The Seamen’s Church Institute (SCI) announces the SCI Mountain Challenge, a first-of-its-kind event in North America supporting the Institute’s mariner welfare programs and services.
Mariners train to endure uncomfortable things—months on the water, living in confined quarters, alone and at the mercy of the elements. This September, the Seamen’s Church Institute (SCI), North America’s largest mariners’ service agency, asks landlubbers to consider stepping out of their comfort zone, too, stretching their perceived physical and psychological limits in a test of endurance. From September 19-22, teams of three people compete in the SCI Mountain Challenge, tackling five iconic summits in western Maine.
The SCI Mountain Challenge testifies to the importance of physical wellbeing for professionals working in extreme environments. Just as mariners wrestle with changeable currents and conditions on the water, participants in this event will engage with the wild elements of rugged mountainous terrain. Each must condition his or her body for the difficulties of this journey, preparing to confront the trail at the top of his or her game.
SCI targets this new event toward corporate teams (although anyone can register to participate). Event creators have designed the challenge to test problem-solving skills, promote teamwork and stretch boundaries. The demanding 25-mile route requires intense preparation and dedication.
Over the course of two days, competitors traverse 25 miles (40 km) and 7,874 feet (2,400 m) of elevation gain. The route tackles five iconic summits in the western Maine mountains: Burnt Mountain, Sugarloaf Mountain (4,250 ft / 1,295 m), Spaulding Mountain (4,010 ft / 1,222 m), Barker Mountain (2,594 ft / 791 m), and Jordan Mountain (2,653 ft / 809 m). SCI awards several prizes for the SCI Mountain Challenge, determined through a combination of fastest competition times and amount of donations achieved before the race.
Each team pays a registration fee and takes responsibility for a combined philanthropic fundraising goal. Registration includes two full days on the mountain trails, as well as post-race festivities and transportation between mountains, lodge and to/from Portland, ME airport.