Eastern United States Chosen For First Gold Rush Competition

Jan. 3, 2011 - PRLog -- Many Americans don’t realize that the first gold rush occurred on the east coast of the United States.  A large gold nugget was first discovered on the Reed Farm in North Carolina in 1799, and that sparked a surge of gold mining activity that lasted until the California Gold Rush and the economically devastating Civil War.  

Kevin Owen, Senior Vice President and Assistant Director of Operations stated that “the East Coast was chosen as the first competition region because of its significant historical connection to early American commerce.  We thought it was important to conduct our first competition right where the gold rush started in the United States.  Most people don’t realize that a private mint was first operated by Christopher Bechtler and his family from 1830-1852 in Rutherfordton NC.  The gold coins this family produced preceded any gold coins made by the government by almost 19 years.”  

Claes Nordin, Senior Vice President and Director of Teams, has the task of introducing 38 competitors to some very unfamiliar and challenging territory.  “I’ve prospected for gold in many of the gold bearing regions within the United States.  The East Coast has its own set of unique challenges.  The erosion of the piedmont took place over thousands of years.  This created many placer deposits in smaller rivers and streams scattered throughout the gold belt along the East Coast.  Locating these pay streaks is very difficult and will be a major challenge for even the most experienced teams.”

The Race For Gold has plans to conduct eight competitions on five continents.  Diverse teams of men and women race to find as much naturally deposited gold as possible in a total span of 28 days.   Endurance is key and teamwork is critical.  The pressure mounts as teams race against each other to secure the most gold and a shot at the $325,000 prize.  

More information can be found at www.theraceforgold.com.

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The Race For Gold is a team competition in which diverse teams of men and women spend 28 days racing to discover the most precious mineral known to man. Follow the drama and excitement in mankind's most epic challenge... The Race For Gold.