- Race Across America is the toughest endurance event in the world; a non-stop, continuous race in which cyclists ride as fast as they can, 3,043 miles, from San Diego to Annapolis, pier-to-pier.
- RAAM participants face challenges beyond the bike riding that include scorching heat, violent winds, thunderstorms, and even tornadoes, altitude, the dark of night, sleep deprivation, muscle injuries, organized crew coordination, navigation, and mental acuity.
- Race Across America travels through 15 states. Total mileage is approximately 3,043 miles. Riders and crew will climb a total of 108,600 vertical feet, including Wolf Creek Pass in central Colorado which climbs to 10,550 feet above sea level and the extreme winds of Kansas!
- Competitors have dedicated their races to over 30 charities around the world, benefiting organizations fighting cancer, leukemia, diabetes, cystic fibrosis and Hutchinson’s Disease, and others, foundations that assist families of the American military, children’s associations and community groups.
- When asked their motivation for racing, many RAAM participants mention the desire to demonstrate the champion in us all, regardless of obstacles.
|
|
Historically speaking…
- Over 1616 cyclists have raced RAAM in the 27 years since its inception. Previous competitors have included Tour de France racers, Olympians and Paralympians, World Iron-Man champions, and other accomplished ultra-endurance cyclists of all ages, backgrounds, and nationalities.
- RAAM 2007 featured the largest field in its 26-year history. Over 215 courageous athletes raced in June, supported by an entourage of over 1,000 volunteers, and represented 13 countries and 26 U.S. States.
- RAAM has inspired hundreds of athletes already facing personal challenges. Among those who have finished solo RAAM are a one-legged cyclist with prosthesis and a one-armed cyclist. RAAM teams have included blind cyclists competing on tandems, athletes with diabetes and donated organs, cyclists recovering from cancer and serious accidents and hand-cyclists.
|
