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Not to be confused with Rogaining. Rogaining is the sport of long distance cross-country navigation.

Adventure racing is a combination of two or more disciplines, including orienteering and navigation, cross-country running, mountain biking, paddling and climbing and related rope skills. Orienteering is a family of Sports that require Navigational skills using a Map and Compass, usually in combination with Point to point racing Navigation is the process of reading and controlling the movement of a craft or vehicle from one place to another Cross Country running is a Sport of running Compete to complete a course over open or rough terrain faster than other teams Mountain biking entails the Sport of riding Bicycles off-road often over rough terrain whether riding specially equipped Mountain bikes or hybrid road bikes Paddle (disambiguationWith regard to Watercraft, paddling is the act of manually propelling or navigating a small boat using a blade that is joined to a shaft known as UserStan Shebs for a timetable --> Climbing is the activity of using one's hands and feet (or An expedition event can span ten days or more while sprints can be completed in a matter of hours. There is typically no dark period during races, irrespective of length; competitors must choose if or when to rest.

Adventure racing historically required teams to be of a specified size and to include both men and women, but many races no longer restrict team size and include single-sex divisions. Some also include age-based categories.

Contents

History

The roots of adventure racing are deep and people debate the origin of the modern adventure race. Some point to the two-day Karrimor International Mountain Marathon, first held in 1968 as the birth of modern adventure racing. The Karrimor International Mountain Marathon (or KIMM is a 2-day Mountain event held in a different region across the UK every year The Karrimor Marathon required two-person teams to traverse mountainous terrain while carrying all the supplies required to support themselves through the double-length marathon run.

In 1980, the Alpine Ironman was held in New Zealand. The Alpine Ironman, first held October 21, 1980 in New Zealand. Individual competitors ran, paddled and skied to a distant finish line. Later that year, the Alpine Ironman's creator, Robin Judkins launched the better-known Coast to Coast race, which involved most of the elements of modern adventure racing: trail running, cycling and paddling. Robin Judkins created the Alpine Ironman and the Coast to Coast, races that are often credited for being the origin of Adventure racing. Independently, a North American race, the Alaska Mountain Wilderness Classic debuted in 1982 and involved six days of unsupported wilderness racing (carry all food and equipment, no roads, no support) over a 150 mile course. The Alaska Mountain Wilderness Classic (sometimes called the "Alaska Wilderness Classic" is an Adventure race that espouses purity of style It continues today, changing courses every 3 years.

In 1989, the modern era of adventure racing had clearly arrived with Gerald Fusil's launch of the Raid Gauloises in New Zealand. “Pain is weakness leaving the body” -- Gerard Fusil Gerard Fusil is the creator of the Raid Gauloises, widely considered the first modern Adventure race The Raid Gauloises or The Raid is considered by many to be the first modern Adventure race and was first held in 1989 New Zealand is an Island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses (the North Island and the South Island Inspired by the Paris-Dakar Rally, Fusil envisioned an expanded expedition-style race in which competitors would rely on their own strength and abilities to traverse great and challenging terrain. The Dakar Rally (or simply " The Dakar " formerly known as "The Paris Dakar" or "Paris to Dakar Rally" and now as "The Lisboa Dakar" is The race included all the modern elements of adventure racing, including mixed-gender teams competing in a multi-day 400+ mile race. Building on Fusil's concept, the inaugural Southern Traverse was held in 1991.

In the early-90's, Mark Burnett read an L.A. Times article about the Raid and was inspired to not only take the race to the USA, but to promote the race as a major televised sporting event. Mark Burnett (born 17 July, 1960) is a British Television producer. The Los Angeles Times (also known as the LA Times) is a daily Newspaper published in Los Angeles California and distributed The Raid Gauloises or The Raid is considered by many to be the first modern Adventure race and was first held in 1989 After purchasing the rights from Gerald Fusil, Burnett launched the first "Eco-Challenge" race in 1995. “Pain is weakness leaving the body” -- Gerard Fusil Gerard Fusil is the creator of the Raid Gauloises, widely considered the first modern Adventure race Eco-Challenge The Expedition Race was a multi-day expedition length Adventure race in which teams of four competed Burnett promoted his event with Emmy-award winning films (tapping the talent of Mike Sears to produce the films for the first two events). The Eco-Challenge was last held in 2002. Eco-Challenge The Expedition Race was a multi-day expedition length Adventure race in which teams of four competed With the Eco-Challenge also came the name "adventure race", a phrase coined by journalist and author Martin Dugard, to describe the class of races embodied by the Raid and Eco-Challenge.

