Contact Person
Luiz A. Lobo
Executive Producer
luiz@tvselva.com
www.jungletrekker.com
+1 55 92 622-8822 Ph
+1 55 92 633-7089 Fax

Ultra runners to face heat and humidity in the Jungles of Brazil

The jungle race, to be held September 20-30, promises a tough challenge for elite runners, and is being organized by jungletrekker.com of the United States, in partnership with TVSelva Productions, Ltd. of Manaus, Brazil. The team was responsible for the field production, course design, and ground operations of the 2003 jungle race, featured in many European and Brazilian running magazines and Web sites.

“Last year’s jungle race was an incredible experience for everyone involved. More than thirty out of the forty five runners who participated went in and came out of the jungle safely, and people were amazed by what it took to put something like this together…,” says field producer, Luiz Lobo. “However, too many exceptions were made by the race officials,” Lobo continues. “Jungletrekker220 is an exclusive race with more strict rules and regulations, and our focus is on giving experienced runners a true and honest challenge.” Lobo has also led other survival and adventure programs and a major expedition in the Amazon.

This is a self-sufficient race, in which participants must carry their own food and equipment, sleep on hammock campsites and compete over 220 Km (140 miles) of jungle trails in seven stages. The challenge tests the stamina, the endurance, the courage, and the adrenaline of experienced competitors. It also brings runners, organizers, and local communities together towards conservation and environmental education projects. Ten percent of the enrollment fees, and other proceedings will be contributed to the introduction and implementation of programs that benefit people who live in the region where the race is held.

According to the organizers, the course captures the essence of the Amazon onto a path full of surprises, including up and down slopes, natural obstacles (vines, and fallen trees), breathtaking sights, water falls, lakes, and small communities that participate in the making of the event. Jungletrekker 220 is also being produced for television as a 5-part series to be released two months after the event.

The challenge is a way for runners to share in an incredible experience on the same trails where French Karim Mosta and South African Lisa de Speville took the podium to celebrate their Brazilian Amazon victory in 2003. This is a “must-do” event for experienced competitors. The race is limited to only 60 runners each year to allow for greater environmental and safety management.

Producers will be paying travel expenses for two race professionals to join the Brazilian team as volunteers during the race. Magazines are welcome to submit proposals for stories, as one reporter will also get an all expenses paid trip to cover the race. Registration and additional information can be found at jungletrekker.com , or by sending an email to jt220@tvselva.com.