HOW THE RACE WORKS

COMPETITOR REGISTRATION:
All teams must check in with race staff at race headquarters to complete all paperwork. Teams will then go through a quick gear check to ensure all items are present. Once completed your team will receive a Competitor Kit which includes: 3 race jerseys; 3 Adventure Challenge T-Shirts; the Team Passport; and promotional material. The race jerseys must be worn at all times during the race (beginning at gear check), and please ensure that you have your passport with your for the duration of the race (otherwise your team will incur a time penalty).

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

COMPETITOR BRIEFING & MAP DISTRIBUTION:
At 0700, one member of each team may pick up the race map and course directions, giving teams 30 minutes before the race briefing to review the course and develop any questions. At 0730, all teams must meet for the Competitor Briefing. This is when the teams are introduced, key event information is shared, any questions are addressed, and the racecourse is reviewed and explained in detail.

RACE START:
Teams will gather in the designated area for a 0800 mass start. The race may start at the base camp area, or it may have a remote start, in which case a time will be specified to meet buses for transport to the start line. At the word ‘GO’, your adventure begins. You must reach each checkpoint (proof is a punched passport at each CP) in the order specified at the Competitor Briefing and within the 5 hour time limit to complete the racecourse. Your team’s pace is up to
you – push for the win or just enjoy the authentic wilderness race experience.

RACE CUT-OFF:
Teams have until 1400 to complete the entire racecourse. Finishing teams within the 5-hour time limit and who have reached each checkpoint will be recorded in the final standings as a ranked team. If your team does not finish before the cut-off time or if you miss a checkpoint, you will be recorded as ‘Unranked’ or ‘DNF’.

AWARDS CEREMONY:
The awards ceremony starts at 1400, usually running for one hour. This is a great time to tell your team’s tale of the race, meet the other teams, and thank the volunteers. The top three teams in all three categories (Coed, Male, and Women) will receive plaques and prizes.  

Discipline briefing:

Course Layout

As usual the course will be laid out differently this year improving the course for competitors and spectators alike. After each leg of the race, competitors will return to the central transition area (TA) where they will change disciplines, grab some gear and head out on the next leg of the race.  One leg of the race can include more than one discipline (ie trekking and biking).

Navigation

Part of Adventure Racing is being able to use your map and compass.  We do not necessarily mark any trails with markings or flagging tape but most check points (CP’s) are in obvious spots (intersections, top of hills) and most are manned with volunteers that will let you know when you are close.  It is your responsibility to navigate between checkpoints in all disciplines.  You will receive your map and some of your directioins during the workshops to ensure you have enough time to plot your CP’s and choose your route.  You will not be allowed out on the course until race start though.

Mountain Biking

There are many cottage and dirt roads in Huntsville which bring you to beautiful lakes and secluded spots.  Expect the Mountain Biking to be from 10 to 20 kms consisting of paved and dirt roads and muddy snowmobile trails.  This year you might even see some tough trail riding over rocky terrain.  Ensure your bikes are in good working condition and you will want to remove any extra equipment such as kickstand, mirrors and locks to lighten your bike and ensure nothing gets snagged in some of the tighter trails.

Trekking

Expect a combination of off trail and on trail trekking / running covering approximately 5 to 10 kms. It is suggested you wear long pants or tights and perhaps even shin pads to protect your legs and a hat with a brim and sunglasses to protect your eyes.  You can expect your feet to get wet right from the start and stay wet for the entire race so good draining shoes are recommended.

Paddling

The paddling will take place on a lake this year.  The ice has been off the lake for a while but the water is still very cold.  Don’t worry though, you will be close to shore and we will have several safety boats on the water with you at all times.  If your canoe tips – stay calm, blow your whistle, and head for shore.  One of our qualified safety boaters will pick you up right away.