Dirt Donkey Logo

Swamp Donkey Adventure Racing Newsletter - July 10, 2012

Dirty Donkey Early-Bird Extended Until July 10, 2012... Ends TODAY!

What's the saying about the early bird??? Well the Early Donkey saves big $$$$! The Dirty Donkey Mud Run early-bird ends on July 10, 2012 at midnight. That's only 2 days away! Don't miss out on a savings of 15% off regular pricing. After that regular registration is open until full.

For those of you who may have been living under a rock or locked in your basement... and want to know "What is a Mud Run/ Obstacle course..." here's a detailed instruction to the most fun your going to have this summer!

Get ready to get down and dirty! Unlike your average 5km or adventure race, The Dirty Donkey Mud Run is an awesome adventure through...you guessed it...mud! The Dirty Donkey will combine all the muck with challenging obstacles that require some amount of grit or determination to conquer and require a some running, climbing, jumping and crawling through... you guessed it, MUD.

The Dirty Donkey Mud Run comes with the following guarantee:
1.You're going to get dirty. Very dirty!
2.You're going to have a boat-load of fun!

If you are thinking that maybe mud running isn't for you...think again, mud running is for everyone! In the last few years, the "sport" has really gained ground, and you will be hard-pressed to find a calendar week without a mud run going on somewhere in the

world. There is a wide range of mud runs in terms of distance, elevation, overall difficulty and competitiveness. But it doesn't matter if you are a man or woman, chubby like a bunny or "toit" like a tiger... you can DO IT!

"Are you trying to tell me that I don't need to be in great shape to run in the mud"?

I'd recommend getting yourself ready by doing some kind of running or low impact walking. Possibly get off your donkey and take in the "Dirty Drop-In's at Aspire Fitness our training partner. Also a great way to go is to form a team and help each other out throughout the course. In fact, we strongly encourage camaraderie and teamwork from both solos and teams.

Now get out there... Get moving... and register today... "Stay Dirty My Friends"!

REGISTER HERE FOR THE DIRTY DONKEY MUD RUN


The Fight To End MS Is Getting Dirty With The Swamp Donkey Crew

The crew was out getting "dirty" again and created a great event and course with The MS Society at their newest event The MS RUSH Adventure Challenge on June 23rd at Adrenaline Adventures. The challenges and obstacles of the race are symbols of the challenges and obstacles that people living with MS face. Check out some of the action with ChrisD.Ca.

This was a great opportunity for the Dirty Donkey crew to test a few of the challenges that could be in the up coming Dirty Donkey Mud Run on August 18, 2012 at Springhill/ Oasis Resort. 100 participants ran, crawled, and clambered over obstacles and through the mud all in support of MS. Check out what's in store...MUUHHUUUHAAAHAA with some of the great shots that our Swamp Donkey resident genius Kelly Morton Photography shot on The Dirty Donkey Mud Run Facebook page.


Canada's Web Shop... "Will You Do The Dirty Donkey With Me??"

Canada's Web Shop is up for the challenge... Are you??? Our newest Dirty Donkey Mud Run Event Partner has thrown down the gauntlet to enter a team of your own? If you have a group of friends, or co-workers, and enter a team, they'd love to start a friendly wager with you. Compete for first to cross the finish line? Best costumes? Most funds raised? Are you game?

Also in the coming weeks watch for contests, promos and events all to get you excited and ready for the single most fun you'll ever have! You know what we say... "Some Like It Dirty"!!

Will You Do The Dirty Donkey with Canada's Web Shop


Bikes & Beyond Loves Swamp Donkey Adventure Races

Ladies and gentleman the "Official" Swamp Donkey Adventure Racing bike sponsor is Bikes & Beyond. We are proud to announce to our racers that Phil and his great staff at Bikes & Beyond are there to answer your bike related questions and service your ride for any upcoming event!

Their knowledgeable staff are also enthusiastic cyclists who love to share their expertise and can "hook you up" with everything on two-wheels. Whether it's a new ride or a pre-race tune-up, Bikes & Beyond will help get you to the start line and continue to the finish.

Bicycles are machines that require maintenance. Don't wait until the last moment to get your bike "tuned-up" before this years Swamp Donkey Race because nothing is more frustrating than bike mechanical's. We've seen racers drop from a sure win due solely to bike problems (not going to mention any team names... you know who you are!!). Contact Bikes & Beyond at 233 Henderson Hwy to service your bike before you get to the race and remember to take it out for a test ride before race day.


The September "Running Of The Donkeys" (of the Swamp variety that is...)

Firstly, we'd like to announce the starting location for the 2012 Swamp Donkey will be taking place at the Whiteshell Community Club in Falcon Lake. Next you know what they say... "Don't wish too hard for something because it may come true" 75... 75.... Do I hear 80... 90!!! We have opened up 25 bonus spots to increase to 100 teams. With almost a sell-out just before the early bird deadline we will be adding 25 bonus spots until we reach the "Magic 100". After that you may be out of luck... (as of today we are at 92 teams!). Early-bird registration ends July15, 2012.

With 100 spots for teams, this will be one of the biggest adventure races this year! We look forward to meeting each and every one of you at The Swamp Donkey Adventure Race on Sept. 22, 2012.

You're race fees include:
* Professional Photo DVD package of the race - Kelly Morton Photography (1 per team)
* Emergency Medical Service Fees
* Race day group insurance
* Swamp Donkey numbered Bike Plate (yours to keep)
* Post race dinner and party
* A well planned and exciting 6-9 hour adventure race!

