World’s biggest female-only adventure challenge, Raid Amazones kicks off

The world’s biggest female-only adventure challenge, Raid Amazones (www.raidamazones.com), descends on the east coast resort of Passekudha

The world’s biggest female-only adventure challenge, Raid Amazones (www.raidamazones.com), touches down in Bandaranaike International Airport  on Thursday, 11 October with 270 participants arriving through Qatar Airlines (QR 664) and Emirates Airlines (EK 650) handled by Connaissance de Ceylan. The six-day adventure challenge kicks off in the east coast resort of Passekudha on 13 October

270 women participants touched down on Thursday, 11 October, at the Bandaranaike International Airport to participate in the world’s biggest female-only adventure challenge. The first of two legs to be held in Sri Lanka, the adventure portion of the challenge commenced on 13 October. 

The ‘raid’ is based in the resort town of Passekudha and will take the participants around the east coast to locations such as the Pulipainchakal, Pethalai and the famous Thoppigala going off the beaten track deep into the countryside. Over the six days of activities, the participants will have around 35 km of cross country running, 65 km of cycling and 15 km canoeing while also taking part in archery and escape games. 

Due to the massive demand for the event the first 270 slots sold out instantly and the organisers will host a second identical leg in March with another 270 slots, which are almost already sold out.  This will be the 18th edition of the Raid Amazones and will bring over 500 adventurers to Sri Lanka over the two legs. The event is returning to Sri Lanka in 2018/19 for the third time. Previous editions being held in 2004 and 2009 with the participation of 225 and 138 female adventurers, respectively. Raid Amazon will play a key role in promoting and incentivising more adventure based tourism events to come to Sri Lanka and to promote the east coast

This 100% female event provides an opportunity for women to test their mental and physical endurance all whilst enjoying the beautiful environment and enthralling culture of the host country. The increasing popularity of fitness and wellbeing coupled with a growing desire for adventure makes this the perfect event for women who want to push themselves out of their comfort zone and enjoy the adventure of a lifetime. The challenging nature of the Raid Amazones helps empower and develop a spirit of intense bonding, cooperation and support between all the women taking part.

In addition, the Raid Amazon comes with immense international media coverage for the eventvia print, television, radio, internet and social media providing excellent exposure for Sri Lanka as a country and tourism destination. This coverage will create international publicity and awareness for the host destination estimated to be worth around $10 million. Showcasing Sri Lanka as a diversified, eco-friendly and compact destination that future travellers should include in their holidays plans. Furthermore, the coverage will help Sri Lanka brand itself as a top adventure tourism destination, a sector which has not yet met its full potential within the country.

The event is organised by French based ZBO and their Sri Lankan partner Connaissance de Ceylan, whose major subsidiary includes Theme Resorts & Spas Ltd. The accommodation partner and host hotel for the event is Amaya Beach Passekudha. The event is supported and approved by the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Defence and the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, who is also a generous sponsor of the event. The logistical support and guidance of the three forces – Navy, Army and Air Force; and the Governor of the Eastern Province has been invaluable for this event. 

Pix by Kumarasiri Prasad