Suunto supports the Red Bull X-Alps, an ultimate adventure

Starting on July 7th, 2013 thirty-two athletes set off on an ultimate adventure outfitted in brand new Suunto Ambit 2s!

This will mark the sixth year of the Red Bull X-Alps, arguably the world’s toughest adventure race thanks to a 1031-kilometer route that spans from Salzburg, Austria, to Monaco along what many deem to be “some of the most challenging and inhospitable terrain in the Alps.”

Teams, which consist of one competitor and no more than two support-crew members, must navigate the distance by foot and/or paraglide.  And often, participants end up covering more than double the course distance.

This year, 32 athletes from 21 countries will head to the start in Salzburg and attempt to complete a course that includes a south to east traverse of the Dachstein massif, Innsbruck airspace and the highest mountain in Germany, Zugspitze, among other extreme challenges.

Good news for navigation: Everyone toeing the starting line will receive the brand new Suunto Ambit 2, the perfect companion for such a demanding mountain event. The Ambit 2 features an integrated GPS with heart rate monitoring functionality, advanced weather functions and multisport tracking among other, more customizable features.

Honza Rejmanek and Stephen Haase make up the two U.S. teams at the event. Rejmanek, 37, is an Atmospheric Scientist and experienced adventure racer who has finished in the top ten for the last three consecutive years. Hasse, on the other hand, while familiar with “sufferfests” is new to the Red Bull X-Alps. The 40-year-old comes to the race from a background in rock climbing and professional firefighting. Like all other athletes competing, you can track their live progress here, starting July 7.

Check back for more information about the event as race-day approaches. And, in the meantime, watch the 2013 video teaser, here.