The 2009 Challenge Races
Where possible, we like to include Challenge Races as part of the race program gave an extra dimension to the day. Challenge Races are specially seeded races for any company or organisation that has two or more teams entering. We then plan the race schedule so the teams do not meet in the early rounds, thus giving each team maximum opportunity to get as good as possible before their race.
By incorporating Challenge Races as part of the program, we can make the day even more interesting by having an inter-company competition within the event. This year we had three Challenge Races, kept back as the last three races of the day:
How to benefit from a Challenge Race
Challenge Races offer companies and charitable organisations an ideal opportunity to enjoy (or promote) corporate team building training and benefits without the costs.
By seeding the teams so they don't meet until round three, we can then promote "your" race better.
To make the most from your Challenge Race, we suggest the following:
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Organise an information brief about your company or organisation to be read out over the p.a. when your Challenge Race is announced.
Get a company shield made up. We will then invite your company's most senior officer present on the day to present the shield to the winners of your Challenge Race at the prize giving ceremony.
Race 28 was the Clatterbridge Centre for Oncology Challenge Race,
Race 29 was the EON-UK.COM Challenge Race
Race 30 was the AVOX.INFO Challenge Race
Race 28:
The Clatterbridge Centre for Oncology Challenge Race was a race between:
The Photons in the blue boat and The Pirates of the Dee in the green Boat 1.
This race was even more meanful as both teams were made up of staff from the Clatterbridge Centre who each gave up their day in order to take part in the dragon boat festival. More about these teams can be found on the charity pages.
Despite a valiant effort by the Pirates of the Dee, The Photons stole an early lead rapidly pulling away from the Pirates as the race progressed. Clearly ahead by the half way mark, The Photons crossed the finish line several boat lengths ahead with a time of 1.45.13 compared with the Pirates of the Dee’s 1.56.12.
Race 29: The EON-UK.COM Challenge Race between CHP Evolution in the near boat and Connahs Quay d4e in Boat 4.
Far more dramatic stuff here as the two EON-UK.COM teams, CHP Evolution team and Connah’s Quay d4e fight for overall supremacy in their race. With a 1.40.25 to 1.45.09 advantage, the Connah’s Quay d4e team were the favourites to win, however nothing is assured in dragon boating. With CHP Evolution in the near side red boat fighting tooth and nail to get an edge over their rivals in the yellow boat, it was precession paddling all the way with nothing to split the two teams.
In a last effort surge to pip their rivals, it was Connah’s Quay d4e in Boat 4 who just managed to take the line as they crossed the finish, with a 1.41.38 compared with CHP Evolution’s best time of 1.42.01.
Race 30: The Avox.info Challenge Race between the Avox Tigers in the near boat and the Avox Dragons in Boat 2.
Interested in putting in a team or two for next year? Register your interest by clicking the email link below or download the 2010 entry forms by clicking here.
