If you fancy competing in a new concept in multi-sport team challenges look no further than the Hi-Tec Adventure Racing Series.

The Southend-based sports shoe manufacturer is bringing the American event to Britain for the first time next month.

Adventure racing combines the demands of an endurance event, the competitive spirit of a race and the excitement of an unknown challenge.

Open to anyone aged 16 or over, the series will see teams of three tackle a 10-mile mountain bike course, a five-mile trail run and a flatwater canoe course.

Along the way will be challenges designed by the Parachute Regiment to test teamwork skills and to keep competitors thinking.

"The core foundations of the competition are based around team-building in a physically and mentally challenging environment which is both fun and accessible to all levels of athlete," said a spokesman for Hi-Tec.

"The spirit of teamwork and the thrill of mystery are central to this fantastic new challenge and the teams of three must compete as one, completing all events together and, most importantly, crossing the finishing line together.

"The atmosphere of the events is not only challenging and competitive but more importantly it's fun and non-elitist."

The two Adventure Racing Series events being held this year are at Bewl Water, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, on May 16 and Trentham Gardens in Stoke-on-Trent on September 12.

Entries are limited to 150 teams and there will be prizes for the winners. The winning team in the mixed category will win an all-expenses paid trip to compete in an Adventure Racing Series event in America.

The Adventure Racing Series was started in America by Hi-Tec and grew out of endurance racing in America, Australia and New Zealand.

Hi-Tec has run the series for four years in America and it now boasts 11 events every year.

Teamwork is the key in both the American and British events as Debbie Smith, one of the most successful competitors in a recent US event discovered.

"You have to work as a team," she said. "The hardest thing is not getting frustrated with each other.

"We pulled Tom in the kayak, they pulled me on the bike and we pulled Jack on the run.

"Every one of us has a little bit of a weak link and the important thing was just sticking together."

The sport can be traced back to events such as the Hawaiian Ironman competition of 1978 where competitors faced a 2.4 mile ocean swim, a 112-mile cycle ride and a 26.2-mile run.

Hi-Tec has developed the theme to make it accessible to the athlete in the street who wants to rise to the challenge.

The Adventure Racing Series is open to teams of three and all competitors must be aged 16 and over.

All teams are encouraged to enter the mixed category which must include one team member who is of the opposite sex to the others.

There are also male, female, veteran (combined age of 120 plus) and corporate categories.

To join in the fun call the race hotline on 01538 703203 to get an entry form.

All entrants will receive an acknowledgement pack with a training schedule, money-off voucher for Hi-Tec Adventure Racing Series footwear, plus details of camping, accommodation and event facilities.

Two canoes will be provided for each team, although competitors will have to supply their own mountain bikes. These will be available to hire on the day if you have not got one.

Entry for each of the two events costs £60 per team.

Going up - the series is a test of strength and skill

(Right) Big draw - the series has grown in America, where 11 events are held each year

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