Red Bull X-Alps for the Foundation for Free Flight

With an 11% finish rate, the Red Bull X-Alps is billed as the world’s toughest adventure race. The combination of trekking, running, mountaineering and paragliding (foremost) is one of the most exciting and rigorous hybrids to emerge from mountain sports. Held every other year since 2003, the 9th edition will start in Austria June 16, 2019.

Over the years, the race has attracted some of the world’s most elite adventurers and has pushed them to their limits. It demands not only expert paragliding skills but extreme physical and mental endurance. Some athletes will hike over 100km a day, gaining 1000’s of meters in altitude. Most athletes during the course of the 12 day race will climb the height of Mt Everest 4 times or more!

Each team consists of one athlete and one or more supporter. The supporter is a team member who helps with navigation, tactics, weather, food, water, medical needs, mental support, safety, and driving the support vehicle. The role of the supporter is hugely important – they truly are the unsung heroes of the race.

Team USA consists of 3 of the 32 selected teams from 19 countries, Gavin McClurg (USA 1), Willi Cannell (USA 2), and Cody Mittanck (USA3). We’re raising money for our favorite charity, the Foundation for Free Flight which protects free-flight across North America through site preservation, safety and education, and support of US Competitions.