Looking for a feel-good distraction from world events? Then check out the new MAGNIficent adventure race kicking off this Sunday in New Zealand.
The MAGNIficent Race, named for race directors and twin brothers Andrew and Jason Magness, will see 34 teams competing to finish a brutal course traversing more than 300 miles of the country’s rugged terrain. Spread across eight stages and with over 52,000 feet of elevation gain, the race will pit participants against a wide variety of challenges, including hiking, mountain biking, top-rope rock climbing, and whitewater packrafting.
Moreover, the teams must rely on their own navigation and finish the course unsupported. Outside of severe medical emergencies, racers will have to take care of their own medical care. They’ll also choose when to sleep, what to carry, and how to move through the daunting New Zealand wilderness.
Race organizers said they expect the course to take at least 104 hours of travel time. They note that that estimate doesn’t account for sleep or bad weather.
“The one thing that will be consistent in this event is the mind-blowing scenery and wilderness settings that the teams will move through,” Jason Magness said. “Nearly every leg would be the crown jewel stage of most events!”
The MAGNIficent Race: Details
So far, the race has attracted 34 teams. With 25 teams coming from New Zealand, many competitors will enjoy a “home-court advantage,” so to speak. Of the remaining nine teams, three hail from the USA, along with two each from Canada and Japan, and one each from South Africa and Ireland.
Team Bend Racing is currently the top-ranked team, and they are joined for the first time by experienced U.S. racer Mari Chandler. The team is also led by Jason Magness, who co-created the MAGNificent Race with his twin brother Andy.