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Adventure Racing: When Running Isn’t Enough

Got that running thing down pat? Ready for a new challenge? Try adventure racing—a combination of trail running, biking, paddling and good old-fashioned navigation. You don’t need to be an elite athlete. All you need is a little get-up-and-go and a sense of adventure.

Adventure racing. For the die-hards, these events are about elite athleticism, courage, and a ‘show me what you’re made of’ kind of raw endurance. Amateur athletes, however, can approach the races with something less than Rambo-like fortitude and still find a home in the sport.

At major events such as Primal Quest or XStream races, competitors can spend up to 10 days paddling, biking, and mountain climbing to complete the course. Sleep deprivation is part of the challenge and merely finishing is an accomplishment.

But as the popularity of adventure racing booms, the sport is simultaneously becoming more accessible. Local clubs are popping up, hosting short, one-day events appropriate for even casual sport enthusiasts.

“There’s something for everyone,” said Jonathan Phillips, Air Force staff sergeant and member of the Valdosta Adventure Racing Team.

Phillips, who got into the sport a little over a year ago, says he’s seen people of all abilities participate.

“It’s a chance to get outdoors and be healthy,” Phillips said.

Amateur adventure races typically consist of mountain biking, trail running, canoeing or kayaking and some map and compass work called orienteering. More advanced races incorporate swimming, whitewater paddling, and ropes or climbing.

One of Phillips’ favorite components is orienteering. During that segment, players use a topographic map and compass and follow natural land features to locate hidden markers.

“I love going out and finding a checkpoint,” he said. “You get your next direction where to go after that, and you have to navigate your way around.”

A typical adventure race will run anywhere from six to eight hours. Depending on the course, racers might complete a 5-10K run, 6-12 mile mountain bike ride, 3-5 mile paddle, and 2-4 miles of orienteering, said Phillips.

Racers pay anywhere from $30 to $90 per person to participate.

Team Sport

Somewhat unique to adventure racing is the element of teamwork. Adventure races are generally completed as a team, not a relay. Everyone runs, everyone bikes, and everyone paddles. Together. For some, shall we say, ‘less than cohesive’ teams, the interpersonal element adds an additional layer to the challenge.

“We train at least once a week all together,” said Phillips. “During the week we take whatever opportunity we can to do that on our own.”

Getting Started

To get started, look up a club on the USA Adventure Racing site (www.usara.com). If you can’t build a team of your own, hook up with an existing group.

“Look up a team. Start emailing them and get plugged in,” said Phillips. “They’re a great bunch of people.”

Once you have a team, you’ll need some basic gear including a good pair of running shoes (duh, right?) and a wide tire bike. Depending on the event, you may also need to provide your own canoe.

Check the required gear list on the event website before you go. Plan to bring basic safety equipment like bike helmets and life vests. Participants are often required to carry first aide supplies, a cell phone, sunscreen and insect repellent. Kill two birds with one stone and add an extra layer of security with buji Block™, an anti-poison ivy lotion and sunscreen combined.

One more thing to bring, said Phillips is “a winning attitude.”

“By the end of the day you’re worn out no matter what you do,” he said. “It’s a real sense of accomplishment when you cross the finish line before the clock goes. It’s a good time.”

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