In all, teams are expected to stop at around 50 destinations where they will perform challenges highlighting the local attractions. Since this is an inter-island adventure, teams are expected to traverse the Strong Republic Nautical Highway using the RO-RO shipping facilities, which are still something of a novelty.

According to Tourism Secretary Ace Durano, “IPAR is our way of positioning the Philippines as an ideal tourism destination, particularly for adventure enthusiasts as we believe our 7,100 islands have something to appeal to everyone. For the long term, we hope the IPAR program will be institutionalized as an ongoing tourism program, which will attract not only local but foreign adventure enthusiasts as
well.”

Unlike other adventure sports activities which are limited to adventure or extreme sports enthusiasts, tourism officials insist that the IPAR Visayas Leg is open to everyone interested in traveling across the Visayas and discovering the natural beauty, local traditions, and cultural offerings. Of course, competitors have to be physically and mentally fit for the rigors and challenges of a cross-country trek.

The Island Paradise Adventure Race – Visayas Leg is open to teams consisting of 2 members, who should be at least 18 years of age.

FIRST PLACE: PHP 1 MILLION
SECOND PLACE: PHP 200,000
THIRD PLACE: PHP 100,000

Contest organizers are targeting at least 30 participating teams. Application period is from 17 October - 30 November, 2005.

Race details:
The race course is set along more than 2,000 km adventure terrain covering towns, cities, caves, mountains, coastlines and the open sea in what promises to become the premier racing event in the country. The race will highlight the culture, traditions, and tourism spots of the different regions of the Visayas. Activities include trail running sections, rubber tubing, trekking, swimming, paddling, rope sections, traditional games and a few other surprises.

Teams of two racers each will race on a stage format for nine days, with a different start and finish everyday.

Registration fee of P3,000 includes the official IPAR jersey, souvenir shirt, and the adventure of a lifetime.

MANDATORY EQUIPMENT LIST:

To be carried at all times when racing:
Basic First Aid Kit and personal medications
Individual flash lights or head lamps with extra batteries
Swimming goggles (at least 1 pair)
Pair of full finger gloves for each member
Paper and pen
Food provisions
Pocket knife (at least 1)
Digital camera (at least 1)
Video camera (at least 1)
Personal Identification Card
(available in sports and mountaineering shops)
Individual ANSI-approved helmet
Individual Personal flotation device (life jacket)
1 set rappelling equipment (1 seat harness, 3 locking carabineer, 1 abseiling/descending device, 2 slings for cows tail)
Individual hydration system

(available in car shops)
Individual inflated tire tubes for rubber tubing (at least 1 meter in diameter)

OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT:

Camping tent
Sleeping bags

For more details, call Hussein, Travis or Pepe at 524-1997, (0928) 797-7904, or email ipar_dot@yahoo.com

Island Paradise Adventure Race FORUM >>>>

ISLAND PARADISE ADVENTURE RACE (Luzon Leg) May 7-15,2005[details]
IPAR FINAL RESULTS (Luzon Leg)[ details]
May 7,2005: Manila - Baler Leg
May 8,2005: Baler - Banaue
May 9,2005: Banaue - Bayombong
May 10,2005: Bayombong - Penablanca
May 11,2005: Cagayan to Laoag
May 12,2005: Laoag to Vigan
May 13,2005: Vigan to Alaminos
May 14,2005: Alaminos to Subic
May 15,2005: Subic to Libis, QC.




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