The Idea Behind an Eco Challenge
With society’s awareness of environmental and ecological issues growing every day, it seemed like only a matter of time before a concept like an eco challenge emerged. The union of recreation with respect for the environment seemed like a perfect combination.
The idea behind an eco challenge is relatively simple. Teams of challengers are placed in an outdoor setting and asked to compete in a variety of activities, both mental and physical. Besides testing the team members’ intellect and physical strength, the activities are designed to build teamwork and bring the individual members closer together.
The number of team members can vary, although generally, an eco challenge team typically consists of 1-5 team members. The events last several days, and can cover many miles of natural terrain.
A Brief History of the Eco Challenge
The idea of an eco challenge evolved from an older concept known as an adventure race (Caldwell). Although there are many who dispute the origins of the idea, most point to an event that dates back to the late 1960’s as the event that led to the evolution of today’s eco challenge. The event, known as the Karrimor International Mountain Marathon, consisted of a team of two people covering an area twice the length of a traditional marathon over the course of two days (Adamson).
Several other events came out of the Karrimor, including the Alpine Ironman in 1980, the Alaskan Marathon Wilderness Classic in 1982, and the Raid Gauloises in 1989, which is considered the true predecessor of the modern-day eco challenge (Caldwell).
Eco Challenge and Father Mark
The father of the modern-day adventure race known as the Eco Challenge is generally considered to be Mark Burnett. Burnett, who is credited with creating some of the greatest hits in the short history of reality television, was inspired to create the Eco Challenge after reading an article describing the Raid Gauloises. Although the idea of such a competition was not new to the people of his native London, Burnett made the decision to bring the idea to the United States.
To ensure the success of his own race, Burnett put together a team and competed in several editions of the Raid Gauloises between 1992 and 1994 (Adamson). In 1995, Burnett successfully pitched his idea to television executives and the Eco Challenge was born. The initial version of the race covered an area of 370 miles within the state of Utah. More than fifty teams took part in the initial event that required them to ride horses, swim, and even hike across the desert.
The grueling nature of the Eco Challenge led to it being known as the “toughest race in the world” (Caldwell). Beyond testing the physical skills and limits of a human being, the Eco Challenge builds character, teamwork, and exposes the viewing public to some of the most magnificent natural backdrops in the world. Today, Eco Challenges have become popular with people everywhere, including schools, neighborhoods, and even businesses, which have all taken up the challenge of developing these events for the benefit of all.
Written by Martin Jauregui
References
Adamson, I. Runner’s World Guide to Adventure Racing: How to Become a Successful Racer and Adventure Athlete. New York: St. Martin’s Press, 2004.
Caldwell, L. Adventure Racing: The Ultimate Guide. Colorado: Velo Press, 2001.
“Mark Burnett.” Encyclopedia of World Biography. 2007.
Tags: eco challenge, idea, Mark Burnett, TV
