The United States Adventure Racing Association (USARA) has selected Adventure Race Montenegro (ARM) as part of the “Grand Prize” awarded to USARA’s Number One Nationally Ranked Team in 2010. As part of the newly signed partnership agreement, USARA’s number one team will receive free entry into the 2011 ARM, and will be hosted by local organizers in the beautiful seaside town of Herceg Novi, Montenegro.

“Growth in the sport of Adventure Racing is exploding,” says Troy Farrar, President of USARA, “and not just in the United States, but around the world. Which is why we’re happy to support this professionally organized event in Montenegro.”

Jack Delf, Race Director for ARM stated “We are honored to partner with USARA, and look forward to welcoming America’s number one ranked team to compete in Adventure Race Montenegro. This will bring significant benefits to a country that is quickly gaining a reputation as Europe’s next adventure destination”.

Montenegro was featured in National Geographic Traveler’s “50 Places of a Lifetime” in October 2009, a short but highly prestigious list only published once every ten years. In January 2010 Lonely Planet named Montenegro their top “Where to Go in June” destination. And In May 2010 Tourism for Tomorrow named Montenegro a Finalist in their “Destination Stewardship Award”. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, Montenegro tourism revenues exceeded over one billion Euros in 2007, and the number of tourists visiting the country has grown by double-digits every year since 2005.

In fact, ARM is just one of eight races in the ever expanding Montenegro Adventure Series (MAS), which includes Southeastern Europe’s version of the Tour de France bicycling race; Montenegro’s version of Land Rover’s Camel Trophy / G4 Challenge off-road rally (featuring eco-friendly biodiesel vehicles); multiple mountain biking races; and the 31st FAI World Parachuting Championships.

When asked about this growth and interest in the newly independent country Kirsi Hyvaerinen, Advisor to Montenegro’s National Tourism Organization said: “Everyone in Southeastern Europe already knows how beautiful and adventurous Montenegro is as a destination. It’s nice to see these amazing local events finally start raising Montenegro’s profile among Western European and American tourists.”

About Montenegro Adventure Series (MAS)
The MAS is a collection of historical adventure / sports events that occur every year. The objective is to promote the events and bring together tourism, local businesses and non-profit organizations in a sustainable model. Please visit www.montenegroadventureseries.com.

About Adventure Race Montenegro (ARM)
ARM is a premier multi-sport race held every year in Europe’s fastest growing adventure destination: Montenegro. The spectacular Bay of Kotor provides the back drop for this exciting annual event, which raises funds to support local nonprofit organizations. Please visit www.adventureracemontenegro.com.

About United States Adventure Racing Association (USARA)
The USARA’s mission is to guide and assist race directors and committees in conducting fun, safe, and fair events. To provide for the health, welfare, and safety of participants, spectators, officials and volunteers. To aid in the continued positive growth of the sport of adventure racing. Please visit www.usara.com.

About National Tourism Organization (NTO)
The NTO’s mission is to enable both our citizens and guests to feel the spirit of Montenegro and to get acquainted with its beauties. Please visit www.montenegro.travel.

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