Synopsis:
Eco-Challenge:
New Zealand is the eighth edition of the "World's Greatest
Expedition Race." Held from October 21 to November 2, 2001, 268
racers divided into 67 teams of four traveled to New Zealand to
race over 220 miles of rugged terrain for a share of $100,000
in prize money.
Veterans
and rookies alike raced 24 hours a day for up to 12 days straight,
using only non-motorized forms of transport including horseback
riding, mountaineering, fixed ropes, rafting, and mountain biking.
Racers were
forced to travel the vertical equivalent of two Mount Everests;
descend 3,000-ft rocky slopes that could dissolve into an avalanche
upon any misstep; cross waste-deep rivers so cold that should
they be swept away, they could die within minutes; mountain bike
along some of the world's toughest terrain; and navigate high
alpine mountain ranges where one wrong step could lead to certain
disaster.
Eco-Challenge
competitors faced all of this while dealing with sleep deprivation,
malnourishment, and utter physical exhaustion. The pressure was
not just physical - if one team member succumbed to the extreme
demands of the race and become unable to finish, the entire team
was disqualified.
Team Facts
And Figures:
268 total competitors 67 total teams (31 U.S. teams and 36 international
teams).
Each team
must have four members, including at least one member of the opposite
sex on each team.
Should one
team member be unable to finish, the ENTIRE TEAM is disqualified
Teams were
selected from over 1,000 applicants (over 1,000 e-mails from teams
were received on the first day registration was announced)
Teams gained
entry into Eco-Challenge: New Zealand in the following
ways:
The top 15 officially finishing teams from Eco-Challenge: Borneo
in 2000 were invited to pre-register.
Over 40 spots were awarded to US and International teams in the
Open Registration on January 15, 2001.
A number
of US and International spots were awarded to teams based on applications.
The winner
of the Armed Forces Eco-Challenge won a spot in Eco-Challenge:
New Zealand.
A total of
$100,000 in prize money was awarded to the top five officially
finishing teams:
1st place: $50,000
2nd place: $20,000
3rd place: $15,000
4th place: $10,000
5th place: $5,000
Production
Info:
Airdates:
Debuted on the USA Network April 21st-24th, 2002 at 9pm ET/PT.
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