“Without adventure, civilization is in full decay.”
- Alfred North Whitehead
Here are some off-the-cuff thoughts on how to get into adventure racing for the first time . . .
1) Every race organization is different, and every race is different. Races are based around the core
disciplines of paddling, biking, running, and navigation but there are endless variations on how events
combine these ingredients together. Some races have really basic navigation and have you follow easy
and mandatory routes, while other races have very challenging navigation and allow great freedom in
your route selection. Some races include singletrack biking, while other events don't include any
technical biking. Unlike triathlon, where there are just a few official variations, such as "Olympic
distance," and a centralized organizing body, USA Triathlon, the sport of adventure racing is more
loose and flexible. This is why, when you talk with adventure racers about the sport, don't be
frustrated when the answer to your questions always begin with "Well, it depends . . ."
2) Smile. It's supposed to be fun. Don't take yourself too seriously. You're going to be running
around in the wilderness with a bunch of other like-minded lycra wearing crazies.
3) You don't have to be Hercules to compete in adventure racing. Yes, 12 hours may sound like a long
time but you'd be surprised how a reasonably fit person can hang in there. If you're trying to win the
race, you'll probably need to be in really fit condition, but to just PARTICIPATE in an event you don't
have to have super hero fitness.
4) An AR environment is not as competitive as you might think. While the top 10 teams in a race may
be focussed on winning, the other 30 teams are focussed on having a great time and just making it
through. There is a saying in AR that "the back of the pack has more fun" and it's often true: those
racing in 34th place, for example, can enjoy the experience without the pressure to do really well.
You may get to the point where you enjoy competing for the adventure race podium, but it usually takes
time and, along the way, there are many fun memories to be had while racing far behind the leaders.
5) Get a race on your calendar. Coerce some friends and register for an event; ideally, the race
should be no further than a few hours from you and, ideally, the race should be a month or two in
the future so you have time to get your act together, but don't spend weeks and months trying to find the perfect
"beginner" race because there is no such thing. I think a 12-hour race is a good beginner duration,
but don't feel constrained by a magic formula. My first race was 18-hours and it was great! You're
going to learn infinitely more about the sport by participating in a race than you will by wasting time
trying to find the best, most beginner-oriented, introductory race. Even though we at HRAdventure
organize an occasional "short" race of 3-4 hours, I honestly think it's better to jump in the deep end
of the pool and pick any race so long as it's less than 24 hours -- do you really want to get all your
clothes and gear dirty just for a 3 hour race?
6) Check your gear. Most races require certain mandatory gear like a compass, waterproof jacket, etc.
Print this list from the race organizer and make sure you have the items. If you need to pick up some gear, don't be shy
about telling a salesperson at your local outdoor store that you're about to try an adventure race . .
. the salesperson should be able to help tailor your selections to your event. You don't need to buy
the fanciest or most expensive gear, either, as adventure racers are notoriously tough on gear. Count
on most everything getting wet, muddy, knocked around, and needing to be replaced after several races.
By spending less on gear, you can spend more on race entrance fees down the road!
7) Get outside. Get comfortable with your gear, teammates, and with the disciplines in the race.
Race day is never the time to try anything for the first time (paddling, compass work, etc). You don't
need to be a pro with each discipline, but at least have a minimum comfort level with each element of
the race.
8) Show up to the starting line. The hard work is over (all the planning, training, and logistics),
now all you can do is go for it. You might feel stressed at the starting line but once you get away from the pack of people and it's just you and your teammates, nobody is judging you and it's a chance for you to learn a lot about yourself!