I usually (read: never) don't talk about myself in the third person; however, in announcing my upcoming New YorkATHON adventure, I thought it might be best to simply post the press release. I'm very excited to launch another state in my ongoing 'StateATHON' project that emphasizes two of my main philosophies: Adventure is Everywhere (and) Have Fun. Do Good.

Polar Adventurer Eric Larsen to Lead 400-mile Human Powered 'NewYorkATHON' to Celebrate Adventure

Larsen will hike, bike, and canoe across the entire state in a 9-day journey, benefiting NYC Inspiring Connections Outdoors

(Crested Butte, Colo. - Oct 15, 2019) - On Monday, October 21, 2019, renowned polar adventurer Eric Larsen will set out to attempt a human-powered traverse of the entire state of New York. Starting at the state's northern border on Lake Champlain and making his way to the southern border in New York City, Eric and his adventure partner Gus Reynolds will canoe, hike, and pedal 400 miles across New York in 9 straight days, celebrating and creating a dialogue around the value of outdoor adventure in our lives, while showcasing the unique natural diversity of New York state.

Larsen is partnering with New York City Inspiring Connections Outdoors (NYC ICO), the Sierra Club's community outreach program for children and adolescents who face the challenges of growing up in New York's inner city areas, and hopes to raise $5,000 for the organization.

An accomplished polar adventurer and mountaineer, Larsen has completed more North and South Pole expeditions than any other American in history and in 2010 was the first person in history to successfully complete expeditions to the South Pole, North Pole and the summit of Mount Everest in a continuous 365-day period. In 2014, Larsen completed what will most likely be the last ever fully human-powered North Pole expedition in history.

Despite these high-level achievements, Larsen believes, "You don't have to climb Mount Everest to have a unique and challenging adventure. There are a lot of great opportunities in your own backyard." This is why Larsen is heading out on the back roads, trails, and waterways of New York. "I've completed two 'stateATHON' adventures in both Colorado and Wisconsin and plan to do similar adventures in all 50 states in the future. I'm very excited to experience New York's incredible natural resources and adventure opportunities."

Giving back is also a primary goal. "A big part of my adventuring spirit came from outdoor experiences similar to the programing that NYC ICO offers," added Larsen. He hopes to raise $5,000 to support NYC ICO adventures. Donations will go directly to their programming and can be made through the online fundraising page: https://www.classy.org/campaign/new-yorkathon-supporting-nyc-inspiring-connections-outdoors/c252861

Donors have the option of receiving one of several 'thank you' product packages with outdoor gear provided by several of Eric's sponsors and partners, including Citizen Watch, MSR, Seirus, Nite Ize, Sole, Peak Refuel, Therm-a-Rest, Osprey, Stanley, and others. Additionally, Eric's kayak, provided by Old Town Canoe, will be raffled by NYC ICO at their November 5Points Film Festival Fundraiser .

"New York City Inspiring Connections Outdoors is a 100% volunteer-run organization," says Katie George, NYC ICO's Chair. "This money will have a huge impact on our ability to provide young people with outdoor recreational opportunities, leadership training, positive group experiences and environmental education, while imbuing in them a love of nature and the outdoors."

Like most of his trips, Larsen's mission is to connect with people in real-time during his adventures, allowing anyone to follow the team's progress with live GPS tracking via Garmin's new GPSMAP 66i, a handheld GPS and Satellite Communicator. Daily audio podcasts, blog posts, social media content, and photos will be available on Larsen's website.

Upon reaching New York City, Larsen will join Citizen for a 30-year anniversary celebration of their adventure-inspired Promaster watch collection, taking place at Macy's Herald Square and hosted by the History Channel. The event on Thursday October 29th will be open to the public from 6-8 pm where guests will be able to hear directly from Larsen how Promaster watches have accompanied him throughout his own outdoor expeditions.

Eric hopes that his 9-day 'NewYorkATHON' adventure will plant the seeds for others to embark on their own unique journeys not only in New York but around the country and globe. As Larsen reminds us, "adventure is everywhere and these types of experiences have the power to teach valuable lessons about our ourselves, and equally important, our planet."

Larsen's adventures are sponsored by Citizen Watch with major support from Garmin. Additional expedition support is provided by Seirus, Mountain Safety Research, Therm-A-Rest, Stanley, Osprey, Nite Ize, Zeal Optics, Peak Refuel, SOLE, Oberto, Global Rescue, and Iridium. The NewYorkATHON also received product support from Trek Bicycles, Old Town Canoe, Pearl Izumi, Croakies, Clif Bar, UCO, Platypus, and Topeak.