Adapted from California ARA:

Adventure Racing
Adventure Racing (AR) is similar to a wilderness triathlon. The three main disciplines include kayaking, mountain biking, and trekking (walking, hiking, running). This is where the similarities end. Orienteering and navigation skills are put to the test as adventure races typically lack a marked course and the details of the race are not known until 15-30 minutes prior to the start of the race. What truly sets AR apart, however, is the team aspect. Races are often done as part of a two, three or four person team. Combining individual strengths with navigational skills will get a team to the finish line. AR is truly a unique atmosphere bringing competition and community together.

Watch this 5-minute video from the 2008 Tahoe Big Blue Adventure Race:

Teamwork
Adventure racing is a team sport. Races can be done solo, but are often done as a two, three, or four person team. Divisions include all female, all male and coed. Every teammate is expected to do all the race disciplines and the team must stay together at all times. That means that a team with an elite kayaker, strong cyclist and a fast runner may not necessarily be the fastest team. Teams need to work together taking advantage of each other’s strengths.

Navigation and Race Format
Navigation and orienteering are typically only a small part of sprint (2-4 hour) races. In the longer races (6-12 hours and up), navigation plays an important role. Adventure races have a starting point and a finish line. A short time before the race start, the race organizer provides a course map which includes various checkpoints (CPs) that the teams must reach before finishing. Part of the adventure is not knowing the course ahead of time. The route to reach a CP is not specified. Teams will have to decide on the best route based on the team’s strengths and abilities. A race passport is used to register a team’s arrival at a CP.

Disciplines
Mountain biking is 50-60% of the race. Fireroad, singletrack and paved roads.
Trekking is 30-40% of the race. Fireroads, singletrack and sometimes bushwhacking (watch for poison oak!!).
Kayaking is 10-20% of the race. Lake, ocean, or river. *Kayaks are typically provided for the sprint races. Longer races require you provide your own kayak (kayaks can be rented).

Race Length
2-4 Hour Sprint Race – This race distance is considered the entry level for adventure racing and is perfect for beginners. With the percentages discussed earlier, racers can expect to be riding for 1.5-2 hours, trekking for 1-1.5 hours and kayaking for 30 minutes. Faster teams are able to finish in two hours, while new adventure athletes will take the full four hours. In general, the order of the disciplines is mandated by the race organizer. Basic navigation skills are a plus, but not necessarily required. Depending on the race, the course may be marked. As the name implies, the pace of the race is fast.

6-12 hour adventure race – This is the next step up from the sprint race and racers are more responsible for their own orienteering. Strong navigation skills are required for these events. Biking will last 3-4+ hours, trekking 2-3+ hours and kayaking 1-2+ hours. The order of events is not known until 15-30 minutes before the race start. In some cases, the order is determined by the team and not by the race organizer. The pace of the race is slower than the sprint races, but still quick. Time is taken to check maps, transition, strategize and eat/drink.

24 hour adventure race – CrossFit Adventure has yet to tackle a 24 hour adventure race. Like the marathon for runners and the century for biking, the 24 hour adventure race seems to be the defining distance for the extreme athlete. Racers can expect 12+ hours of mountain biking, 6+ hours of trekking and 4+ hours of kayaking. More than physical strength and endurance are required for this type of race; athletes must contend with cold night temperatures, sleep deprivation, equipment failure and manage food intake for nutrition and good digestion.

Expedition adventure racing – This is a general term to describe multi-day racing. 48 hours, 3 day, 5 day, 10 day and more are available in this category of racing. Desert crossings, mountain ascents, and whitewater rafting are just some of the exotic disciplines waiting for expedition athletes. You may be familiar with the old Eco-Challenge and current Primal Quest races.

Racing Season
Racing begins in April and usually continues until November. There are opportunities to race locally and also travel to other states and countries.

Upcoming Races
There are several race outfitters, but CrossFit Adventure typically follows two in particular:

Big Blue Adventure Race Series and NorCal Adventure Racing Series. Check their calendars to find the next race.

Check our “Upcoming Events” in the right sidebar to find races and other events that CrossFit Adventure members will be attending.

Check California ARA’s calendars (map and standard) for a full listing of upcoming races in the western United States.