1) The Lautrup brothers compete in the Sea to Sea expedition race in Florida over 72 hours and 300 miles. (Photo by Legendary Randy Ericksen Films), 2) The Lautrup brothers swim across the ocean with filled garbage bags of their gear in the Sea to Sea expedition race. (Photo by Legendary Randy Ericksen Films)

NORWICH – From February 26 to March 1, Jason Lautrup and his brother Dan competed in the 72 hour Sea to Sea: Expedition Race in St Augustine, Florida. The expedition was a 300 mile race with several checkpoints and competitors had to bike, swim, canoe, and even run. The race started at Cedar Key on the West Coast and made its way back to St. Augustine.

“It was a chance to challenge each other,” Jay said about signing up with his brother. “We did not train for it, kind of just “winged” it but went in with a “no quit” attitude, just looking to finish the race.”

Lautrup and his brother were happy to have finished the race, especially after enduring a 22 mile canoe paddle and taking short combat naps to stay in the game. They even almost ran out of water, but were grateful to find a “hillbilly” in a pickup truck to give them a few bottles as well as find a gas station up ahead. The Lautrups had to carry all their food and water, even had their gear tied up in garbage bags when they had to swim.

They had a tracking device on them at all times and family and friends kept track of them and cheered them on and could send them “snail mail.” They did not have cellphones or a GPS, only a map and compass to find their way. They finished 49th of 52 teams.