GOLETA, California — June 6, 2014– UCSB Adventure Programs hosted the first annual Gaucho Gauntlet on May 17th, drawing a strong attendance of competitors. First, second, and third place were taken by solo racers Mason Bouchet, Casey Horgan, and Matthew Weaver respectively.
A total of 24 people registered and completed the race. 8 signed up as solo competitors, and 16 signed up as doubles competitors. The fastest solo racer finished in 2:34:20, and the fastest doubles team finished in 2:52:03.
The event was an adventure race, which consisted of multiple activities including running, biking, kayaking, climbing, and slacklining. The race course used some of UCSB’s facilities, and went through parts of Isla Vista as well as the surrounding Goleta area. A surprise rappelling event was held at UCSB’s Harder Stadium, the 17,000 seat outdoor multi-purpose stadium typically used to host soccer matches. Racers had the unique opportunity of climbing and rappelling off the west side of the stadium.
“It was an ambitious undertaking to have seven different activities spanning across the UCSB Campus, Isla Vista and City of Goleta,” Recreation Department Climbing Program Manager Laura Bylund said. “But we really wanted to give a little taste of everything UCSB Adventure Programs and the area has to offer.”
Sponsors providing prizes included CMC Rescue, Patagonia, So Ill, Vapur, Adventure Medical Kits, Petzl, Arc’teryx, and local sponsors IV Deli, Woodstocks, Angry Wings. The first place prize was a gear bag from Santa Barbara based rescue equipment company CMC Rescue . Other prizes included apparel, climbing gear, and gift certificates.
Inspired by similar athletic races such as The Spartan Race and The Tough Mudder, the Gaucho Gauntlet was planned by Adventure Programs staff in collaboration with Isla Vista Parks and Recreation, The City of Goleta, and Santa Barbara county officials.
“We wanted to design a race course that would be exciting for competitive athletes, but also pleasant for people who just want to have fun,” Bylund said. “We didn’t want experience level, nerves or lack of equipment to keep anyone from participating.”
There are plans for the Gaucho Gauntlet and other similar events to be held in the future. Bylund hopes to eventually expand the race throughout Goleta and into the greater Santa Barbara area. She plans to develop the gauntlet to include more activities and run through a larger course.
UCSB Adventure Programs is the official outdoor program of the UCSB Department of Recreation. The program exists to enhance campus and community life by providing educational and recreational experiences through wilderness trips, outdoor recreation classes, ropes courses, and climbing center programs. Adventure Programs gives students the opportunities to meet new people while discovering the cosmic wonders of nature. A variety of outdoor programs are offered, including kayaking, rock climbing, canyoneering, outdoor trips, and much more.
