1. Calling All Adventure Seekers
Adventure racing is similar to triathlons in that both races combine a few different skills. That's where the similarities end, however. One adventure race can be vastly different than another one, depending on the individual race. Most races involve orienteering or navigation, running, biking, paddling and scrambling. They can last more than a week or just a few hours. Adventure racers competing in races that span several days must decided when to sleep, and there is no mandatory rest time. Adventure racing isn't typically a solo sport, although some races have individual categories. Traditionally, an adventure racing team consists of three to five coed members.
2. Train for the Unexpected
Many times, adventure racers have no idea what they're in for until the race in underway. The nature of adventure racing makes it difficult to train for every task, but there are fundamental disciplines racers can master for a race. An adventure racer would be well advised to train for trail running, mountain biking and paddling, likely kayaking and canoeing. A creative race director might also include rollerskating, horseback riding, rappelling and paragliding. Nearly every race involves orienteering, so racers must be familiar with using maps, guides and navigation devices.
3. From a Sprint to an Expedition
The length of adventure races depends on the individual race and are grouped into five different categories. A sprint typically lasts two to six hours. A 12-hour race can be completed in six to 12 hours. A 24-hour race lasts from 18 hours to more than 30 and often requires in-depth navigation. A multi-day race is 36 hours to more than 48 hours and generally includes advanced navigational skills. An expedition lasts from three days to more than 1 week. Multi-day and expedition races require racers to make critical decisions regarding route choice and when, or if, to sleep.
4. Common Conduct
Nearly every adventure race has a few universal rules. Teams aren't allowed to use any form of motorized travel. Assistance from anyone other than fellow racers is prohibited except at designated stations. Teams need to carry all their essential gear, although in longer races, some gear can be transported by the race team's crew. Many adventure races assess penalties for unsportsmanlike conduct, failure to travel as a team and destruction of nature.
5. Staying Safe on the Trail
Adventure races incorporate checkpoints throughout the race. These checkpoints have a dual purpose. They ensure racers are completing the race according to the intended routes and serve an important safety function. The checkpoints give the racers some respite if they choose to rest, and medical personnel are on hand. If a team never makes it to a checkpoint, rescuers have to search only between the two checkpoints rather than the entire race area.
Member Comments