Fusion Adventure

welcome to Fusion! That is a synopsis of the event as stated by organisers Esla Anthony and race director Charles Bobb-Semple. They are inviting the public to participate in the 11th Annual Fusion Adventure Race on July 8.

They said the event slogan, “When you cross the finish line, you’ll know a little more about yourself ”, aptly represents Fusion’s objectives.

Bobb-Semple explained how competitors actually get to discover the flora and fauna of TT via the event.

“Participants are required to perform several outdoor activities as a team. They are required to run trails and courses that they may never have done in places and/or villages that they may have never visited. In so doing, they encounter many plants, trees, insects and sometimes animals on their journey concretising their knowledge and in some cases teaching them things that they may not have known.” He added: “We pose questions that are based on the flora and fauna of the village; a village elder or representative sometimes also briefs the participants before the start of the race to share information about the village to everyone.

However, each incorrect answer results in a time penalty.” During each leg competitors are required to stick together as a team to complete all of the legs together. “We pay particular attention to teamwork, and teams that do not remain together get time penalties.

Where teams are required to mountain bike, we have two members of the team mountain biking but again they must stick together.” Asked the reason for non-disclosure of the starting point until two days beforehand, and then the second leg at the end of the first? Bobb- Semple said it is to maintain the surprise element of the race.

“Persons are only told where we assemble and on the day.

Each leg is summarised in terms of distance so they can determine how much fluid and ‘snacks’ to pack for the journey which is self-sufficient. This model follows the general international format with regard to non-disclosure and maintaining the element of surprise,” Bobb-Semple said.

Each leg entails running, mountain biking, problem-solving and team-building activities for all members of the team.

He surmised that the event, which recognises three categories – male, female and mixed, takes competitors through mountain trails and other terrain, offering the opportunity for competitors to discover the veiled treasures of the island from a unique perspective.

“Additionally, it offers intrigue as participants are only informed of what is required of them at each successive stage; emphasis is placed on teamwork, rather than individual achievement. Pushing the limits of endurance, successful teams of four, band together to overcome and adapt to the challenges set before them both physically and mentally; it is a platform for personal development in a fun and positive team environment,” Bobb-Semple said.

“The event tests team spirit, camaraderie, ingenuity, skill and commitment while exploring the boundaries of what’s possible by pushing oneself physically and mentally, instilling a sense of accomplishment while providing an enriching and fun experience.” The event has attracted all types of followers over the years from elite runners and fitness gurus to triathletes.

Bobb-Semple stated that age is not a factor and Fusion continues to attract young and old able-bodied individuals. He said that the youngest participant last year was 13-years-old while the oldest participant was 65-yearsold.

“Fusion attracts churches, youth groups, gyms, military personnel, sports clubs and corporate organisations,” he said.

This year, among the teams that have registered thus far are PCS Nitrogen, Milat Academy, +OAW (One A Week), Metronomes Sports and Cultural Club, MWF, Five Star Fitness Factory, UWI Endurance, Corkie’s Casuals, Island Hikers and Fujitsu.

Registration closes on June 28