Panama Canal Challenge 2018 Launched

Next summer sees the launch of the brand new ‘Panama Canal Challenge 2018’ adventure holiday spread over four days along the Panama Canal and dedicated to outdoors lovers, adventurers and those who love a ‘mud run’ race with a difference.

Launched by UK firm Rat Race Adventure Sports, it is a first for the region and is being tipped to put the Panama Canal on the adventure tourism map.

Due to take place in the sweltering heat of Central America next summer (exact dates will be finalised in September), the trip represents the evolution of adventure races as UK participants gather together to seek ever wilder, yet achievable, physical challenges.

And whoever does reach the finish line first could also be a world record holder – as the 48 mile long Panama Canal zone, one of the world’s most famous trade routes, has yet to be traversed on foot.

The four-day escape will see up to 200 fun and fitness loving Brits gather and celebrate all things adventure while taking part in the race. The festival is the brainchild of Rat Race founder Jim Mee, based in York. He expects interest in the central American experience to be high, with the event coming as part of a four day adventure travel tour.

He explains: “Make no mistake, this is a true adventure holiday. But it’s also a challenge most people can achieve. We’re not throwing competitors into the Amazon basin, where they are a seven-day trek to the nearest hospital! This is a week-long trip including travel and something truly epic – a celebration of the spirit of adventure.”

Part of the route follows the famous canal itself and part of it goes into pristine primary jungle. Other sections will need to be navigated via kayak as competitors take to a crocodile-infested lake in the central section of the Canal zone.  Meanwhile racers will also cut a narrow swathe through otherwise impenetrable forest.

Jim adds: “All participants will be given a thorough advice pack and health and safety is a priority. But yes, this is a trip for those looking for something really unforgettable. There’s a growing body of travellers out there who want to push the envelope, and it’s not necessarily about the arduousness of the challenge, it’s about going to places they would never have dreamed of going and achieving something truly memorable. They will be proud of their accomplishment and will literally never forget this type of experience.

“Everyone’s heard of Panama, but not many people from the UK have been there, unless you work in banking or shipping, even though it’s relatively easy to fly there. And the Panama Canal is such an exotic setting; there’s jungle, there’s lake, there’s crocodiles, and there’s the really cool urban landscape of Panama City. It’s an untapped adventure zone!”

Costs: Approx £2,000  which includes transfers, hotels, tours, and the festival party. Flights are not included – flights from London to Panama, via Madrid, cost around £350 per person and it’s also only a three-hour flight to Panama from Miami.

Proposed itinerary:

Day 1 – Arrive in Panama, transfer to hotel in Panama City. Optional sea kayaking excursion or canal tour.

Day 2 – Transit of the entire canal in a boat, with briefing, registration and kit checks for competitors

Day 3 – The event: Bus to the start at Agua Clara Locks. 11km run. 20km kayak paddle. 35km jungle trek/ road run. Finish Miraflores Locks near Panama City.

Day 4 – Rest day followed by potential for further excursions. End of event festival party