In 2002, the first major expedition length race to be held exclusively in the United States was launched. Primal Quest has become the premier U. Primal Quest is an expedition-length Adventure race that has been called one of the difficult athletic events in the world and is cited as the most prestigious expedition event S. expedition race, being held each year since its launch. In 2004, the death of veteran racer Nigel Aylott over-shadowed the race, and raised debates about the nature of Primal Quest and adventure racing. Primal Quest is an expedition-length Adventure race that has been called one of the difficult athletic events in the world and is cited as the most prestigious expedition event

Race types

Lengths

Disciplines: The vast majority of adventure races include trail running, mountain biking and (ideally) a paddling event. Navigation and rope work are also featured in all but the shortest races, but this is only the beginning. Part of the appeal of adventure racing is expecting the unexpected. Race directors pride themselves at challenging racers with unexpected or unusual tasks. Races often feature:

Overview

Rules

The rules of adventure racing vary by race. However, virtually all races include the three cardinal rules of racing:

In addition, each race will have their own special rules. For example, Primal Quest includes penalties for unsportsmanlike conduct, public protest or "displays of disgust" with race rules; failing to travel as a team; traveling within a wilderness boundary, destruction of property; damage to race equipment; testing positive for banned substance; missing race bib; administration of IV fluids other than by race medical staff. Primal Quest is an expedition-length Adventure race that has been called one of the difficult athletic events in the world and is cited as the most prestigious expedition event

Longer races may also involve skill tests. For example, Primal Quest 2004 required that each team member swim 50 meters in three minutes; tread water for five minutes in 50 degree water; perform a Double T Rescue in less than 5 minutes; pass a single boat rescue; and ascend a vertical 8-10 meter cliff with three knot transfers in 10 minutes. Primal Quest is an expedition-length Adventure race that has been called one of the difficult athletic events in the world and is cited as the most prestigious expedition event

Organizational meeting

Typically races will feature an organizational meeting either the night before or the morning of the race. At this meeting the course will be revealed for the first time. For sprints, racers may follow a marked course. For longer races, racers may be given maps marked to show checkpoints ("CPs") or racers may be simply given coordinates (usually UTM coordinates) that indicate where the CPs will be found. Special rules, last minute changes and other information may also be provided at the meeting.

Checkpoints

Racers are required to locate a series of checkpoints or passport controls, usually in a defined order. At each CP, racers are required to have their passports stamped, either by a volunteer or by using a specialized punch left at the CP. The primary function of the checkpoints is to ensure that racers are completing the indicated course. Checkpoints also serve several important safety functions. CPs may be manned by medical personnel who can determine whether racers are fit to continue their race. Moreover, if teams become lost during the race, having numerous strategically placed CPs allow search parties to substantially reduce the search area.

Transition areas

Most races include one or more transition areas that teams can visit to replenish supplies. Typically, teams change to another mode of travel in a transition area. For instance, teams will end a trekking leg and transition to mountain biking in a transition area. Shorter races often feature a single transition area that teams may visit numerous times during the event. Teams will leave food, water, paddling and biking gear, fresh clothing and any other items they may need during the course of the race.

Longer races feature multiple transition areas. Team gear is transported either by a support crew (provided by the team) or by the racing staff.

Gear check

Virtually all adventure races feature mandatory gear that must be carried during part or all of the race. Races will often include mandatory gear checks by race personnel and harsh penalties or disqualification may result if a team lacks requisite equipment.

In addition to pre-race gear checks, many race organizers also include on-course gear checks. This helps to insure that teams that start with approved gear, compete with, and finish a race with that same gear.

Short course

Adventure races attract individuals of greatly divergent abilities. To make the sport more inclusive, many race directors will "short course" racers; allow racers who miss mandatory time cut-offs to continue racing on a reduced-length course. These racers will often earn an official finish time but be "unranked" and not eligible for prizes. Some races provide the option for teams to skip certain CPs but incur a time penalty (which often must be "served" during the race).

Teamwork

Most adventure races are team events, with expedition length races typically requiring a set number of teammates (usually four or five) and requiring the teams to be co-ed. Many racers find the team aspect of adventure racing to be among the most enticing and demanding aspects.

Teams typically elect a team captain and designate a team navigator. Teams have different views as to the functions of each of these positions, with some teams having very little structure, while others assigned specifics rights and responsibilities to each of these persons. For example, a team that stresses a democratic philosophy may limit the captain’s role to be the keeper of the racing passport and rules, and limit the navigator’s role to carrying the map and having primarily responsible for determining the team’s position at any given time. A more regimented team may give the captain ultimate responsibility for making all decisions regarding rest schedules, rule interpretations and the like, while the navigator has full responsibility for not only tracking the team’s location, but determining route choice as well.

Although teams have been successful with differing organizational philosophies, few teams are able to complete expedition length races with poor team dynamics. Determining roles, goals and team philosophy before the start of the race is critical.

Self-discovery

Adventure racing has been said to allow an individual to find his or her limits and push through them. Racing often takes participants out of their comfort zone by challenging competitors with unfamiliar surroundings, often while sleep deprived and physically exhausted.

