The Eco-Challenge is a race built around the ideas of ecology, good sportsmanship, competitiveness, all around good fun. Though the exact course of the race is held secret until the race starts, the participants can count on events that will challenge them physically and mentally in almost every kind of terrain. The teams will have to work together to finish each leg of the race and check into each checkpoint. Teams are told only the disciplines and skill requirements they must possess in order to compete. The race takes between 6 and 12 hours to complete and the concept is simple: teams leave the starting line and navigate through numerous mandatory check points to the finish line as quickly as they can. Teams leave starting line together and finish together. To be considered ranked, all team members must cross the finish line together. Often several different routes may be taken; the teams choose their own course as long as each checkpoint is passed in order. Therefore, strategy and intelligence are as important as physical endurance.

This year's Eco-Challenge will be held on Saturaday, August 13, 2011. The race begins at 8:00 AM. Team Check in will be the night before the race on Friday August 12, 2011 at 7:00 PM at the Golden Anchor on the USCG Base. The cost this year is $150.00 per team + $8.00/person for USARA membership fee (checks made out to MWR). The registration deadline is Friday, July 22nd. Lets make this the best Eco-Challenge yet!