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I saw a story about this today on the Washington Post and wondered if anyone else has heard about it? Apparently the entrants have to sign a three-word waiver that simply states “You may die!” I have heard of adventure racing and done some pretty extreme stuff myself but dont think I would be up for this. The Race website is pretty interesting.
That does sound interesting, but there's some strange competitions included. I wouldn't worry about dying in the race because I'd probably die training for it. ;D
I have been close to death enough in my life that I dont feel the need to do something like that to prove anything to myself or others. I just think it is strange that people will go for stuff like that. I once knew a guy that was an ultr-runner and would run like three-day 240 mile races through the desert in New Mexico and west Texas. He was a little off, he also ran a six-minute mile when we took our PT Test.
Why do people rock climb? The element of danger makes things a little more exciting and gets the adrenaline going. I don't think it's as much proving oneself as it is like a drug to some people.
I don't think it's as much proving oneself as it is like a drug to some people.
I'd say you are spot on there. I have never understood any of these ultra-extreme "sports".
Skiing may not be an ultra extreme sport, but I can understand the rush. Some people ski or carve casually, and some of us like to go full throttle. My most memorable ski runs are those where I'm on the edge of disaster, out-of-control speed. It's a freaking blast, man!
Combat is a rush but that does not mean I want to do it over and over again. I guess I can understand why people do it, I still think they are idiots for risking their lives over something as frivolous as getting an adrenaline high. At least in combat I was risking my life for something I felt was worthwhile. ( No, I will not debate the morals or merits of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan)
Because it's fun to be a little scared, I guess. But with some of the really extreme sports, where physical harm is almost guaranteed, I think it's suicidal. I remember watching rock climbers in NH. Everyone was tethered except for this one guy who was doing free climbing (no ropes, no nothing). Something is definitely wrong with that, IMO.
Apparently, a whole lot of people watch this type of sport, remember the popularity of UFC, which is in the same league in my opinon. The question in my mind becomes how are these kinds of sports different from say, bear baiting or Roman Gladiatorial contests. Is there a moral dimension to getting a kick out of watching people be idiots as opposed to doing it yourself?
AS a fan of MMA yes it's violent, but I don't think it's a moral issue. The competitors as well as the fans know what it's going to be like. I like MMA because it's not always the biggest and strongest guy who wins, it's the most talented fighter.
You could also argue that the fans and competitors in the Roman Coliseum knew what it was going to be like as well. Knowledge does not necessarily make something morally correct. Don't get me wrong, I do not say that there is a moral dimension to watching these type of sports, I am just trying to get a discussion going. There have been these same types of discussions about boxing. My personal opinion is if the competitors voluntarily agree to the conditions of the sport then there is no moral issue with watching. To me, that is the big difference between UFC and Gladiatorial combat, consent. Many gladiators were slaves who had no choice.I guess it all comes down to free will. People choose to take part in this Death Race and that is their right. I can still they they are stupid for doing it though.
I think it's crazy more than stupid.As for gladiators, it may of started as slaves, but it ended up being a professional sport of sorts. They gad gladiator schools and the competitors were paid and housed.
