Adventure Race

Cost & Registration

Pricing Schedule

Through March 14: $90/person
March 15 – April 25: $100/person
April 26– May 13:  $110/person

Includes: paddling gear for race day (boats, PFDs, and paddles, whitewater raft), a cool event t-shirt, and drink ticket*. Registration closes on Wednesday, May 15.

*Drink ticket must be used during normal festival hours

Entries are non-refundable, non-transferable, and non-deferrable, even in the case of a race cancellation, race postponement, race format change and/or if you are unable to participate.

INCOME BASED RATE

The Adventure Race offers a $15 special rate for those who qualify for an income based rate. Click here for eligibility information.

Packet Pick Up 

Packets must be picked up Sunday, May 19 from 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m. at the start site. Start site TBA.

A photo ID is required for adults to pick up your packet (not required for minors without IDs).

Competition Format

All teams will be racing against the clock and trying to maximize check-points found before the finish time.  Teams will also be separated into divisions and racing against each other…i.e. “2-person co-ed, 3 or 4 person male, 3 or 4 person co-ed, etc”.  You can race to be “top dog” overall and also race to humble the other teams in your division.  The more teams there are, the more fun it is.

No team, no problem! Tackle the Adventure Race solo!

Course

Not knowing the actual course ahead of time is half the adventure in an adventure race!  The course description will be handed out the morning of the race but this year you can expect single track, dirt roads and paved roads during the biking sections, a surprise whitewater rafting section and trek orienteering!  We will be sending  information to registered racers as we get closer to race time.  This will help your team plan for a day of fun. Logistics will be minimal for racers with more details being provided as race day approaches.

Rules

• All participants must be at least 15 years old to participate.
• No use of GPS
• To remain official, team must stay together (no more than 100 meters apart)
• Ranking: The final decision is made by the race committee.  Teams will be ranked by the total number of mandatory Checkpoints (CPs) acquired.  In the case of a tie, we will count the number of optional CPs obtained.  If there is a further tie, the team with the fastest time will be ranked higher.  All time cut-offs must be attained in order to be considered “full course.”  If a team does not make a time cut-off, they will be forced to skip the next section and be moved forward on the race course.  You must finish within the total time allowed.  Teams will be penalized one check point for every 5 minutes past the finishing time.
• Passport: Teams must keep their passport with them at all times.  If you lose the passport, you will be docked 10 checkpoints.  Teams are responsible for marking their passports correctly.  If a passport needs to be signed by a race official at a checkpoint, the team is responsible for insuring that it is signed correctly before continuing with the race.
• Misplaced, stolen, or missing CPs: If a CP is missing or stolen, it will be removed from the race course final tally.
• Protests: All protests must be submitted in writing within 1 hour of the official finish time.
• The race organizers reserve the right to award bonuses and penalties throughout the race.
• No use of “off limit” roads and trails (these will be marked or discussed at the start).
• No littering…and no damage of trails or property…do not disturb wildlife.
• Help other teams in case of emergencies.  Teams will be given bonuses for time spent.
• Always wear and use safety and mandatory gear required for each section of the race (See below under TIPS & SAFETY for Gear Required).
• If you fall behind, race organizers reserve the right to not allow you to continue.
• Consumption of alcohol before the race is PROHIBITED.

Tips & Safety

• Water and food will be available throughout the course at some of the TAs and at some stores (bring some cash), but plan to be self-sufficient.
• We highly recommend the use of gaiters/long pants or something to cover the lower part of your legs for the orienteering sections. We’ve seen some poison ivy out already.
• Be ready for some ticks and bugs.
• Bike sections will include roads, fire roads and single track so plan your tires accordingly.  There may be some hiking with bikes as well. No hybrid bikes allowed.
• Paddling will be whitewater rafting and may include a short portage.
• Bring a pen and something to write on (one per team)…youll need it.
• Sunglasses are recommended.
• Take care of your maps and passports. Store them in a safe and dry place during the race.
• Depending on the weather on race day one or two items could be taken out of the list of recommended gear.

Recommended Gear List

MANDATORY GEAR

PERSONAL GEAR – to be carried by each competitor for the entire race
Food and drinks deemed necessary for the race
Knife: folding blade is OK
Whistle
Space Blanket
Waterproof shell or jacket

TEAM GEAR – each team must have these things
Compass
Cell Phone (in waterproof case): fully charged
Sunscreen
Headlamp
Passport: given at race start
All Maps (given at race start) and waterproof map case (Ziploc bags are OK but having dry maps REALLY helps!)
First Aid Kit:

• 4 doses of pain reliever
• 4 Alcohol or betadine swabs
• 4 Band Aids
• 3 inch (or larger) ACE wrap bandage
• Medical or Duct Tape
• Antibiotic Cream i.e. Neosporin
• 4 doses of Benadryl (diphenhydramine)

Specific Gear for Biking Section
Mountain Bike (road or cyclo-cross bikes NOT allowed) for each person
Bike Helmet (ANSI/Snell Approved) for each person
Front Light (white) for each bike
Back Light (red) for each bike
Bike Repair Kit (one per team)
Bike Pump (one per team)
Spare Bike tubes (at least one!)

*Gear list is subject to change before race weekend.

2024 Second Welcome Letter

We just finished the last details of the course and we hope you will enjoy what we have prepared for you. In preparation for race day we have a few reminders, so please read closely:

Weather
At this point the weather forecast calls for temperatures in the mid-upper 60s and chances of rain showers in the morning. For safety reasons each team must carry one cell phone during the race. For emergencies call 911. In case of other issues contact the race directors (phones provided in race booklet).

