Yellowknife (July 09/04) - If you think you're a true Northerner join 11 brave teams who will put that question to the test this weekend.

If you think you're a true Northerner join 11 brave teams who will put that question to the test this weekend.On July 10, participants of the 3P Adventure Race will hike through the back country, paddle over open water, catch their own food and try to be the first team to return.

3P, which stands for "Paddle, Peddle and Piddle" is being hosted by the Yellowknife Multisport Club. The name started as a joke, but stuck.

The course is being kept a secret until race day, organizer Chris Carthew said.

"I don't think it will be impossible for anyone. I think it will be challenging," he said.

"The hardest part is it will be eight to 12 hours. People aren't used to being active for that amount of time."

Because of the length of the race, Carthew said a lot of thought has been put into safety.

The Community Emergency Response Team, the Auxiliary Coast Guard and volunteers will be on hand to ensure no one gets hurt or lost for too long.

"We're going all-out," said Carthew.

Aside from the opportunity to do something a little different, racers will also get a chance to commune with nature in the Great Slave region.

"Hopefully people will get a better appreciation of their environment and the beauty of it, and the unique place that we live in," said Carthew.

In years to come, as the race grows in popularity, it's hoped to attract participants from all over the territory and possibly even Nunavut and Alberta.