Teva Lea Race
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Teva Lea Race is Australia's longest-running extreme race.[1]
The first Lea Extreme Race was held in 2003 on short section on the Lea River.[2] The inaugural race and subsequent 10 races were organized by the Derwent Canoe Club and Hobart paddling identity Leigh Weighton. The race has developed a strong local following as a grass roots[3] and with international competition, creating an elite field[4]
The Lea Race, as it is colloquially known, celebrated its 10th anniversary on 6 October 2012[5]
The race course runs through many rapids, with the three largest drops being "First Drop", a clean 2 m waterfall, "Screaming Plastic Surgeons" having a total drop of 8 m, with the last drop being a 4 m waterfall and "Proctologist's Twist" being a slide followed by a 4 m drop into a slot[6]
Format
The race is undertaken in teams of two, with competitors providing safety for their teammate, on several of the larger drops additional safety personnel are placed.[7] The pair must complete the course at the same time, and the race time is determined from when the second paddler crosses the finish line.
On the following day a ball race is normally conducted on the course, which involves the team of two successfully pushing or guiding an inflatable fit ball down the river.
