On the Map

Women’s leaders, readers, events, and adventures around the world . . .

Courtesy of Charles Lane

ARIZONA: See dozens of people drop out of the sky in Eloy, Ariz., where the USPA National Skydiving Championships will take place from October 27 to November 5. As the largest annual skydiving event in the world, the competition features over 500 competitors participating in over 24 events, from freestyle skydiving to formation skydiving, in which teams attempt to form geometric shapes during freefall. uspa.org

Courtesy of U.S. Paralympics

LOS ANGELES: The 2012 UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships will be held February 10–12, 2012 in Los Angeles, making it the second time the United States has ever hosted the event. The race involves about 230 athletes from 30 countries, but it holds special significance for the United States, as it is the final event that will determine who qualifies for the 2012 Paralympic team. homedepotcenter.com

MEXICO: Run and play in Mazatlan, Mexico, December 3–4, 2011 for the Great Pacific Marathon. The marathon is December 4, along with a 5K, 10K, and half marathon. But the not-to-miss event is the night before: the release of 1,000 Olive Ridley sea turtles on the beach opposite the Mazatlan Aquarium. The aquarium releases the turtles to promote respect for the environment and family life among community and visitors. maraton.org

Courtesy of Iron Girl

DEL MAR: With a mission to empower women toward a healthy lifestyle, the Athleta Iron Girl Event Series has grown to 14 events nationwide. This fall, try a 10K in Del Mar, Calif., on November 6 or a half marathon in New Orleans on November 20. irongirl.com

Courtesy of Frontier Adventure Sports & Training

ONTARIO: New to adventure racing? No experience is needed for the Frontier AC Fall Classic on September 24 in Muskoka, Ontario. The event is designed as a fun first step into adventure racing. Try paddling, mountain biking, and trekking as part of a team of three or solo. Prepare yourself to be put to the test by this adventure race that could take 12 hours or longer to complete. facebook.com/frontieradventurechallenge

Courtesy of Peaks Foundation; Richard Donovan

AFRICA: This January, 12 professional female climbers will begin the Peaks Foundation’s 3 Peaks 3 Weeks Challenge, summiting three of East Africa’s highest mountains in a span of three weeks. The Peaks Foundation runs female climbing initiatives to raise money for local organizations, offering challenges like 3 Peaks 3 Weeks, 1 Peak 1 Week, and Your Peak Your Week. These 12 women will raise money for three East African non-profits while they climb. peaksfoundation.org

Courtesy of Martin Hatley

NORTH POLE: This February (delayed a year due to funds), Rosie Stancer will begin her second attempt to complete the first women’s North Pole solo expedition. For 60–70 days, Rosie will take on the frozen Arctic Ocean, walking, skiing, climbing, and swimming across 415 nautical miles. She’ll face polar bears, sleep deprivation, unstable ice conditions, extreme weather, and temperatures as low as -40° C. During her first attempt in 2007, Rosie was airlifted out with just 89 nautical miles to go. Now, she wants to show others that it really is possible to achieve their goals. rosiestancer.com

ANTARCTIC: The seventh Antarctic Ice Marathon, the southernmost marathon on earth, takes place November 30, 2011. The race is located just a few hundred miles from the South Pole at the foot of the Ellsworth Mountains with an altitude of 3,000 feet. It’s a unique opportunity, but with an average windchill of -20° C and winds that can blow from the South Pole at a steady 10-25 knots, don’t expect to set a PR. icemarathon.com

LONDON: In 2012, the last Olympic sport to feature only male participants will finally include women. Thirty-six female boxers will get the opportunity to throw some Olympic punches for the first time in London next summer. Three female weight classes have been added to the boxing competition, making this an historic Olympic Games. london2012.com

AUSTRALIA: The all-female triathlon series in Australia, Triathlon Pink, has five events this fall and winter in Sydney, Gold Coast, Perth, Sunshine Coast, and Melbourne. Proceeds go to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, which is a not-for-profit foundation established to promote and support research in every aspect of breast cancer. You can compete as a team or individual in the short, medium, or long course. triathlonpink.com.au

CHINA: Haiyang, China will host the 3rd Asian Beach Games from June 16–22, 2012. The games include 45 countries participating in 12 events, featuring a combination of modern sports and variations on traditional ones. Dragon Boat racing, powered paragliding, beach handball, and beach basketball are among the exciting competitions taking place next summer. ocasia.org

Courtesy of Tourism Port Douglas

AUSTRALIA: On November 14, 2012, a total solar eclipse will send a Queensland, Australia, morning into darkness. To commemorate the breathtaking two minutes during which the sun is completely covered by the moon, runners will participate in an event unlike any other: the Solar Eclipse Marathon. At Four-Mile Beach, runners will begin the race when the sun starts to reappear in the sky, finding an active way to celebrate the wonders of the universe. solar-eclipse-marathon.com