Crested Butte, CO, June 19, 2020 – With the COVID-19 pandemic causing biking, running, and multi-sport races to be cancelled or postponed, and as retailers look for unique ways to connect with customers, one company is offering race organizers, event directors, and local retailers new opportunities to create dynamic virtual race experiences and outdoor community challenges.  

TerraQuest, which launched in January 2020, is a new digital platform that enables race directors and other organizations to create virtual races, fun competitions, and online contests. Using TerraQuest’s mobile app, participants can seamlessly navigate specific race routes and courses with audible turn-by-turn directions. Once they’ve crossed the finish line, a participant’s results — time, distance, average speed – are posted on the event’s online leaderboard.  

Whether it’s a local mountain bike competition or a large scale trail running race, TerraQuest is a user-friendly, cost-effective solution for race directors who want to evolve, pivot, and offer their participants a dynamic virtual race experience, this year and beyond. TerraQuest is also a great platform for organizations, including regional tourism boards and local bike shops, to create local contests and mileage challenges — giving customers, visitors, and locals fun ways to explore new trails and challenge themselves. Using TerraQuest’s app, event organizers and organizations can: 

  • Create audible turn-by-turn navigation and maps of recommended routes (including off-road trails) that work offline, without a cell connection:  compatible with participants’ smartphones and smartwatches, keeping racers safely on track without course marshals or markers.  
  • Track and record participants’ performances: accurate tracking with smartphone GPS or by linking to an individual’s Garmin, FitBit, or Strava account.
  • Post leaderboard results: create a sense of community and competitiveness by displaying the names and times of the leading competitors.  
  • Gamification of races and routes: offer incentives, prizes, and awards for participants based on times, age groups, etc.

After the 13th annual mountain bike race, the Growler, was cancelled – it was scheduled to take place May 23 and May 24 at Hartman Rocks in Gunnison County – race organizers shifted gears and partnered with TerraQuest to launch the “Virtual Growler”. Between May 23, 2020 to October 31, participants can complete the Growler course with TerraQuest’s turn-by-turn navigation and mapping features. Race times are uploaded to the Growler leaderboard, allowing participants to see how they stack up against the competition. Prizes for participation will be given out along with top finisher awards at the end of the race season.  

“Partnering with TerraQuest to put on the Virtual Growler has been a fantastic experience, “ says Tim Kugler, Growler Event Organizer & Gunnison Trails director. “In lieu of a large gathering, it’s been a great way to stay engaged with our community. As you ride, the TerraQuest app seamlessly navigates the course, turn-by-turn, using your phone or GPS device — which is a huge feature. Participants are also able to see how they stack up with each other on the Growler Leaderboard site, which has fostered a fun sense of competition.” 

Derrick Nehrenberg, CEO of TerraQuest, is excited to be working with a wide range of event directors and organizations. “While social distancing has become the new norm, people still want to venture outside and keep racing, now more than ever,” says Nehrenberg. “If I’m a race organizer or bike shop owner, I’m not only thinking about how to survive but how I can innovate now to thrive in this new normal. We love helping businesses and organizations adapt to current circumstances and future trends, and equipping people with the best tools to explore the outdoors.” 

For more information, including how you can get started using TerraQuest, visit the company’s website at TerraQuest.com.