Outdoors

Plantation man wins Florida extreme race

By Times Staff Writer
Published March 24, 2006

Warren Richey of Plantation won the 1,200-mile Ultimate Florida Challenge, arriving at 1:48 p.m. Thursday at Fort De Soto.

Mark Przedwojewski of Irons, Mich., was second, arriving about an hour later.

On March 3, 65 challengers in 50 small boats embarked on an expedition-style race 300 miles from Tampa Bay to Key Largo. Ten extreme challengers, including Richey, continued on the 1,200-mile Ultimate Florida Challenge to circumnavigate the state. The Ultimate Florida Challenge included a 40-mile portage, where challengers were required to carry or tow their boats over land. They also carried their own supplies, safety equipment and provisions.

"I'm thrilled at the prospect of not having to sit in this little kayak for 16, 18 or 24 hours straight without getting out," Richey said. "It's going to be nice to be able to walk around and stretch my legs. This is the most physically challenging event I've ever been in. It really tests you, not just physically but mentally."

Richey, a staff writer for the Christian Science Monitor, describes his adventure in his blog, which he called Around the Florida Coast in 30 Days. It's available online at csmonitor.com/floridarace. The WaterTribe Web site is watertribe.com.

[Last modified March 24, 2006, 02:15:43]