Primal Quest: Who Is Don Mann?

The good folks from South Dakota, who will be playing host to Primal Quest Badlands this summer, put out a cool press release earlier today with all kind of information about my PQ boss Don Mann. Don is the director of PQ, and the quite an interesting guy, as you'll see below.

Primal Quest Adventure Racing: Who is Don Mann?

PIERRE, S.D. – As a retired Navy SEAL, American adventure racing pioneer, co-founder of Odyssey Adventure Racing and Director of Primal Quest Adventure Racing; Don Mann is the man!

“Don Mann is just one of those guys who has been there and done that. Pulling from his unique life experiences he is able to produce events that allow participants, whether competitors or volunteers, to redefine their limits,” said Chris Caul, Primal Quest Course Director. “I've known Don for just over 12 years now and I often wonder how different my life might have been if I had not signed up for that first “Don Mann race”. I am glad I did and am honored to call him a friend.”

Don is an extraordinary person who has inspired and motivated people from all over the world; including business professionals, government and military personnel, Navy SEALs, and athletes from beginner level to world-class. He has staged more multi-day, multi-sport races than any other individual in the world.

“After getting to know Don over the phone I was so intrigued that it was exciting to finally meet him in person. Don not only sees the best in everything and everyone; he sees no limits,” said Matt Reed, Sports & Events Sales Manager for the Rapid City Convention and Visitors Bureau. “When you hear stories of Don’s amazing life experiences you are left asking yourself, ‘Have I done everything I’m capable of? Have I challenged my limits?’ He just has that effect on people.”

Did You Know…

·Don’s first running race was the Boston Marathon; his first triathlon was the Hawaii Ironman; and his first adventure race was the 500-mile/10-day Raid Gauloises in Patagonia.

·Don’s nickname in the SEAL Teams was Chief Warrant Officer Manslaughter, and in his civilian career he’s known as “Sweet Satan.”

·At the age of 45, Don competed in the Odyssey Double Iron Triathlon which is a 4.8-mile swim, 224-mile bike, and 52-mile run.

·Don is getting ready to publish his second book entitled, “The Modern Day Gunslinger.” Don’s first book is called “The Complete Guide to Adventure Racing.”

·Don moved from the New England states more than 30 years ago, and he still has a considerable and “proper”, as he calls it, New England accent.

To learn more about Don Mann and Primal Quest Badlands, please visit EcoPrimalQuest.com.

The Rapid City Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) has partnered with the South Dakota Office of Tourism through the Million Dollar Challenge program to bring Primal Quest to the state. The Million Dollar Challenge program is part of the 2010 Initiative to double visitor spending in South Dakota. The Office of Tourism serves under the direction of Richard Benda, Secretary of the Department of Tourism and State Development. Program requirements, applications and additional information are available at www.SDVisit.com.