Lake Okeechobee Survivor Series Adventure Races Announced

Individuals and teams invited to enter rugged, challenging competition

The Lake Okeechobee area of Palm Beach County has always been a wonder of nature thanks to its unique environment. This region was a challenge for the early pioneers, and starting January 2008 it promises to be a challenge again, but in a totally different way.

A series of four Lake Okeechobee Survivor Series Adventure Races has been announced by a subcommittee of the Lake Okeechobee Regional Economic Alliance (LORE).

The first of the four adventure races or "Extreme Sports at the Lake" is scheduled January 20, 2008 beginning at 8 a.m., and it promises to be a challenge for even the most experienced adventure racer or team of racers. This three hour event (the shortest of the scheduled four races to be held throughout 2008) will test the participants in running, biking, and challenge tasks, all the while encountering natural and manmade obstacles.

The course designer, Kenneth Lutz, a long-time area resident, has been secretive about specific details, ensuring no one gets a pre-race advantage. "The course has been essentially built by nature. But, we have added some surprises that will test every participant and every team," said Lutz. The only details released by Lutz were the starting location which is the Pahokee Marina and the start time which will be 8:00 a.m.

Lutz has also issued a throw down challenge to fire departments and law enforcement units throughout Florida. "Florida's fire and law enforcement departments love competition and they're in great physical shape. So we have a trophy specially designed for each. The winning team gets to take the trophy home until the next race. At the end of the four races in 2008, the teams with the best time get the trophy and bragging rights until the next Survivor Series Adventure Races," he added.

These series of Adventure Races are part of LORE’s overall mission to bring attention to the Lake Okeechobee area and to improve the region’s economy and tourism. Pahokee, South Bay and Belle Glade will all host portions of the races throughout the series.

But, the real attraction is the competition.

A number of sponsors have already come onboard to support the effort and more are joining the effort weekly.

To register for this first of four races, teams and individuals may call the Belle Glade Chamber of Commerce at 561.996.2745  Competitors can also register at active.com.

The participation fees are $40 Single (previous adventure race experience required), $60 Double and $80 Triple.

Participants must register by January 5, 2008 to be guaranteed an event T-Shirt.

For more information: Email Kenny Lutz