A sponsorship story...

If you do many sprint races, then overnight races, then oneday you may look at multi-day expedition races. The Eco-Challenge. Primal Quest. Raid the North. Raid Gauloise...

We raced Primal Quest three times, BECAUSE we were sponsored three times. The race fees were about $12,000 each year. Plus food, travel, gear. It adds up.

So, how do you get sponsored? Find wealthy friends. "Pimp yourself" for products or cash. Say yes to any opportunity to be an ambassador for our sport. Volunteer. Give away your time and energy for other racers. The law of reciprocity states that the more you give, then the more you will receive. Make yourself ready to receive. Then re-read this paragraph. Reciprocity works.

When we went to Primal Quest 2004 in Washington we were Team Race Metrics.com. The company did not survive, but they paid our registration fee and direct costs for the RV. The race was in September, 2004. I had just moved to Charlotte from DC... and did not know anyone. Paul, Michelle and Steve took a big risk on me- we were the only regional team among 90+ and we finished 20th.

When we went to Primal Quest 2006 in Utah we were Team Action-Learning.com. Our sponsor was Paul Irwin, the owner of Superior Masonry in Rock Hill. (If you need any brick or exterior work done call him at 803.547.1168) He made it possible for us to endure the 120 degree heat and we finished 37th. Bill, Steve, Jennifer and I secured sponsorship from Red Hook Ale, and a dozen others.

When we went to Primal Quest 2008 in Montana as Team Action-Learning.com, our sponsor once again was Paul Irwin. We finished 12th. Mark, Luther, Sarah and I had at least 6 more sponsors...Get the point?

None of these results would have been possible without tremendous support from our sponsors.