Representing Team GoLite Multisport: James Kovacs
Purgatory Challenge, Durango, CO
June 19, 20, and 21, 2009
Representing Team GoLite, James headed to Durango to put all my endurance to the test. Put on by the Adventure Xstream Adventure Racing crew, the Purgatory Challenge asks for both skills and endurance. A stage race of epic proportions, the first day begins with a 20 mile kayak race, 10 miles of which are upstream. Day two dawns with a 50-mile mountain bike race through mostly single track and tough terrain. The last day ends with a mountain marathon – 26 miles on trail with enough climbing and rocks to make your legs go numb. All three days, all in a row. Bring on the Challenge!
Day 1: 20-Mile Kayak
The morning of the kayak race came with the anticipation of trying to race a kayak both downstream and upstream. Starting up the winding Animas River, kayakers jumped into all sorts of boats, ranging from down river kayaks to sea kayaks to an eight foot white water boat. Starting out a moderate pace not knowing what to expect of the competition, after the first couple of bends I was out of sight of any competition. The scenery was great, the wildlife was spectacular, making the kayaking all that more enjoyable. At eight miles was the turnaround and the start of the much anticipated trip back down river. After meeting the closest competition about seven minutes after the turn-around, it seemed my lead could be the potential event winner. Not wanting to leave anything to change, I dug deeper for the return and ended up with a 15 minute lead going into Day 2 , a good place to be!
Day 2: 50-Mile Mountain Bike
After a good night’s rest at the local campgrounds, day 2 came thinking about some mountain biking fun. The weather looked good; sunny and cool in the morning. The local crew of pro mountain bikers leapt off the start, making for a good legs and lungs burn to the top of Purgatory ski area. At this point, the clouds rolled in and brought the rain, which settled in for the remainder of the race. As the rain became heavier and heavier, the rain felt as if it was coming from every direction, creating mud bogs that coated bikes and riders alike. A few serious stream crossings helped to clean up the bike’s drive train a bit before the last six mile climb back to the top of the ski area, finishing with a quick and rocky descent to the finish. After a rough day in the rain and mud, I was relieved to find out that I was still 15 minutes ahead of the nearest competition in the Challenge, and still in the lead heading into the final day.
Day 3: Trail Marathon
With the realization that I had 15 minutes on the nearest competition, I came to the start line on Day 3 feeling great. The plan for the day was to pace with the nearest competition and see what would happen. The start gun went off, and all the racers ascended up 2 miles to the top of the ski resort. Trying to go conservatively, I started the downhill and let my competition take the lead for a bit, but always within sight. The scenery was awesome; the wildflowers were in full bloom and running next to the creek proved relaxing and calming for my tired body. Running a bit faster than what the race director was expecting, another runner and I arrived at the first aid station without them being ready. Hurrying to get us water bottles, I grabbed one and continued on my way again. At about mile 20, my fellow runner and pacer during the race began to slow down and at that point I saw it as my chance to take off on my own. Running my own pace through the end, I crossed under the finish line
in under 4 hours, what I considered a great time for a trail run in the mountains on the third day of tough competition. In the end, I put an additional 10 minutes on my closest competition, winning the overall title!
The weekend proved to be an amazing time, another amazing finish for Team GoLite, and one more win for all our sponsors.
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