The Lanka Challenge 2009 will see intrepid travelers from around the world traverse the spicy island of Sri Lanka from the 5th-15th September 2009, in one of the funkiest modes of transport invented by man; the humble Auto Rickshaw. This three - wheeled mean machine will become your best companion as you compete in a ”master of disaster” challenge through mountains, rainforests, coastal villages and bustling cities, not to mention some of the most breathtaking scenery you will ever witness.
As you ascend and descend this enigmatic island you will come across colorful villages, paddy fields, coconut palms, forest reserves, national parks, tea plantations and golden beaches. Along the journey you will also discover and admire the holy temples, monuments, statues, and colonial forts punctuating this beautiful island.

The Lanka Challenge is not for the faint hearted and insanity will definitively prevail! This is by no means an easy race; contestants will embark on a true test of character, a maker of men, a genuine test of resourcefulness, endurance and navigational stupidity. It is well known that auto rickshaws go fast and fall to pieces (luckily not very fast and not too many pieces), so prepare yourself to patch up your humble steed in the most extreme of weather conditions, marooned in the most remote locations and wearing the most ludicrous of outfits. Wacky Racers meets Super Mario Kart, tikka fuelled, under-prepared, over-confident and extra stupid.

Come and savor the true essence of this devilled island; admire the power of religion, absorb its captivating culture, engage with its charismatic people and learn its “machan” ways. We will ensure that your contributions leave a positive footprint on the local community and every one touched by this event.

It’s a race- 90% of the challenge
The Lanka challenge is a race and it’s as simple as that! The race will be broken up into legs, as per the route , the team to get from the start to finish of each leg in the shortest possible time will win the leg and carry the notorious yellow jersey forward to the following days leg. The team to finish the Lanka Challenge in the shortest possible time will be declared winners and have the most prestigious title in the world for one whole year: “Lanka Challenge Champions”.

Culture Shock- 10% or the challenge
We do realize that some of you will strive for the title of champions from day one but please do consider that one small (but crucial) aspect of the challenge comes in the form of cultural challenges. Each day there will be a number of challenges (maximum 5 per leg) that will need to be completed by each team in order to complete the remaining 10% of the challenge. The challenges may involve some interaction with the locals or even climbing to the top of a king coconut tree to pick the most succulent fruit. Either way if you want to complete 100% of the challenge you will need to complete all challenges on each leg in order to avoid time deductions.

Awards and prizes:
Apart from receiving the most unique racing trophy in the world and without giving too much away; we can tell you that the winners will automatically receive a complimentary pass for a team of 2 to the following years Lanka Challenge race (yes, this can be transferred to any one).

The Lanka Challenge team has teamed up with several charities and organisations based in Sri Lanka so that all involved can not only have a trip of a life time but also give something back to the wonderful country that we will be visiting. As you will see in the financial section a total of 10% of each teams entry fee will be split evenly between the two main partner charities of the event.

As you all know there are countless charities and NGO’s that claim to provide care and financial support to millions of people around the world although the majority of them fail to deliver promises made and unfortunately get tied up with what we like to call “bureaucracy of our time”. As we are a very small organization we have tried to counter act this; we will endeavor to provide information of specific amounts along with specific projects that are needed “here and now”. We will be donating all amounts in person along the route and as participants you will all be involved in some way or another in facilitating this and making sure that all money raised goes to the right people.

You don’t need to be news savvy to realize that Sri Lanka is not a country free from strife and suffering. We do not get involved with any Politics in Sri Lanka and there will be no special treatment to any one tribe/religion/race. As participants you are encouraged to be involved in any charity related aspect of this race and at any time you are welcome to approach us and discuss/question our choice of charity and indeed make any recommendations in this regard.

visit www.lankachallenge.com to sign up today and get more information

http://www.capetownalive.co.za...s-talking-about.html

so, i love these treks, and that sounds absolutely awesome, but you do realize that this is basically the rickshaw run, correct? i hope the only reason you've blatantly stolen their idea is because they were full, or something.

the rickshaw run is put on by the adventurists, the same people who brought you the mongol rally, which is, of course, my dream travel experience. here's a guide i wrote about the mongol rally route. one day, i tell myself, one day.

they've also got one in south america and one going from london to cameroon (which i could definitely do.)