Checkpoint Zero, LLC set an exciting precedent today when it announced that the Raid the North Extreme, one of the world’s oldest and most-recognized expedition adventure races, will be part of the 2011 Checkpoint Tracker lineup and will be worth 200 points in the 2011 rankings.

After a few years hiatus, Race Director Geoff Langford announced that the next edition of Raid the North Extreme will take July 23-31, 2011, with an authentic wilderness course in the West Kootenays region of British Columbia. Over 6 days, four-person co-ed teams will navigate a 500km+ expedition over an unmarked route by paddling, trekking, trail running, mountain biking, and using fixed ropes through the wild and historic West Kootenays of British Columbia.

“We’ve been planning on an expansion into Canada from the beginning”, commented Paul “Yak” Angell, President of Checkpoint Zero, LLC. “When Geoff announced that RTNX was coming back I knew instantly that I wanted it to be a part of Checkpoint Tracker. Oddly enough he reached out and asked about getting involved before I could even send him an email. We’re thrilled to make this legendary event part of our vision for the future of competitive adventure racing in North America.”

In addition, Raid the North Extreme joins a growing list of international expedition races that presently includes the Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge and The Coastal Experiences that will donate free entries to be awarded as prizes to the top ranked team’s in Checkpoint Tracker’s Coed Elite division based on overall ranking for the season after the National Championship has concluded.

“I’m so excited about this eighth edition of Raid the North Extreme,” said Langford. “ The West Kootenays are one of my favourite playgrounds in all of Canada. The course design process has been a ton of fun, and I can’t wait to send teams out on it! Joining Checkpoint Tracker as the first Canadian event will put the race on the radar for more US teams, and truly position Checkpoint Tracker as the preeminent ranking system for teams across North America.”