Race day details
Check in: it will start at 7:00 AM until 7:40 AM at RIVERSIDE OUTFITTERS SHOP 325 S. 14TH ST. RICHMOND, VA 23219 (SEE MAP BELOW AND PICTURE OF PARKING ENTRANCE). Use the parking spaces marked in blue as “Riverside Outfitter costumer parking”. Here you will drop your bike, bike gear and trekking gear. Volunteers will be around.

As soon as you get there and check-in, you’ll receive your maps and race booklet, so the sooner you get there the more time you’ll have to look at maps and plan your race. Then we will load a bus for a short ride to the location of the start of the race (Rafting). Bus will leave at 8:00 AM SHARP

Course
We have finalized the details about the course and have had people testing the race course last week so everything is set for race day. In the final communication (a few days before the race) we’ll have more details. We have set the race limit at 6 hours and distances are (if you complete the whole course) as follows:

• Rafting: 1-1.5 hours – you do not need to bring any of the race gear, just be prepared to get wet.
  Drinking water will be available in the rafts.
• Bike: 15-18 miles – Please expect that you’ll be riding mostly on roads and gravel roads, but there is a section (about 3 miles) on single-track trails. Mountain bikes are mandatory (no road or cyclocross bikes allowed).
• Trek: 7-9 miles – we highly recommend that you cover your legs, there are some thorns out there, and some poison ivy as well.

Mandatory gear
We will not go through your mandatory gear before the race start; but along the course our race staff will be checking some items. So, before you leave your house/hotel, go through the list of gear and make sure you have everything. Teams/individuals will be penalized for any mandatory equipment missing, and in the case of some safety gear (like helmets) you’ll not be allowed to continue without it. We need to look out for your safety. Mountain bikes are mandatory (no road or cyclocross bikes allowed).

All mandatory gear is still mandatory. Depending on weather on race day we might drop something and not have to carry it, but considering the weather forecast that might not happen.

Safety
There might be a few times when you’ll have to cross a road, please stop and look for incoming traffic before crossing.

Food and water
There are going to be 4 TAs, where we’ll have water/sports drinks so, you’ll be able to fill up your water bottles/camelbacks, and maybe some food. You’ll be able to access your car at some point during the race if you want, but do not leave anything outside your car after the rafting section as our volunteers will not be there. There are stores along the way but highly recommend being self-sufficient (fluid-wise) for the at least 1 hour at a time.

Paddling
As a reminder, you’ll be paddling in flat water and rapids. We are providing rafts, paddles and PFDs as well as water in the rafts. We will accommodate teams as best as we can following the recommendations from Riverside Outfitters, but teams will not be split.

If you have any questions do not hesitate to e-mail us at: [email protected]

Location

Riverside Outfitters shop locations and entrance: 325 S. 14^th St Richmond, VA 23219

2024 Welcome Letter

Dear racers,

We just finished the last details of the course and we hope you will enjoy what we have prepared for you. In preparation for race day we have a few reminders, so please read closely:

1. Registration: We don’t have a limit for registration but, because of logistics, we would like to encourage everybody to register ASAP so we can have everything prepared.
2. Course: We have finalized the details about the course and have had people testing the race course last week so everything is set for race day. In the final communication (a few days before the race) we’ll have more details. We have set the race limit at 6 hours and distances are (if you complete the whole course) as follows:Rafting: 1-1.5 hours
   Bike: 15-18 miles
   Trek: 7-9 milesPlease expect that you’ll be riding mostly on roads and gravel roads, but there is a section (about 3 miles) on single-track trails. Mountain bikes are mandatory (no road or cyclocross bikes allowed).

1. Paddling: all paddling/rafting gear is provided (do not bring your own paddling gear). There will be a rafting section which will include flat water and also a good number of rapids. Depending on water levels the rapids will be more or less challenging and fun. More than one team will be assigned to each raft, including a rafting guide for guidance and security. In addition, before the rafting trip a briefing will be provided about safety and how to paddle and maneuver the rafts, so when you get in the water you all know what to do.
2. Mandatory gear: We will not go through your mandatory gear before the race start; but along the course our race staff will be checking some items. So, before you leave your house/hotel, go through the list of gear and make sure you have everything. Teams/individuals will be penalized for any mandatory equipment missing, and in the case of some safety gear (like helmets) you’ll not be allowed to continue without it. We need to look out for your safety.
3. All the mandatory gear is still mandatory. Depending on the weather forecast for race day, race directors will decide if any of the gear will not be mandatory anymore (i.e. rain jacket if rain is not expected). Teams will be informed at check in-race packet pick up. In any case, we will not be adding anything else, only eliminating items.
4. Food and water: At all of the TAs (a total of 4) along the course we’ll have water/sports drinks so, you’ll be able to fill up your water bottles/camelbacks. Also, you might find stores along the way and even stop by your cars, but plan on being self-sufficient for at least 1 hour at a time.
5. Race morning details:Race day check in will be held on Sunday, May 19 from 7:00am-7:45amCheck in location will depend on river levels and will be confirmed in the second racer letter which will be sent out between Thursday, May 16 and Friday, May 17Please be prepared to drop all of your biking and trekking gear at the check in location.

If you have any questions do not hesitate to e-mail us at:
[email protected]

2024 Photos

Be sure to check out the 2024 Adventure Race Photos!

Results

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2023
2022
2021
2019
2018