However, with several corporate and government agencies interested in backing the event and multi-vitamin manufacturer Swisse also willing to sponsor it – in fact, the company signed a naming rights sponsoring deal with the Mark Webber Tasmania Challenge – the 34-year old driver decided to revive the 5-day experience for 2011.
“After a three-year break I am thrilled the Challenge is heading back to Tasmania and that it's back on the calendar for the next three years,” said Webber in a statement.
“The Challenge has always been about having determination and drive to give something a go. Now, as with the world's great endurance races, the format will allow elite athletes to chase ultimate success while others can turn up having never done anything like this before and amaze themselves with what they can do.”
“Obviously you need to prepare for an endurance event - and with kayaking, trekking, trail running, climbing and mountain biking all part of the Challenge there is plenty to train for! But with five-day, three-day and one-day options we believe it is an event that has something for everyone.”
The event was started by Webber back in 2003, when he organized a 10-day trek across Tasmania in order to raise funds for children's cancer research charities. Along the years, the Aussie got the local government involved in the charity-purposed event, as the format changed to a 5-day scheme.
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