I think this is a first for expedition-style adventure racing… Pairs! Expedition Africa is allowing paired teams to enter Expedition Africa next year.
Pairs is a challenging format especially over greater distances and duration. For many years the legendary Swazi Xtreme had a pairs category for their 250km event. Where an inexperienced four-person team was likely to complete the race, an inexperienced pair was pretty much guaranteed to drop out.
There’s no dilution so interactions between team members must be good – under the pressures of tiredness and fatigue too.
Compulsory equipment is also spread between two people and not four, which means a heavier load. And women racing in pairs have to carry far more than they would in a four.
I’ve always enjoyed racing in pairs for the ease of admin as only you and another need to be coordinated to get to the start line.
Pairs is a fast and dynamic format that suits experienced racers.
Entry fee for pairs is R20,000 (R34,000 for fours).
This is a welcome new option for next year’s edition of Expedition Africa.