamp Donkey Adventure Race! Don't miss out on this great adventure! Sign your team up now as only 26 spots remain!
July 23, 2009
The draw for the free hotel stay at Falcon Lake Hotel for race weekend has been completed and "Team Y US" will be enjoying a great weekend stay at the Falcon Lake Hotel compliments of Derek and the gang in town. Congrats guys!
July 16, 2009
Early Bird Registration is now closed.
June 9, 2009
Top Ten SwampDonkeyAR ‘'Sayings'' During the Full Moon In June
10. ‘'Imagine that, another climb. Why do they have all these mountains in B.C.''
9. ‘'Look at me, I'm Dead Sexy.''
8. ‘'Give me 30 strokes! 30-29-28-27....''
7. ‘'If I have to eat one more Powerbar or sour gummie, I'm going to hurl''
6. ‘'Everybody was Kung Fu fighting... Huhh''
5. ‘'You've been in MB how long and you've never had a perogie???''
4. ‘'It's the second night and I haven't seen one monkey yet''
3. ‘'Who's up for another 40km flat water paddle in an inflatable kayak? No?''
2. ''I'm feeling a little low, give me some of that *Fart Water*!!!''
1. ‘'We're sinking, we're sinking!! Vhat are you ''sinking'' about?''
June 3, 2009
Hey all, we are just on the road somewhere in Sask. (it all looks the same) en route to the Full Moon in June in Invermere BC. For all of you that want to keep up to date with the SwampDonkeyAR Team's progress, you can check our live updates at http://www.fmij.com/blog/ The race begins Fri/Sat at 00:00 and ends Sun at 12:00 noon.
May 17, 2009
Wow! 18 teams signed up already and possibly more this weekend. It is officially "Game On" for Swamp Donkey 2009. Remember to get in early and to take advantage of the Falcon Lake Hotel draw.
It's all about the "Sox". Our first 10 teams will be the proud owners of limited edition Swamp Donkey Logo Sox, but all is not lost! Tech Sox has offered a Swamp Donkey special to all racers, with their Xtreme Sox 2 pairs for only $20! (THAT'S A $26 VALUE and NO S & H) Please check out the sizing chart and contact John with team sizes. Orders must be placed by June 30/09.
If this weather ever makes up it's mind, maybe we'll actually have spring for more than 2 days! Still, one lesson to be learned from "seasoned" adventure racers is, if you train in bad conditions you're better prepared come race day if the weather turns sour.
May 3, 2009
9 teams have signed up for the 2009 Swamp Donkey race and will receive a pair of free Swamp Donkey TechSox. One more team can still get socks! For those who don't make the top 10 - get your registration in as soon as possible. All registrations that come in before the early bird deadline of July 15, will be entered into a draw for a FREE 2 night stay on race weekend at the Falcon Lake Hotel.
Race organizers had a great weekend planning the '09 course out at Falcon this weekend! We had amazing weather and found some inspiring terrain!
May 1, 2009
Registration for the '09 Swamp Donkey Race is NOW OPEN! Click the "register now" tab on the top menu to register. The first 10 teams to register for this years race will receive a free pair of custom designed TechSox with the Swamp Donkey logo on them!
April 29, 2009
Calling All Racers, registration for The Swamp Donkey Adventure Race opens May 1/09! "The Moose is on the Loose", September 26/09 and this year promises to be bigger and (if possible) better than 2008. Race organizers Rick Shone and John Ford are at it again designing an "All New" course at Falcon Trails Resort to challenge returning teams and new-comers alike.
April 25, 2009
Swamp Donkey Adventure Racing launches its new look on the web! We're aiming to provide you with better access to information. Drop us a line with what you think!
March,12 2009
Snow Donkey Adventure Race Review
Snow Donkey was a huge success. Swamp Donkey Adventure Racing kicked off our first winter event in conjunction with Fort Whyte Alive. This frosty event had over 90 eager competitors. Read the Snow Donkey '09 Race story here ...