Watching Amazon’s Eco-Challenge show? You might see a familiar Modesto resident
Modesto resident Adrian Crane likes to push his physical limits.
He’s attempted to climb Mount Everest three times (highest he reached was 27,000 feet of the 29,002-foot mountain), is an ultra runner, and competed in triathlons.
Crane’s latest challenge came last September when he was part of “Team Stray Dogs” on “World’s Toughest Race: Eco-Challenge Fiji” , a non-stop race covering more than 400 miles that must be completed within 11 days. There are five legs (ocean, jungle, river, highland and island) in and around Fiji. Teams are given a map and compass for navigation.
The competition was filmed and released on Amazon Prime Video on Aug. 14.
“It was fabulous to be reminded of what you have gone through,” said Crane, who has watched the 10-part series. “It’s always fun to see yourself on TV and have quite a bit of exposure.”
The Eco-Challenges are adventure races involving multiple facets such as biking, hiking, and canoeing and were created by Mark Burnett (creator of Survivor) in 1995.
Crane competed in the inaugural event in Utah, along with a few more, the last in 2002.
The 65-year-old said the Fiji race was announced early last year and there weren’t any qualification races, just an application process.
Sixty-six teams entered with the winner getting $100,000.
Crane had competed with Team Stray Dogs with the other four team members in a combined 26 Eco-Challenge-type races, making the group one of the most experienced teams.
The group’s average age was 66 years old and Crane said there were teams that were there for “performance” and also teams for “inspirational” with his team hoping just to finish the race.
The race began with sailing for a couple of days, Crane said, and involved long stretches of paddling and bicycling.
“We had checkpoints in the jungle and paddle-boarded for 28 miles where it poured torrentially,” Crane said. “We also had to cycle for 60K on muddy trails.”
There was very little sleep for members of the team. They averaged four to five hours per night while the top teams slept two to three.
A team member got sick early on and Crane said the team would have finished if not for the unfortunate event but they were disqualified on Day 7 when they missed the time qualification. Twenty-two of the 66 teams – from 30 countries – did not finish.
Day 7 was also the day Team New Zealand won the race with a time of 141 hours and 23 minutes.
“Every day was a cause for celebration,” Crane said.
Crane said he had several days before and after the race to enjoy the island. While it was “great to have a beer and a hot shower” after the race, he enjoyed exploring the jungle and said he was reluctant to return to civilization.
“A lot of buzz” has been created since the show was released, Crane said, and another Eco-Challenge is planned for 2021.
“The Stray Dogs are keen on returning to it,” Crane said.
This story was originally published September 6, 2020 at 5:00 AM.
