A unique two-hour fun race, aptly named Raiders of the Wilderness ARC, will take place in Fort William in the Scottish Highlands on the evening of Saturday 27 May, 2006.

It will precede The Wilderness ARC, the British Adventure Racing Championship 2006 and the UK's toughest endurance race, which starts on Monday 29 May.

Raiders of the Wilderness ARC is open to anyone over 14 years of  age*.  No special sporting or technical skills are required, but a sense of fun and adventure are a must.  The course, which will be completed on foot and by bike and entirely self-navigated by a Raider, promises to be exciting, varied, and crammed with unique challenges and an eclectic assortment of obstacles.

Although not physically demanding, it is designed to give competitors a sense of exhilaration coupled with an unforgettable taste of what adventure racing is about.  The only equipment needed will be a mountain bike (or hybrid), helmet, sturdy pair of trainers and waterproof jacket.

Following a colourful athletes' parade through the town centre, Raiders, in teams of two, will venture off from Cameron Square at 7pm in their quest for the 'Holy Grail of Fort William'.

Course planner Gary Tompsett said: 'Fort William is an awesome  location, always has been, but you don't fully appreciate it until you get to the jagged edges of the town – which you will!  Navigation and orienteering will be key to the teams' success as they battle it out to reach a number of checkpoints in the two hours allowed.  At each checkpoint they will be awarded points as they search for the Holy Grail and their passage back to Cameron Square and the ensuing street party!'

Along the way Raiders will encounter (and rub shoulders with) the athletes competing in the Wilderness ARC Prologue.  Then, at 9pm, everyone will return to  Cameron Square for Fort William's legendary Bank Holiday Street Party, supported by the Outdoor Capital of the UK and Lochaber Enterprise, which will be  buzzing with athletes, spectators, residents and visitors.

Jim Mee of Detail Events, co-creator of the Wilderness ARC and creator of Raiders of the Wilderness ARC, said: 'Whereas the Wilderness ARC is pretty much the toughest race imaginable, the Raiders event is designed for one and all and is a taster of the main action.  It will meet and compete with elite endurance athletes and - who knows - maybe some of these have-a-go heroes will even walk home with the Grail in pole position!'

Ruari Watt of No Fuss, the event management company based in Fort William adds: 'The weekend will be the biggest of the year for Fort William with both the Wilderness ARC and the Mountain Bike World Cup.  For multi-sports enthusiasts and would-be adventure racers Raiders of the Wilderness ARC will be a fun and accessible challenge for locals and visitors alike.'

Those interested in participating can register either online at http://aceraces.co.uk/wildernessarc/raiders.htm or at the Nevis Centre between 5pm and 6pm on the day of the race.  The cost is £10 per Raider.

* Children between 14 and 18 years of age must be in a pair with either a legal parent of guardian.