Swamp Donkey Adventure Racing Newsletter - September 05, 2012
The Dirty Donkey Mud Run Got Down & Dirty and ROCKED!!!!
Thanks to the over 1200 people who came out for the first Dirty Donkey Mud Run. Because of you, it lived up to being "The most fun you'll have this summer" and like nothing else Manitoba has ever seen!! The Donkey Crew got a lot out of witnessing the MUDDY smiles on everyone's faces throughout the day. Be proud of yourself if you were one of the people that signed up because there are many people kicking themselves now that they've seen the flood of media and photos of everyone else having a BLAST!! Guess they should have taken the same chance as you did. So here's to those that are no longer DIRTY DONKEY virgins.
The solo racers, costumes and team spirit was incredible to see throughout the day. Everyone from the young to the old literally jumped in and got "DIRTY" every chance they got. With 14 obstacles/ challenges, from the Monkey Ramp to The PUNISHER and The MUD MAYHEM, there was lots of opportunity to see why The Dirty Donkey Mud Run is the best in Canada! And the party afterward.... Only one word needed... EPIC!!!
Cheers goes out to 103.1 Virgin Radio and all of our GREAT SPONSORS for jumping on board something so new to Manitoba, and believing we could KNOCK it out of the park. With your support we helped raise over $36,000 for the MS Society of Canada - Manitoba Division and close to $4,000 for the local Springfield/ Oakbank Kinsmen! Everyone who participated or was part of this great event can give yourself a "muddy" slap on the back.
A special SHOUT OUT goes out to our AMAZING volunteers who worked tirelessly all day to get you DIRTY!! We can't thank you enough for your efforts and loved hearing from y'all how much FUN was had by all! And thanks also to the Springfield Fire Dept, for spraying our racers down (boy that was a tough gig...) we know you'll be back next year.
Whether you were in it to challenge yourself or just for a good time, you DID IT and have the Dirty Donkey finishers HOO Rag to prove it! So wear it proudly and send us photos of you showing it off on your next run, or at the office! And on another note ... HEY LADIES.... The GIRLS represented! With over 50% women for the event killing it and showing they can "Get Dirty"! Not gonna lie.... you BOYS are going to have to STEP IT UP next year and join in the "dirty" FUN.
Start NOW on your GOALS for next year for your individual fitness or build your teams because we'll be back with The Dirty Donkey Mud Run in 2013. Show everyone what you're made of & help spread the 'dirty' word & lets make next year's race BIGGER & BETTER!!
LIKE our Dirty Donkey Run Facebook Page and check out all the great pics from Kelly Morton Photography and check out the PHOTO & CAPTION CONTEST & PROFILE PIC CONTEST - There were tons of great pictures taken at Dirty Donkey Mud Run, and we want you to SHARE some of yours with us. The winner will take away not only a Fabulous Surprise Pack from Dirty Donkey Mud Run, but they'll boast the title of Dirty Donkey Smart A#$... 2012.
The Dirty Donkey Mud Run SPONSORS
The Dirty Donkey Mud Run RESULTS
The Dirty Donkey Mud Run PHOTOS
The Moose Is On The Loose... The Swamp Donkey Moose That Is
It's official... We are beyond SOLD OUT and the largest adventure race in Canada!!! The clock is ticking down to the biggest Swamp Donkey Adventure Race yet, with over 100 teams (that's over 300 racers for those of you good with math) and "geared up" to go. If you were lucky enough to register before we had to close it down, please ensure you read all the information in the Racer Updates in the coming weeks and print out ALL your paperwork before arriving to expedite the registration process.
**We recommend (and
strongly encourage) that teams arrive on Fri and drop gear and register to avoid being rushed on race day** Maps will be given out to those teams that arrive Friday and will have first dibbs to get directions on Saturday morning.
All racers must note that the 2012 race will start at 9:00 AM on Saturday September 22, 2012 in the Fal con Lake Townsite. Again, the Swamp Donkey Team would like to strongly encourage racers to join us for the entire weekend beginning Friday.
Registration will take place at Falcon Nest Cafe (in Falcon Lake townsite) with racer bag pick up & Navigation Check and last minute questions. Also $12.95 for the best pre race Pasta buffet dinner at the Falcon Nest Cafe..."like-a Mamma-use-ta-make"! There are a few accommodation options still available. Contact us if you need help finding a place to stay - camping options are also available. We are planning a great post race party on the Saturday with music to celebrate your victory and you know we throw a great party. Stay tuned for more information!
The SDAR team is working hard to create a race that will even challenge our more advanced teams to the maximum. We have again extended the race this year to have a 9 hour cut-off time. It is our goal to push some of the fastest teams and keep them on the course for about 7 hours! If you are a first time racer or still starting out, the Swamp Donkey Adventure Race is definitely for you! We design our course with different levels of skill and speed in mind. No matter what your experience, come out and race hard and have fun!
RACE WEEKEND SCHEDULE
Up a creek (or river or lake) without a paddle... or even a canoe?? Book your teams canoe rental in advance: Wilderness Supply and Green Bay Resort to name a few.
