What is Adventure Racing?

[ODB]

I thought I'd post this for those unfamiliar:

It is generally a team sport, comprising a mixed team of three or four(mixed means at least one member of the opposite sex), who compete together in several different human-powered events whcih can include mountain biking, some form of paddling (canoeing/kayaking), trail running, hiking, rope work such as ascending and rapelling and navigation.

The skils are combined in sequence to form a non-stop race, often in a remote area.

There are four main categories:

Sprint Races:
These are one day races and a good introduction to the sport.
They can last 4 - 12 hours, and give competitors a chance to use all the required skills.

Intermediate Races:
These are slighlty longer, and generally are held over a weekend.
They can be either non-stop, where the team continues to compete through the night, or can involve an overnight stop, and the teams finish the race the next day.
Normally a cut-off time will be imposed on the first day, and teams arriving after this may risk disqualification.
Expect to cover a distance of 100+ miles (160k).

Stage Races:
These are completed in stages.
Competitors stop and start each day, and have the chance to rest at night.
The race can last for anything from 3 to 5 days and cover a distance of 200+ miles (320k).

Ultra Races:
These are generally over 300- 600 miles (480k-1000k) and are non-stop.
Teams compete day and night, though on occasion a dark zone is imposed if it could be dangerous to continue with that particular part of the course.

Each type of race is a unique adventure.
Although the ultra races like Eco Challenge and Raid Gauloises (the original Adventure Race), are considered the most difficult due to their non-stop nature, there are exceedingly difficult races in all categories.
Mild Seven Outdoor Quest, a stage race held every Autumn in China, is renowned for the toughness of its course and attracts a field of top competitors.

Adventure Racing is becoming an increasingly popular sport, and there is such a variety of races available that every competitor will find a time frame and distance that suits their ability and requirements.

[cward76]

How does one go about getting into this sport?

I like it because it seems to have a lot of deminisions. Imagine a person just starting out would have to work on one aspect at a time.

I have never really done any kind of endurance sport before, so I know I would have work on that first. Also my finances are limited. Seems like it could be really expensive to get invovled in this sport considering all of the gear a person need to have.

Where should I start?

[ODB]

I would suggest starting off with a sprint race. Something no more than 4-6 hours. Some are as short as 2-3 hours.

Find a race you want to do. (Here is a link to some races in your area: Ambush Adventure Sports) Once you know the race check for a message board where you can look for teammates. IMPORTANT! Be honest about your goals and abilities. this is a team sport and if you aren't upfront in the beginning your team could easily fall apart during the race.

As far as gear: If you have a mountain bike, a decent pair of running shoes and some way to carry water (small camelbak or water bottle holder) you have what you need. The paddling and climbing equipment is usually furnished by the race organization.

Training: Running and biking are the two things that can usually be done during the week. If you can run a 5k you can handle the running for most sprint AR's. On weekends do bricks and if you can get some paddling in it would help. Orienteering is often left out of sprint races but if they have it and you don't have experience with it I would recommend getting on a team with someone who's done it before. Also some races hold clinics before the race in navigation. I highly recommend these.

Do not hesitate to ask for more info. I'm sure JP will have some things to add.

[cward76]

Thanks for the response.

I have a while to go before I can get involved in this. I'm still trying to recover from an injury to my achilles tendon in my right leg. I have a good pair of running shoes but no mountain bike. I should be able to purchase a mountain bike at the end of the year.

I did find this website, it might be helpful for others.
USARA