Adventure racing is an exciting sport that has evolved over the past decade and a half. Hundreds of races are held each year around the globe and no two races are ever the same. That’s what makes this sport unique—it allows you to pick and choose races and venues that appeal to you.

Typically, adventure races include three core disciplines, biking, running, and paddling. However there are many other aspects of the sport that can be added to a race to make it more challenging. In Grass Roots races those can include—but are not limited to—orienteering, swimming, ropes, and “hazards”. All of these are designed to test you and your teammate individually as well as your ability to work together. In most of our races you will be informed of the order and length of the events but not of the additional challenges and hazards that you will face on the race course. So it is important that you be prepared for anything.

Adventure Races can vary on the number and gender of teammates per team. Some races will only allow coed four person teams, while other races will allow single racers, doubles, triples, quads, and then break that down further into Coed, Women’s, Men’s, and Master’s divisions. At Grass Roots we try to keep the format easy to follow and the requirements easy to fill. We design our courses for teams of two—any gender—but try to encourage the co-ed division, which is the original adventure race format, by giving that division the best awards. Solos are invited to race unofficially or we will help you find a teammate.

Adventure racing means different things to everyone.Yes, it is a race so winning is a goal. But at the end of the day, we want everyone to have a great time outside testing themselves physically and emotionally, meeting new friends, and enjoying the environment around us. We love adventure racing and we want to share this with you.

What is Adventure Racing?

Unlike triathlon, there is no strict definition for what makes an adventure race. However, like triathlon, an adventure race is comprised of multiple disciplines that test both endurance and speed. It is this slight similarity that has earned adventure racing its “red headed step child” status. Triathlon purists have difficulty with the ambiguity present in adventure racing—adventure racers embrace it.

How do I get started in Adventure Racing?

Most adventure races are completed in teams. Some require teams of two, some three, and some four or more. The secret to starting in adventure racing is to find some like minded individuals that share your passion for being fit, enjoying the outdoors, and testing limits. These people are usually pretty easy to find because they tend to be happy, energetic, and outgoing. Once you have found one or more of these people you can choose a race to prepare for and start training together. At GRR, we try to make it simple by racing in teams of two. We also can help you find a teammate—just feel free to contact us.

How do I train for an Adventure Race?

Since adventure racing is a multi-sport event, it can—like triathlon—take a huge time commitment to fully train for a race. However, if you are doing it for the adventure, and are concerned only with completing the race, it is really just an issue of using your time wisely. A certain amount of cardio vascular fitness will make the race more comfortable. This can most efficiently be achieved through running/jogging. Ideally if a race is going to cover 15 miles (split between biking and running) you would be well served if you run that distance once or twice prior to the event. At a bare minimum you should at least cover that distance by splitting between run and bike once or twice before the event.

What equipment is needed for an Adventure Race?

Depending on the distance the equipment needed can vary widely. Expedition races have huge gear lists and can cost hundred/thousands of dollars to compete in. Shorter distance races (sprints) have limited requirements and can be as simple as requiring:
Bike
Bike helmet
Water bottle or hydration bladder
Compass
Map Case or gallon Zip loc

Racers are self-sufficient and must have enough food and water to make it through a 2-4 hour race. A good starting point is to have 70 ounces of fluid available per racer as well as 2-4 bars/and or gels per racer. Keeping it simple is part of the appeal of these races, and part of the adventure! Just remember that it is all about having fun, enjoying the outdoors, and enjoying the company of the person(s) that you are racing with!

What should I expect on the day of the race?

Race day is a blast for everyone - racers and staff included. GRR events typically start in the morning with a set time window for check-in and gear check. You’ll want to have all of your teammates present for this. At each race there will be a mandatory pre-race meeting where you’ll learn about the course. Some GRR events start with a prologue. If so, you will be given your team’s prologue start time a few days prior to the race. The pre-race meeting will take place shortly after the end of the prologue and the race will start shortly after that. Mostly what you should expect is to have a great time!

How early should I get there on the day of the race?

Races with prologues could start as early as 7:00 am. Again, you will be told this prior to the race. If there is no prologue then 7:00 am is still a good rule of thumb for checking in, setting up transition, and milling around meeting others like you.

How do I learn more about adventure racing?

The best way to learn about adventure racing is to participate in a race. If you just don’t think you are ready to race, then come as a volunteer or as a spectator—once you are there you will see the varying level of racers, from first timers to veterans. Also check our website periodically for tips on racing and training, and join our facebook group—Grass Roots Racing—Adventure Racing.