Post Race Meal Registration for : Please contact us if you are requiring additional tickets for the post race meal for $15 each. Meals MUST be PRE-BOOKED for spectators no later than September 10, 2012. (For Vegetarians Only) If you wish to have a vegetarian meal only - please let Rick know by contacting him HERE (for spectators only - racers should have filled this out on their registration forms)
What is Adventure Racing? Volunteer For The Swamp Donkey Adventure Race & Find Out
We need you... To volunteer and check out what this great sport is all about! Get into the race experience without all that training. Exciting "wilderness experience", many positions available. Epic race, Swamp Donkey volunteer shirt Free, Free post race meal, lunch & snacks are all included for, you guessed it, FREE! If you have family or friends that want to come out? Why not be more than just a spectator... and join in on the "adventure"!
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.
Karen is looking forward to meeting the enthusiastic crew and having a great race. The Swamp Donkey Adventure Race is scheduled to take place Saturday, September 22, 2012.
To volunteer or if you have any questions, you may contact Karen HERE:
Wilderness Supply Rental and Demo Boat Sale
You've been waiting all year, finally it's here... the annual Wilderness Supply Rental and Demo Boat sale! The entire 2012 rental fleet is on sale for one day only with the best prices you'll see all year on lightly used canoes, kayaks and SUP boards! These boats were new this season, and are only gently used--it's your best chance to grab the boat of your dreams at a great price!
The lineup starts in the wee hours of the morning, and the doors open at 9am. It's first come, first served and then the boats are gone, they're gone! But you can hang around all day for great one-day-only deals on apparel and footwear in store or your mandatory gear for the upcoming Swamp Donkey Adventure Race.
WINNIPEG SALE - SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15th
*ONLY AT 623 FERRY ROAD*
Get On Your Bikes And Ride... To Bikes & Beyond That Is
Whether you're racing in the upcoming Swamp Donkey Adventure Race or just peddling around town, service your bike before it's too late and take it out for a test ride. All Swamp Donkey racers get priority service!
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 mechanicals. We've seen racers drop from a sure win due solely to bike problems.
Bikes & Beyond is also taking registration for 2012 Advanced Mechanics Course. This hands-on program for bicycle maintenance and repair will give you the skills to keep you rolling all year long. The class has been developed around a curriculum designed by the Park Tool Company, the world's largest bicycle-tool manufacturer. Included in the cost of the course is the Park Tools Big Blue Book of Bicycle Maintenance Manual.
This year there are two Sunday classes from 11am - 1pm and 2pm - 4pm. The class is two hours long, one day per week, for 8 weeks. Classes will be limited to 8 students per session.
Big News and Congrats To All Our Friends at 103.1 Virgin Radio
John & Rick and all Swamp Donkey Crew are SUPER PUMPED for all our friends at 103.1 Virgin Radio for the big news and new brand. We have gotten to know everyone at the station over the years and couldn't be more excited for them!
More hit music. More fun. And now, one of the largest radio movements on the planet has Winnipeg joining its ranks with the all-new #1 hit music station 103.1 Virgin Radio. Already a dominant brand in Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto and Montreal markets, Virgin Radio.
Credit has to go to Ace Burpee who started the ball rolling this summer. Ace is a Richard Branson fan and knew that the values of the Virgin Radio brand matched the values that are also important to Winnipeg. We're all very excited, a Virgin Radio station in Winnipeg puts us on the Virgin worldwide map, allowing us to bring even more exciting artists, contests and fun to music fans in Winnipeg.
Maybe we can convince Sir Richard Branson to put on a "Swamp Donkey event" on his private island! Fingers crossed...
Hey Winnipeg You Know Winter Is Coming... So Is The ICE Donkey Winter Adventure
Sunday February 10, 2013 at The Forks!!
103.1 Virgin Radio and The Assiniboine Credit Union River Trail along with Swamp Donkey Adventure Racing want you... To join in the fun at the fourth annual fantastic frosty event!
Participate as a solo or a team of 2 in this 2-3 hr winter multi-sport style event that will test your mettle in snowshoeing, Ice-biking, running and skating. Compete against others and challenge yourself for ultimate abominable domination. Special winter challenges may include: tobogganing, snowman building, Inuksuk making or whatever Mother Nature may throw at us! We are Winnipegger's after all and this kind of adventure is what we were made for!
Can't think of what to get that family member, team mate or special someone in your life??? You know they'll love "the gift of adventure", what a perfect gift!! Why wait to get out and get moving when winter is just around the corner? Come celebrate the snow and ice. We'll see you there on February 10, 2013 ...come blizzard, slush or shine!
Don't miss out because every event sold out this past year! Registration opens November 2012
You LIKE Us... You Really LIKE Us
Want up to date info on the Swamp Donkey... or all of the upcoming news and events? We are growing our Swamp Donkey and Dirty Donkey following slow and steady but we need your help. Share our pages with all your Facebook friends and "Tweet" us on Twitter! Our goal is to push those numbers into the 1,000"s and kick some "Donkey"! If you haven't already, LIKE us on FB & Follow us on Twitter and stay up to date on all the Donkeys.
Swamp Donkey Adventure Racing Facebook Page
Swamp Donkey Adventure Racing Twitter: @SwampDonkeyAR
Dirty Donkey Mud Run Facebook Page
Dirty Donkey Mud RunTwitter: @DirtyDonkeyRun
Photos by Kelly Morton Photography
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