Thanks to Rachel Ficek for the sweet t-shirt design!

Winter Challenge 2013

23miles of pure racing bliss!

For 2012 results click here

Feb 9: 10:30am

not up to the challenge this year? click here

Want to race the Challenge for free and promote your company? Email me for a sponsorship package.  

Camping Available Friday and Saturday Nights!

Check out these great races in 2012!

Hunting Island Biathlon: March 10

 The Santee Adventure Triathlon: March 24

Course and Order of Events 

This year the trails will be faster, cleaner, and meaner than ever as we showcase the Winter Challenge in its 9th year. The Course is a beautiful & rugged wilderness setting including two hundred year old trails, a 70 acre pond, Blackwater Swamp, and at its heart, the South Edisto River. The transition area is perfect for spectators and crowd support. It is set up so that participants pass through “race headquarters” four times before reaching the finish line. Almost half of the kayak segment of the race is visible from where the transition area is off the banks of the lake, where there are two cabins set up to accommodate spectators and athletes.

2013 Winter Challenge Schedule:

Friday, February 8

Saturday, February 9

Event I: Trail Run
The Race begins with the 7 mile run course. It takes place on six to ten foot wide hard-packed farm roads and single track woodland trails that will keep participants surrounded by woods and lake view. The course is mostly level terrain with a few rolling hills.

Event II: Paddle
The 6 mile paddle course takes place on a 70 acre still water lake. The lake is approximately half open water and half flooded cypress. The course will require circling the perimeter of the lake in a series of three laps. The path requires no portage but paddlers may encounter the possibility of minor obstacles through portions of the course. This is a beautiful “ Edisto” setting, haven to a wide variety of waterfowl including duck, heron, geese and osprey.

1. Kayaks of all types will be permitted. Canoes will also be allowed. Fixed rudder boats are not recommended.
2. If you do not have a kayak with which to race, rentals will be available through Nature Adventure Outfitters and Epic Kayaks. Reservations MUST be made in advance. See Kayak Rentals for more info.
3. It is required that all paddlers carry with them an approved PFD.

Event III: Bike Course
Participants finish the race on a challenging 10 mile mountain bike course. The trail varies in width from 3 to 8 feet wide featuring both double and single track. The trail is built to accommodate riders of all levels, but offers technical challenges for those with advanced skills. There are, for instance several natural obstacles which may be either ridden or bypassed at the cost of a few second’s time. The finish of the bike course will feature three fences of hay bales which riders may attempt to jump, climb, or carry their bike over.

Fees and Registration

Registration Fee includes a hot, post-race meal provided by celebrated Lone Star BBQ, (vegetarian options included). It will also include a 100% Cotton Long Sleeve race t-shirt and "swag bag" of miscellaneous surprises, not to mention your ticket to 23 miles of pure racing bliss.

Help us prepare for the best race possible by pre-registering as early as possible. Long sleeve race t-shirts are not included with race day registrations.

Race will be held under inclement conditions, including rain, sleet, or shine. Refunds will not be available unless arrangements are made prior to the race with the race director.

However, under severe weather conditions, the race may be postponed, at the discretion of the race management in which case, persons unable to participate would be entitled to a refund.

Fees

Preregistration before Jan 4, 2013: Individual: $55 Relay Teams: $105

Registration before Feb 9, 2013: Individuals: $60  Relay Teams: $120

 T-shirts $10 race day- if available

click HERE for 2011 results!

click HERE for 2011 pictures!

       click HERE for the 2011 video!        

Catagories and Awards

Participants will be distinguished in the following race categories:

Individual participants: Male and Female
Relay Teams: Single Gender, and Co-ed
Masters: Male and Female (45+ on race day)

Unique and interesting awards & prizes, featuring quality outdoor gear will be provided by our sponsors! Prizes will be awarded as follows. Categories do not repeat.

Individual participants:

• Overall winner
• Top male or female ie, if the individual participant with the best time overall is female, the second prize would go to the top male finisher.
• 2nd place overall

Relay teams:

• First place team overall
• First place coed team, or all-female team
• 2nd place overall

Masters:

• First place Masters overall
• First place Masters, male or female, respectively
• 2nd place overall

Further categories and awards to be determined by race mgt. based on the field of participants.

Our awards ceremony is always one of the highlights of the race.  The prizes are interesting and in many cases, quite valuable. 

