Nature Island Challenge kicks off Tuesday

Dominica’s rugged terrain will become the main focus for 16 individuals who have signed up to be part of the second annual Nature Island Challenge.

Four teams will set out from Bellevue Chopin from 7:30 am on April 8th to compete for the number one spot in the annual hiking challenge.

The four-day hiking race will take competitors over 50 miles along the renowned Waitukubli National Trail.

Speaking at the launching of the event on Monday morning Director of Tourism, Collin Piper, explained that the event is a vital aspect to Dominica’s growing tourism product.

“The Nature Island Challenge is a unique racing experience combining a trail race with adventure challenges and cultural challenges,” he noted. “Racers experience not only a once in a lifetime trail race through the coast, the farms and the rain forest of Dominica, but are also immersed in the island’s culture throughout the race week.”

He added that the challenges and triumphs of each of the athletes as they race, will be chronicle by film crew with Destination Dominica as the backdrop.

“The production team will then put together an exciting production at the end in order to distribute to national, international, regional, local and internet outlets for viewing by millions of people,” Piper said. “Last year the Nature Island Challenge was televised on NBC TV as part of World of Adventures Sports and on Universal Cable.”

Competitors include a local team from Dominica, an American team affiliated with Ross University in Dominica and two teams from Trinidad.

Team members include accomplished and socially connected trail/adventure racers competing in this once in a lifetime experience.

Piper pointed out further that the race will highlight and showcase Dominica’s exciting nature and culture.

The competition features team members alternating on a daily 10-15 mile long trail run.

All four team mates reunite following each daily race to participate in a major challenge.

The Nature Island Challenge is judged on a points system based on the finish order in each day’s trail run and the major challenges.

Chairman of Discover Dominica Authority, Benoit Bardouille, added that the Nature Island Challenge presents an opportunity to market the assets that make Dominica the nature island of the Caribbean.