Red Bull Photofiles
Interview Mark Webber about the Tasman Challenge
Please tell us about the Mark Webber Pure Tasmania Challenge, a 7 day adventure race around Tasmania that includes cycling, kayaking and trekking stages.
The Challenge was borne from my desire to challenge myself and others while at the same time raising funds for children’s charities and causes dealing with important environmental issues. It’s much too easy just signing over a piece of F1 memorabilia to a charity - it’s much more satisfying to push yourself to the limit and really feel as though you’ve achieved something special. Although the Challenge is tough at times, it really puts into perspective the daily fight cancer victims and others suffering life-threatening illnesses battle each day.
By selecting two Charitable Partners each year my Foundation is able to raise funds and direct them specifically into projects associated with those organisations. For example the money my Foundation will raise for our two Charitable Partners in 2007; the Leukaemia Foundation and the Save the Tassie Devil Appeal, will go directly to those organisations. In the case of the Save the Tassie Devil appeal, the funds will help build breeding enclosures
When did you first come up with the idea for the Challenge? Has the Red Bull Dolomitenmann inspired you?
I first started thinking about the idea back in 2001 when adventure racing was pretty much in its infancy, so I’m not aware of basing it on any other event - although, of course, these days I love watching other adventure races. At the same time though, I just based it on what I enjoy doing - trekking, cycling and kayaking - and because I was aware of what I had to offer. Tasmania was the natural choice for the event as it offers the most challenging and diverse landscapes perfect for challenging the most hardened competitors.
Why have you chosen to partner with the Leukaemia Foundation and Save the Tassie Devil Appeal for this year’s event?
The two charities this year we have chosen to align with are a bit different to last years in that we were with two children’s cancer related charities. This year I wanted to work closely with a program that is particular to Tasmania. Tasmania has been a huge supporter of the Challenge so it’s great we are going to be able to give something back in the form of raising some money for the Tassie Devil. The other charity, the Leukaemia Foundation, have been around for so long and do the most amazing work in hospitals and with sick kids - finding ways to make them smile as well as raising significant amounts of money to help with treatment and prevention. It’s an absolute privilege to be able to help out these two causes.
Leaving aside that it is all in a good cause, what is the most memorable thing about the Challenge?
Sometimes we’re trekking through areas where very few people or nobody has ever been before - that’s a humbling experience. Being out there in the wilderness, battling against all sorts of weather conditions, and braving the wild seas off the west coast of Tasmania is an amazing experience which I can’t get enough of. For all of you out there who think you’re up to the challenge, entries close at the end of September so log onto the Challenge website for further information, to make a donation to or track the teams during the event.