Register Now For The Swamp Donkey Adventure Race


The Pain In The ASSiniboine Urban Adventure Was Anything But a.... you know...

PITA can mean many things... Is it a a flat round bread that can be opened to insert a filling? It has nothing to do with campaigns against fur or meat consumption. But now it is best known for Pain In The ASSiniboine... Only the 3rd year and the popularity of this event had grown to epic proportions with 211 RACERS!

Congrats to the top finishers in each category, winners were: Female Solo: 1st Barbara Gasser Bohm, 2nd Megan Pearson, 3rd Tracey Wilkinson (Mackenzies Hope). Male Solo: 1st Dave Anderson, 2nd Roland Amsler, 3rd Laurent Lacroix. Team: 1st Couple of Old Guys, 2nd Me and My MAN!, 3rd Peddlin Chick Paddlers PCPS.

Full Results for 2012 Pain In The ASSiniboine

The racers amaze us with their will and determination and the ability to take on any challenge that we throw their way. Hats off to you! As always the appreciation that we have and every participant shares for our great team of volunteers who without their assistance these events would not be possible. Thanks to you!!

The random draw prizes for racers and volunteers are complete and you can pick up your prizes later this week at Wilderness Supply 623 Ferry Rd. Here are those who were not present for the draw: Racers: (solo) George Rempel (Team) Sinking Canoe - Maxime Chevalier, Genevieve Lefebvre & (Team) Whobangas - Katherine Dyck, Jason Dyck. Volunteers: Deryk Ducharme, Julie Anne Knight, Suzanne Jaques

The Swamp Donkey race crew would like to thank all of our sponsors! They are an important part of The Pain In The ASSiniboine Urban Adventure. We would like to encourage all participants to visit and support our sponsors. Give them a big thanks for their help in making the PITA race happen!

Pain In The ASSiniboine Sponsors


Aspire Fitness Dirty Drop-In's and Now "Dirty Yoga"!

It takes a special type of person to get enjoyment out of crawling through mud, climbing over dangerous obstacles and

participating in the general anarchy that is the Dirty Donkey. A Dirty Donkey isn't just some land creature that gets muddy and that is it. A Dirty Donkey doesn't settle for anything less than it's best.

Get you "Donkey" into our Dirty Workouts, the hour long workouts are going to kick you "you-know-what" and leave you begging for more.

Sign up for Dirty Drop-In

After a long week of adventure race training your body needs a little tune up. Enter Dirty Yoga... the hour long Adventure Race Yoga is going to help get your body ready for another week of hard training. Every Sunday at 8pm for 10 weeks, leading up to the Dirty Donkey, at a phenomenal price.

Sign up for Dirty Yoga


Huuuuurry Harrrrrd for the 24 Hours Of Falcon Ridge!

The Swamp Donkey crew will be sweatin' it out for 24 hours straight at the 2012 edition of the 24 Hours of Falcon Ridge bike race. With almost twice as many participants as last year, there will be bigger fields and tougher competition.

The 24 Hours of Falcon Ridge is an 8 and 24-hour solo and team relay mountain bike event, beginning on Saturday, July 14 and ending at noon on Sunday, July 15. Located in Falcon Lake, Manitoba (home of the Swamp Donkey Adventure Race!). It's the only mountain bike event of its kind in mid-western Canada. Registration closes Wed July 11, 2012.

Thanks to Bill, Chris and the crew for putting on a great event in one of our favorite places to ride.


Navigation Courses... Can't Navigate Your Way Out of a Wet Paper Bag?

Considered a must for first time adventure racers befor Swamp Donkey. Time is running out and navigation courses are filling up. Sign up for a navigation course hosted by our sponsor Wilderness Supply Company. Navigation Clinics are Jul 18/ 19, Aug 22/ 23, 2011 & Sept. 11/ 12, 2012. 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! $50 for both days).

Sign Up for Wilderness Supply Navigation Clinic.


Accommodations for 2012 Swamp Donkey Race

Don't be left out in the cold. Book your place to stay now to avoid disappointment. The Swamp Donkey Festivities begin on the Friday before the race in the townsite so book now. Falcon Trails Resort has been booked solid for the race weekend for some time now, but there are other options. Peter can hook you up with a room at the Falcon Lake Hotel or Marg and Murray are great hosts across the highway at Falcon Beach Ranch. Please visit their websites and contact them direct to book a room. If you would prefer some outdoor accommodations there are camping options as well. Also visit the Falcon/ West Hawk Chamber of Commerce for other accommodations or information about the area.

While in the area training or just tanning on the beach, drop by The Falcon Nest Cafe and grab a bite to eat and say hi to Charlene and Ernie, our hosts again for the 2012 pre-race registration.


We Need You... To Become a "Donkey" Volunteer

There excited participants registering for The Dirty Donkey Mud Run on Aug 18, 2012 and THe Swamp Donkey Adventure

Race on Sept. 22, 2012. Why not get into the race experience without all that training as many volunteering positions are available. Epic races, Volunteer shirt Free, Free meal & snacks and are all included for, you guessed it, FREE!

As important as it is to have participants, it is just as important to have a great volunteer group. Without volunteers, it would not be possible to run this exciting event. We need volunteers to move gear, man checkpoints, track racers, and sometimes just provide a smile and encouragement. It will be a fun filled event, so come on out and have a great time.
To volunteer or if you have any questions, you may contact Kare.

Volunteer For The DONKEYS