Multisport races and triathlons are known to inflict intense physical strain on the body. But a pair of challenges held at Innsbrook on Saturday tested the mental and emotional strength of those participating as well. Ultramax Events of Columbia hosted the Adventure Max 8-hour race as well as a shorter trimax event, welcoming in 80 different teams. Competitors had to run, bike and canoe their way through the resort. The team tagged The Terrible Toms claimed first place in the triathlon event. Although regulars on the multisport circuit, the Columbia-based team comprised of Tom Hall and Tom Tomicki faced some unfamiliar challenges. Like many competitors, the Terrible Toms struggled to navigate the course and lost ground after an incorrect turn. "The run was a killer because it's up and down, up and down," said Tomicki. "The navigation was tough too. We lost several minutes missing the checkpoint and had to go back." They say the key to getting through the uncertainty was staying calm and designating one team member to handle the navigation. The Terrible Toms were particularly successful during the canoe challenge. "We coordinated well and had fast paddling," said Tomicki. "And we had clean checkpoints with no wandering around, which was important." Their ability to work cooperatively wasn't necessarily a result of familiarity with one another. It was only about a month ago that the duo decided to enter the challenge. Neither had done an event quite like this, despite being veterans on the multisport scene. "This is the first time we've competed together," said Hall. "We didn't even train together." They adjusted promptly during a challenge that took its toll on athletes both physically and emotionally. A pair of recent Warrenton graduates found out the dangers of triathlon events first hand. Cory Cameron and Matt Wortham were in third place in the trimax event when Cameron lost control of his bike and suffered lacerations to his arm that meant the end of the road for their team. Those who desired an even greater challenge opted to tackle the Adventure Max race, which featured longer distances and more rigorous demands. Triathletes were allowed up to eight hours to complete the race. The Kansas City-based team comprised of brothers Bob and Ben Slagel finished over an hour ahead of their nearest competition during the Adventure Max race. The duo just recently made a spontaneous decision to sign up for the race. "We just threw this on our calendar about two weeks ago and said it would be fun to come out here and try," said Ben Slagel. "This kind of training pays dividends, especially for Ironman." They trusted their athletic ability but weren't as certain about their ability to navigate. "I think we knew our engines would be good," said Ben. "It was our skill set that lacked." The Adventure Max began at 6 a.m. and with the Slagels being the first team through, they were forced to break the ice - literally. "We felt comfortable in the water, although we had never canoed before," said Bob Slagel. "It was kind of crazy because there was still some ice on the lake, and we had to crash our canoe through the ice. The cracking felt like we were in the North Atlantic." Although Bob is 14 years older than Ben, the two have bonded through many years on the competitive circuit. They feel that camaraderie gives them a unique advantage. "It seemed like a lot of people ran into issues getting along or getting tired, and we knew we wouldn't run into those things," said Ben. Taking second place in the Adventure Max was the coed team Out2Hammer, comprised of Laura Scherff and Ken Debeer. The Ultramax series will return to Innsbrook on June 26 for its Quartermax Triathlon event.