This year's course started with a relatively easy 12 km trek. Despite there being no trail markings to follow, the bush was relatively open and teams were able to move quickly. With a fast but technical 25 km mountain bike section and 15 km of whitewater paddling following the trek, the first day brought many thrills, some exciting competition and high spirits. All this changed abruptly as teams swam across the Madawaska River at the end of the whitewater section, where the accomplishments of the first day may have ill-prepared some teams for the harshness of this region as they descended into some of the thickest bush and most challenging terrain many of them had ever experienced. Temperatures plummeted as night fell, adding to the misery of navigating 14km in the dark. The pace slowed to a crawl for what was certainly the toughest part of the course as teams struggled with exhaustion and hypothermia. Race medical staff consisting of Emergency Medical Technicians and a Paramedic were kept very busy dealing with the cold and weary and several teams decided to withdraw at this point as one or more team members reached their physical or mental breaking point.

Competition was spread out considerably by the end of the trek with two teams pulling away into the lead. Team Canuck, captained by 3 time Eco-Challenge veteran Mano Krueger, and Team Continuum, a team of first time adventure racers, both completed the trek and headed out in canoes for a 25 km paddle just as the sun was setting. They and the rest of the teams were treated to a beautiful paddle under a clear sky and full moon, a spirit lifter for those weary from the trek. By midnight, Team Continuum was off the water and heading into a grueling 65 km mountain bike ride made up of non-stop rolling hills and finishing with 6 km of very technical single track on an old overgrown trail. Teams that took a little longer on this section had to ride in the sweltering 30 degree heat and several teams were forced to withdraw here from heat stroke and dehydration. The seemingly perfect weather conditions proved to be a harsh setting for an adventure race.

At the end of the mountain bike teams headed into a short but challenging bushwack to get to the top of a beautiful and thrilling 150 foot rappel that would drop them into Mazinaw Lake and leave them just a short paddle from the finish line. Team Continuum and Team Canuck were in sight of each other at the start of the bushwack but Team Continuum managed to pull away and take the victory. They crossed the finish line in a burst of cheers and tears. They were absolutely blown away by what they had accomplished in their first ever adventure race. All told, only 8 of the 39 teams officially completed this grueling course. However, regardless of where they got to on the course, all team reported that they had learned something, be it about themselves, their teammates, or simply gaining a better understanding of exactly what is involved in adventure racing.

Some of the competitors couldn't wait until they got their official survey and sent in the following comments:

"Our team had so much fun doing this race! Frequently, we were saying to each other how beautiful the park was, and how lucky we were to appreciate the moon in the canoeing section! Our goal during our training and during the race was always the same, even [though] we were first at many checkpoints: to finish the race. We respected that and "it paid us"! My partners are three extraordinary men and I think that "Raid the North 99" was just the beginning of an incredible friendship..."

Sophie Brisebois, Team Continuum

"You frequently mention that your goal is to drive each competitor to the point of self-doubt and quitting. It is only days after completion of the race that the rewards begin to show themselves. I wanted to quit during the race, but I battled through it and have been rewarded with feelings of accomplishment. I really enjoy your courses and think that they provide an arena to truly test one's convictions and limits, which lets you learn more about yourself than previously possible."

Simon Donato, Team Pathfinders

"I and my teammates are big fans of the Raid the North series. Both races I've been in have been well-organized with a superb course. The course is what really attracts me to the event."

Real Perriard, Team Phoenix

"Although my team did not complete the course, I enjoyed all aspects of the race and learned a lot. I'm looking forward to my next race. Our team worked well together and had fun along the way."

Deborah Slaunwhite, Team Oasis

"I wanted to thank you and commend you on an excellent race. The three other members of my team had no adventure racing experience at all. Your course was perfect - it pushed them to their limits and gave them a great first-timer experience."

Joe Decker, Team Oasis

"We had a wonderful time at your race. It was fun, very difficult, and for sure the most organized event we have ever participated in."

Rose Richards, Team GLAR

"Thank you for the awesome job you did on the race. We all had the adventure of a lifetime and can't wait to do it again. It was a well thought out course, covering some great terrain, and as far as any suggestions, we have no comments except keep them coming!"

Randy Richmond, Team White Light Adventurers