Relation to traditional events

Numerous adventure racers were former triathletes and marathon (and ultra-marathon) competitors looking to add more spice to their chosen fields. Some found themselves suffering recurring injuries, and enjoy the cross-training adventure racing demands. Aging athletes discovered that while they can no longer keep up with 20-somethings in a foot race, in a 24+ hour races, they have some competitive advantages.

Preparing for an adventure race

Because adventure racing is a multi-discipline event, training for adventure racing combines pure strength and endurance training with skills training. The three disciplines that should be practiced are 1) trekking or running 2) cycling 3) and paddling. It is worth noting though, that to simply compete and have an enjoyable race, you do not need to be an expert in all these events. Often a basic working knowledge will suffice. Navigation is another aspect to consider, so basic map and compass knowledge is often prerequisite for at least one teammate.

To become a competitive adventure racer, one must be an accomplished runner, mountain biker, paddler and navigator. Moreover, adventure race training goes beyond physical preparation; navigation skills, rope knowledge and basic wilderness medicine skills are also vital when competing in the longer events. Proper nutrition, foot care, and mental preparation are essential during these longer races.

An effective way to quickly learn the basics of adventure racing (or to refine skills) is to attend a formal adventure racing academy. These schools vary from a single day of workshops, to a week-long program. Many academies end with a mock race, often 24 hours or longer. Another method of learning the sport is to train with experienced racers. Many local racing group exist, and racers are often willing to mentor those interested in joining the sport. Organizations like Team in Training offer adventure racing training in connection with their fund raising activities in limited locations. Team in Training, also known by the acronym TNT, is an endurance sports training program Finally, there are several websites with information on all aspects of preparing for an adventure race. A comprehensive site for newer racers can be found here.

Equipment

Most specialty outdoor gear retailers will offer a broad selection of equipment necessary for any length of adventure race. As the sport has grown, a few adventure race specialty retailers have emerged online to serve this niche.

Basic equipment (sprint races)

Note: typically paddling gear will be provided by race directors for sprint level races, although on occasion racers will be required to provide their own life jacket. A personal flotation device (also referred to as PFD, lifejacket, life preserver, Mae West, life vest, life saver,

Equipment for an endurance-length event

Equipment for a 24 hour event

Equipment for multi-day events.

Multi-day races will have extensive gear lists that vary depending upon the length and conditions of the race.

Safety

The danger of participating in an adventure race depend on the race and the racers participating. Although several deaths have been reported in multi-sport events, three recent deaths have intensified the debate over the safety of the sport. In June 2003, Dominique Robert was killed when she was pinned underwater during a canoe section of the Raid Gauloises. The Raid Gauloises or The Raid is considered by many to be the first modern Adventure race and was first held in 1989 On September 21, 2004, Nigel Aylott was killed by a falling boulder during an orienteering section of Primal Quest. Events 1217 - The Estonian tribal leader Lembitu of Lehola was killed in a battle against Teutonic Knights. "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " Eduardo Delgado Rosas died on February 24, 2005 while completing a one kilometer swimming leg of the Extreme Adventure Hidalgo. Events 303 - Galerius, Roman Emperor, publishes his edict that begins the persecution of Christians in his portion of the Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar.

The death of these athletes has fueled a debate regarding the safety of adventure racing, with some participants calling for international regulation of the sport. In the shadow of the death of Nigel Aylott enhanced scrutiny and heated debate has surrounded the relative responsibilities for ensuring the safety of racers.

Nigel was killed during an orienteering section of the Primal Quest race. Nigel and his team elected to descend a talus runout when alternative routes would have involved substantial delay. Some, including Nigel’s teammates, have argued that the race course was irresponsibly designed, putting racers at unnecessary peril. Other have suggested that the dangers Nigel and his team encountered were obvious and part of the sport of adventure racing.

In some more exotic locales, danger of contact with unusual pathogens should be taken into account. In 2000 Malaysian Borneo "Eco-Challenge" dozens of participants were hospitalized with leptospirosis; none died. Leptospirosis (also known as Weil's disease, canicola fever, canefield fever, nanukayami fever, 7-day fever and many more is a

Dehydration and heat stroke are other common health and safety concerns in endurance events. Dehydration ( hypohydration) is the removal of Water ( hydro in ancient Greek) from an object Hyperthermia, in its advanced state referred to as heat stroke or sunstroke, is an acute condition which occurs when the Body produces or absorbs more

The Canadian Adventure Racing Association (registered amateur athletic Association) has drafted comprehensive safety guidelines for use in Canada. The safety guidelines are a working document and have been revised several times by industry experts and government agencies. They serve as the benchmark for adventure racers across Canada.

References

Books and Videos about Adventure Races

Books about Navigation and Orienteering

Books about Mountain Biking

Books about Kayaking

by Doug Alderson. ISBN 0-07-136203-7

Resources

Adventure racing events

Adventure racing teams

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