Directions

Race Site:

Dome Farms
Just past the intersection of Hwy 39 & New Forest Road-- LOOK FOR THE DIRT DRIVEWAY!!!!
Between Springfield & Williston, SC

Kayak Rentals

Epic Kayaks and Nature Adventure Outfitters will be providing kayaks on site for this race. All outfitters will need your reservation in advance of race day.  Don’t wait until the last minute!  Also, a reminder that an approved personal flotation device will be required of all participants.  Be certain that you have one for the race.

We recommend Epic Kayaks for the more competitive paddlers.

          

Kathie Livingston 800-673-0679 or 843-928-3316 or 843-568-3222

Food and Lodging

Food:

• A delicious, hot and healthy meal will be provided by Lone Star BBQ at the finish line, free of charge to all participants. There will be a modest $5 charge for guests.
• There will also be a warm cabin, hot beverages, and various diversions throughout the day!
• Concessions will be available at the race site.

Lodging:

• Primitive Lodging/Camping available at race site.
  Call for info. 803.823.2044.
• The Villa Motor Inn Ph# 803.266.7001is located in nearby Williston, approximately ten minutes from the race site.

Volunteers

 Anyone interested in volunteering may contact chris@winterchallenge.com

There will be t-shirts, prizes, food and beverages for all volunteers.

Sponsorship 

Contact us about becoming a Sponsor. Sponsors can expect:

• Recognition in our Race Program.
• To have their logo–banner displayed at race headquarters.
• Logo and recognition on promotional posters and flyers.

Interested in being a sponsor, contact:
   Race Director, Chris Williams 803-707-7310
   cwrealestatesales@gmail.com 

Referral Programs:

FAQs 

Why do so many race directors consider the Winter Challenge to be one of the best races in the region?
There are several things that might contribute to this widely held belief. The challenge of racing three rugged disciplines in midwinter is certainly a pleasant pursuit. The landscape and setting make for a beautiful backdrop.  It is a fine and wholesome family atmosphere, with a transition area perfect for race-watching and crowd support. And the trails are diverse and tremendously fun.  But, perhaps, we are recognized most of all, because we endeavor to make our participants happy.

Why do so many Winter Challenge Alumni keep coming back for more?
For the same reason that the race director does!

Why do the folks at the Winter Challenge go to such lengths to make their participants happy?
1. Because we simply like to see people having so much fun.
2. Because we love em’!

How many years has the Winter Challenge taken place?
This will be the 10th year of Winter Challenge racing bliss. 

Is this race only for seasoned triathletes?
Good question.  NO. The top finishers may be quite competitive, but many of the field will be racing their first off-road triathlon, first tri of any kind for that matter.  It’s a great race for people who want to introduce themselves to the sport.  If it still seems daunting putting together a relay team is always an option.

What about the swim, it’s February?
Swim? What swim?  There is no swim.  It’s February.  We kayak.

What’s with the kayaking, then?
Many of our participants have little kayaking experience, so don’t be dismayed. We do recommend getting in one as much as possible beforehand, though.  It is a flatwater course so don’t worry about rapids either!  Although they are welcome, we don’t recommend “whitewater” kayaks.

But what if I don’t even own a kayak?
We can accommodate you.  View info on kayak rentals.  But don’t wait until the last minute or there may be none left.

Can I paddle a canoe instead?  And what about tandem kayaks?
We don’t recommend it, but as long as you are paddling it alone you’re welcome to it.  Either one.  One person = one boat.

Can a team complete the course together?
Sorry, but no.  Teams are relay only.  Only one person per team may compete in each of the three disciplines.

What is the weather usually like?
Usually the race begins at a cool temperature, 40’s, and ends in the 60’s. But it’s February and anything can happen. And that is part of the excitement.

If the weather is inclement will a refund be available?
Only in the most extreme conditions will the race be postponed or cancelled at the discretion of the race management.  Only then will a refund be available.  Rain, Sleet, or Shine as the saying goes!

What is the average finishing time?
There are a wide range of finishing times given the length of the race.  Last year’s times are available here.
A competitive time will come in under 2:45.  Figure on an hour per discipline, anything under is GRAVY!

After such a challenging race will I be exhausted?
Yes, and as soon as you’ve regained your wits, you will probably immediately begin planning for next year’s race!

Our 2011 Sponsors- many thanks for your support!:

click here to register!