High noon on Saturday, September 20th ...
before a bustling crowd at North Avenue Beach, the latest international Wild Onion Champions hailing from Australia were crowned. Team AROC, fresh off their second place finish at Primal Quest, completed the first expedition style Onion on schedule at just over 20 ^1/2 hours. Our friends from "Down Under" were still smiling after in-line skating for 16 miles, a 5-mile coasteer, canoeing for 22 miles, a 16-mile scooter, running a 1/2 marathon, biking a 1/2 century ... with a Sears Tower stair climb, orienteering & a rappel off the clock-towers at the end of Navy Pier thrown in for kicks. Along the way they visited some 14 Chicago fire houses, briefly visiting with the local firemen & taking some pictures to share with their mates back home.

Team Timex I, the victims of some bad luck in last year’s Onion, found only good fortune in this years edition as they took 2nd place honors. Hailing from Connecticut, the veteran foursome displayed their formidable determination & skills as they too enjoyed ideal race conditions.

Never knowing quite what you’ll get on a Chicago September day, the racers were blessed with ideal racing conditions. This was fortunate since the expedition style demanded that teams be totally self-sufficient. While most teams found the format more challenging, it was also greeted with positive enthusiasm ... except for maybe having to bike all their gear across the finish line. Even that couldn’t dampen the smiles & proud feelings of accomplishment for the Onion finishers.

Rounding out the 24-hour finishers were native Chicago team: Jim Class, Team Rand McNally from California, Team Moosejaw, & the Seven Elephants ... another group of local favorites.

Complete results will be posted as soon as they are officially tabulated. Thank you in advance for your patience. And a special thanks to all the athletes and volunteers who are the heart & soul of making the Wild Onion a success. You are a courageous inspiration for all to witness.