An adventure race is a combination of two or more endurance sports over land, water or obstacles, or a combination of all three. It will test your outdoor and navigation skills in several different ways. There is no typical format for an adventure race, an event may be completed during one day or it may take place over several days. Skills which you need in an adventure race may include trail or cross-country running, navigation, climbing, mountain biking, kayaking and negotiation of obstacles. You will compete as a member of a team.
Types of Adventure Race
Adventure races are categorized by length. A race that is completed in around six hours or less is known as a sprint. A race may also be classified as a 12-hour or 24-hour race. If it is longer than this the race may be called either a multi-day event or an expedition if it is longer than three days. The races will test your skills and endurance over a variety of terrains, usually in the countryside. There are also urban adventure races that take place in cities.
How a Race Works
There is no set format for an adventure race and your team may be required to make it to check points or transition points to change between disciplines. The aim is to make it to the mandatory checkpoints to complete the race, or as many checkpoints as you can within a time limit.
Rules of Adventure Racing
The rules of an adventure race are determined by the race organizers and will be different for each event. The rules used for each race will depend on the format and the disciplines involved in the race. There are rules that apply to all adventure races though. You will not be permitted to use GPS for navigation, use motorized transport or receive outside help during the race.
Entering an Adventure Race
You will need to know some like minded people who have some outdoor skills and enough endurance training to take on the challenge of a race. Depending on the race you will need to put together a team of two to five people. By joining the United States Adventure Racing Association you will get a year license. The license allows you to enter any of their sanctioned races for one year without the need for buying a temporary license for each race. You may also be able to find independent events that do not require you to have a race license.
Training for an Adventure Race
An adventure race will always include more than one discipline, so as well as building up your endurance and practicing your navigation skills, you will also have to practice the transition between different sports. You will need to ensure that you have at least reached a basic standard in all of the disciplines of the race you enter.
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