As the longest wheelchair and handcycle race in the world, the 2004 Sadler's Midnight Sun Ultra Challenge has been referred to as the "holy grail" of wheelchair and handcycle racing. This grueling six-day �stage� race, which takes place July 18 through July 23, 2004, runs 267 mile between Fairbanks and Anchorage on the George Parks Highway. Each day of the race is a stage, with each stage presenting its own challenges. Stage one, heading out of Fairbanks and traversing two steep five-mile �hills,� is the most difficult, while racers typically encounter fierce headwinds during stage three. The racers average 50 miles per day for the first five days of the race, while the last day finishes with a time trial sprint into Anchorage. Weather also plays a factor, as Alaskan summers can be unpredictable. Temperatures typically run up into the 80�s or down into the low 60�s, with rain always a possibility. In rare instances, snow has even been encountered in the higher elevations. Athletes are encouraged to wear layers and to be ready for any type of weather.

The race is open to experienced wheelchair racers and handcyclists. Race organizers require athletes to submit a resume of recent racing accomplishments to prove their fitness and experience. Those racers who have successfully completed the Ultra Challenge in the last three years are not required to submit a resum�. The racing field this year is made up of four divisions and 22 racers: Men�s Handcycle B, six racers; Men�s Handcycle C, 10 racers; Women�s Handcycle, four racers and Men�s Wheelchair, three racers. Each racer is required to use a racing wheelchair or handcycle, and to supply their own racing equipment such as tires, rims, tape and gloves. Each racer must also have a two-person support team, which travels behind their racer at all times during the competition. A volunteer crew will be provided for racers unable to bring their own support crew. Volunteers come from the local communities and Volunteers for Peace, an international agency that promotes world peace through volunteer projects.

All essentials for the racers and crew are provided by a �traveling city.� A food commissary, staffed by the volunteers, travels with the race and provides breakfast, lunch and snacks. Evening meals are provided by local towns and community organizations along the race route. The volunteers and race crews will camp out in tents, except for when local schools or community centers are available. The racers will share hotel rooms along the way.

The Ultra Challenge was first run in 1984 and has been run every year since except for 1994, when race organizers were unable to hold the race due to lack of sponsorship. Sadler�s became the official sponsor the next year and the race has been going strong ever since. Larry Coutermash, a veteran wheelchair and handcycle racer from North Pole, Alaska, ran the race course alone and unofficially in 1994.

An awards banquet will be held in Anchorage on Saturday, July 24 at the Millennium Hotel from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm, at which time prize money will be awarded to the winners of each division. The public is welcome to attend.

To learn more about the Sadler�s Midnight Sun Ultra Challenge, contact Race Director Heather Lucinski at Challenge Alaska, (907) 344-7213 or E-mail at challenge.events@acsalaska.net. If you would like to request a free copy of the 2004 Fairbanks Visitors Guide or the soon-to-be-released 2004-2005 Winter Guide, call 1-800-327-5774 or (907) 456-5774 or write to 550 First Avenue, Fairbanks, Alaska 99701. Or order the guide on line at www.explorefairbanks.com/Request/

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Media Contact: Karen Lundquist +1 (907) 457-3282 x227 klundquist@explorefairbanks.com