Across the Divide announces dates for new Grand Canyon 24 hour Ultra Marathon

(I-Newswire) August 19, 2009 - Adventure challenge specialist Across the Divide, has added a NEW event to its extreme overseas adventures � the Grand Canyon 24 hour Ultra Marathon - which will take place from 2-9 October 2010.

The race will be taking place across the Canyon's Northern Rim - a vast, isolated area consisting of a forested plateau surrounded by miles of uninhabited desert that very few people attempt to visit.

Competitors will be expected to cover 126km. That's the equivalent of three marathons over wild terrain, in just 24 hours. Endurance levels are pushed to the limit as runners will be faced with steep climbs up ancient rock layers, followed by difficult descents on loose rock. The isolated trails will uncover rare and spectacular scenery, as runners pass through the Kaibab National Forest in Northern Arizona - perched on a high plateau standing over eight thousand feet above sea level, before unveiling incredible views, stretching across the Canyon to the highest point in Arizona.

For the less ambitious still in search of a serious challenge, a marathon of 42km will be taking place at the same time as the 126km run. This marathon follows the same course as the longer run, but stops at the 42km rest station and must be completed in eight hours.

All contestants participating in the marathon will be completely self reliant from start to finish and will need to carry all food and equipment on their backs. Water stations and medical tents will be provided at 20km intervals along the route.


More�






Page 2. Across the Divide announces dates for NEW Grand Canyon Ultra Marathon


Operations and Development Director at Across the Divide, Steve Clark says, "Across the Divide is really pleased to be adding the Grand Canyon 24 hour Ultra Marathon to our list of events. It combines extreme endurance with some breath taking scenery and I'm sure will be a legendary race in the ultra-running calendar."

The event can be run for a charity of choice, or simply for personal achievement.

Across The Divide has over 13 years experience of organising exceptional worldwide challenges and has helped to raise over �43 million pounds for worthy causes. Quality and safety is paramount to Across the Divide and all events are planned using highly qualified staff and experienced UK medical teams.

Notes to Editors:
o Since 1996 Across the Divide has become a leading company in organising charity and corporate challenges. It has taken over 20,000 people to a variety of exciting destinations around the world, and its events has raised over �43 million for 200 different charities in the last 13 years
o Quality and safety is paramount to Across the Divide and all events are planned using highly qualified staff and experienced UK medical teams
o The ultra marathon route has been fully checked and approved. There will be water stations every 20km along the route with tents to offer shade from the sun. There will be a minimum of one UK doctor and a local guide at each water station, and each will have a comprehensive medical kit. There will also be a team of vehicle based UK doctors along the route, most EWM trained.
o Full risk assessments and casualty evacuation plans are in place.
o The route will be clearly marked.

For further information and to sign up for the event, please visit www.acrossthedivide.com www.adventure-racing.org or email susan@acrossthedivide.co.uk

Further press information is available from Kate O'Sullivan or James Tuck at ADPR on 01460 241641 or email kate@adpr.co.uk james@adpr.co.uk

Company Contact Information
Across the Divide