The 25th Anniversary of the longest and toughest race in the world is shaping up to be the biggest race of the quadrenium, and includes some of the biggest names in wheelchair sports.

Fresh off their incredible medal haul from Beijing, Americans Oz Sanchez and Alejandro Albor will be racing, in addition to South Africa’s Ernst Van Dyk, and Swiss double gold medalist, Heinz Frei. Also on hand will be Paralympians Matt Updike and David Lee from the USA. In the women’s field, Beijing gold medalist, Andrea Eskau of Germany will race, and she represents just one of the large number of German speaking racers will be in attendance. In addition to Eskau and Frei, the German speakers include Elmar Sternath — racing against other longseaters instead of the kneelers — Stefan Bauman of Germany, and a team of 5 from Austria, managed by Christian Peter.

Also of note, will be a great field of racers from Alaska…the biggest Alaskan contingent ever, led by Edwin Jones of Anchorage and Rick Gilliland of Kenai. Racers traveling the furthest are Enrst Van Dyk (South Africa) and Igal Shochat, who is coming all the way from Israel to race.

There are more than 25 first time racers, and there are a few newcomers who could really stir things up…including Drew Wills of Colorado Springs, CO. Wills is more of an off-road rider to date, but has recently been training more on the road, and will undoubtedly arrive in Anchorage ready to race. Check back regularly for more updates on the 2009 roster!

UPDATE: November 15, 2008
The women’s field is now full, with Melissa Stockwell registering fresh off of her swimming bid at the 2008 games in Beijing. For the first year in many, the women’s field includes 100% first-time racers, which 5-time winner Monica Bascio is excited about: “I was on the fence about racing, because I’m very focused on my training for Vancouver 2010 [nordic skiing and biathlon]…and I’m excited to see some new women coming out to race…that’s so awesome! I’ll be working the event and cheering them on!”

Also taking the first wheelchair spot is former winner, Paul Nunnari of Australia. Nunnari is a climbing machine, and the 25th Anniversary course is right up his alley.

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Race officials have indicated that both men’s handcycle categories (kneeseat and longseat) for the 2009 Sadler’s Alaska Challenge are now full. There is one women’s handcycle spot still available, and three spots for wheelchair racers, but things are moving quickly, according to event co-director, Ian Lawless. “We worked very hard to create a buzz about the 25th Anniversary race, and apparently it worked!” After expanding the total field limit from 25 to 39, the spots filled up fast. “We began receiving entries beginning at 6:00 am the morning of the race announcement, and we have already created a waiting list.” said Lawless.

Although the field is limited to 39, more applications have actually been accepted, according to Challenge Aalaska’s Heather Plucinski. “There is always a minimum 10% cancellation rate, and we also expect a few racers might not qualify…so we have accepted every applicant who has paid their deposit as of midnight on October 28.” So what does this mean ? It means that as of today, there are actually 45 potential racers who will compete next year…if nobody cancels and everybody qualifies. There is however, a waiting list, which has already been started. “The waiting list is already in motion, and we do encourage anyone who has not signed up to send in their form and deposit and get on the list…it’s not unreasonable that they will still have a shot to be a part of the race!” The waiting list does not apply to the wheelchair and women’s categories however, as they are not yet full.

So, who is actually on the 45-racer roster ? Well…you’ll just have to wait and see…but you won’t have to wait too long…the official roster will be announced on Friday, October 31 at 5:00 p.m. Mountain Time. What we can tell you now, is that the field is truly international and will include a record number of Alaskans, a record number of people who speak German, and reads like a “who’s who” of Paralympic medallists from Beijing.

So why such a big turnout for 2009 ? Two reasons, according to Lawless: “We have been touting this race as the biggest and the best ever for a while now…1) because it is the 25th Anniversary, and 2) because it is just the way the event has developed: it’s the only race of its kind in the world and when the best handcycle racers in the world start telling their peers how truly awesome this race is, everyone wants to get on board…and we’re glad they did!”

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Challenge Alaska has expanded the field limit for the 2009 Sadler’s Alaska Challenge to 39 racers. “This race is going to be so special, we worked really hard to find a way to include as many entrants as possible, so they can experience the 25th Annivesary race!” said Elizabeth Edmands, Executive Director of Challenege Alaska.

We expect a full field, so racers should reserve their spot soon!

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The long-anticipated announcement for the 25th Anniversary Edition of the Sadler’s Alaska Challenge is finally here!

There is lots of information on the way, via the links below:

- 2009 Race Route

- Summary of Fees

- Race Categories

- Prize Money

- Entry / Payment Timeline

- Entry Forms

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The 25th Anniversary Race announcement is almost here.

The 2009 race route will be unveiled on September 1st….stay tuned!

In the meantime, check out the video below for a few hints about the route…

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