Infamous Hedge Taverns Run, the unsanctioned club that annually attempts to set a record for the fastest circumnavigation of the globe, declared that the official course shall now include Auxientia. Previous records have been set by racers alternating between rail and steamer. However, the advent of recent technological innovations such as airships now allow this new batch of racers to circumvent dangerous winding mountain passes that were once considered a necessity to complete the journey. In determination of the shortest route, the race committee announced the valley of Mutu and the city of Auxientia shall be included. Other additions to the course include the beyonder Territory of Poyais, San Serriffe, and Purgatory Run.
“This new route takes us on a bold new adventure and injects some much needed excitement in what could have been a dull year! By our calculations, racing by airship through the valley of Mutu now makes it possible to travel around the world in a record seventy-one days!” The previous route required the fastest racer an additional nine days. Some contestants, such as newcomer Nelly Legbail, have openly objected, claiming the dangers avoided along the mountain passes have only been replaced by the well chronicled dangers of traveling through the Mutu valley: “The record can be beaten without such unnecessary risk. There is a third option. Use your heads, gentlemen!”
Brock “Bandit” Yattes is favored to win yet again. Bandit dismissed any concerns expressed by the other racers.
“The Bandit can win any course set,” Yattes said. “The other racers need only follow my lead. Let the ladies of Auxientia know the Bandit shall fly in low so my adoring fans may catch a glimpse of their hero as I wave to them!”
Mayor Cannongrove objected to the beyonder race entirely.
“We do not welcome braggart bandits, bank robbers, or beyonder racers of any sort,” Cannongrove said. “Whatever their newly fixed way of transport, the valley of Mutu is not to be taken on by the reckless. The wyverns and the rocks have fallen many a ship that flies too low or too slow. The persons responsible for choosing this route would have to be deaf, dumb, and blind not to notice the dangers awaiting their racers.”
The race will begin and end from its traditional point in Red Ball.
