GRIT Adventure Racing
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New to AR?
Welcome!! We got you covered.
What is Adventure Racing?
Adventure Racing is a navigational sport where teams (1-4 person) navigate the course using maps to find hidden checkpoints (flags). Each checkpoint has a point value. The team who collects the most points before time runs-out wins! The traditional modalities of the sport are trekking (on and off trail), mountain biking, and paddling (various styles; boats are typically provided. Some 24+ hour advanced races may require special boats called packrafts). A simple list of rules will be provided with the maps (ex: no GPS, no crossing private property, etc..). This is VERY WELCOMING COMMUNITY!
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The longer the race, the more technical:
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Short Races (4-7 Hours) are VERY FAMILY FRIENDLY for kids as young as 2.5 years old.
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Medium Races (8-12 Hours) are scalable and ideal for kids ages 9 and older.
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Long Races (12-72 Hours) challenging yet often not very technical. Recommended for ages 13 and older.
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Expedition Races (4+ Day, ARWS Races) Technical and more advanced. Often in mountainous areas. Logistical Planning is Required. Providing a Packraft is often a requirement. Adventure Racing World Series is the premier Adventure Racing Governing Organization in the World. Expect the highest in quality control and organization from their events. Annually they host the World Championship in a new location each year.). To learn more about this, examine the Team ThisAbility Adventure Podcast (designed to bring begginers into the expedition racing scene in an approachable manner.
Trek
Paddle
Bike
Move on Foot. ​Navigate along trails, through the woods, and even across mountain landscapes for more advanced races!
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Experience hidden features, scenic vistas, and more!
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Route Strategy if Crucial!
Search for Checkpoints by Water!
Rivers, Lakes, Oceans, and more!
​​Watercraft is typically provided unless specified otherwise.
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Examples
Guided Whitewater Rafting in the World Famous New River Gorge
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Canoeing & Kayaing on the
Scenic Shenandoah RIver
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Bike through forrests, desert landscapes, across trails, gravel roads, and more as you choose your route and enjoy your adventure.
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Kids: Any Style Kids Bike is acceptable for the race. You may need to take caution on some trails.
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Adults: Suspension Bikes are required for our 8 Hour and and above races which feature more technical single-track biking. Mountain bikes and gravel bikes with fron suspension are accepted.
Other: Ropes, Climbing, Canyoneering, Via-Ferratta, etc.
Races may offer other modalities! These will specificed ahead of time, so there are no suprises. Come ready to have fun, and the organization will ensure you rtecieve all communication prior to be prepared. These specialty events are often guided and conducted in a safe manner.
Begginer to Intermediate Clinics
All GRIT Adventure Races offer a begginer to intermediate clinic on race weekends. This additional event is a fantastic way to learn and enhance your AR experience. The clinic is 2 hours on the evening prior to the race with a 2 hour race review after the race (or virtual later in the week for races which end in the evening). This is taught by pro-racer Jesse Tubb who has traveled across the world competing at high-levels. He is an excellent teacher and can make even a new racer feel much more confident stepping out onto the course on race morning after the first two hours of teaching the night before the event. Cost of ~ $40 per person for 4 hours of coaching. You can sign-up when registering for your event. ​
Additional Resources
Additional Resources:
United States Adventure Racing Association: New to AR?
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Heather Hart's: Surviving Your First Adventure Race (AR)
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The Adventure Race Training Podcast - Two Premier Endurance/AR Coaches, Jason Magness and Nick Hurff expore training techniques and topics related to all things Adventure Racing.
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Team ThisAbility AR Youtube Channel - Chip and Andrea share their races and experiences in videos of their races around the world. Experience the races with them first-hand through Go-Pro Footage VIdeos and then listen to their post-rtace recap interviews. They show that you do not have to be an elite athlete to enjoy all-levels of this beautiful sport! See there videos on youtube!
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Dark Zone and Adventure Race Training Podcast - Experienced Racer, Brian Gatens, interviews racers from around the world on their relationship with AR. A phenomenol glimpse into the community and people involved in the sport from first time racers to world champions, race directors, and more!​