There are only a handful of ultra endurance events around the world that require intense crew preparation and participation in order to ensure all athletes, crews, volunteers and event staff have a safe and rewarding experience. EPIC5 is certainly one of these select few events. In fact, at EPIC5 we liken the interaction among athletes and their crews to that of Formula One Drivers and their crews. Without a well-prepared, dedicated pit crew, failure and unsafe conditions are a certainty for a Formula One Driver.
Along with athletes, EPIC5 Crews must deal with extreme sleep deprivation, unpredictable and many times punishing weather conditions, intense travel from day-to-day event locations, athlete and crew navigation over 1131km, performance in low-visibility conditions (particularly at night) and managing complicated logistical matters for the athlete and themselves. All of this while the EPIC5 Crew’s main responsibility is caring for every mental, emotional, spiritual and physical need that may come up for its athlete—over five consecutive days in an adventurous, unfamiliar location almost always a very far distance from home.
This is not for the faint of heart. And this is why we at EPIC5 say that this is a spiritual, mental and physical journey for EPIC5 Crew Members as much as it is for its athletes. This is also why once an athlete has applied for and been accepted to an EPIC5 Event, that athlete’s Crew Chief will go through the C5 Program and become certified as an EPIC5 Crew Chief. The cost of this certification program is included in the entry fee and is conducted remotely on a flexible schedule so as not to become overwhelming, but nevertheless it must be taken seriously and must be completed prior to the EPIC5 Event for which that person will be a Crew Chief.
Always Live Epically.