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.

Am I ready to do an adventure race?

If you are thinking of doing a race, then you are ready. Your mind has already accepted the idea and now your body just needs to follow. The hardest part of an adventure race is getting to the starting line. Going the distance is the easy part—going fast is when it gets difficult. As a general rule of thumb, if you can run a 5K, ride a bike for an hour, or swim a 400 then you have what it takes to complete one of our races. Warning: once you complete a race you will want to learn how to do it faster!

What do I need to do an adventure race?

Grass Roots Racing is dedicated to keeping mandatory gear to a minimum. For most of the races you’ll only need a bike and helmet. Many of our races will have some form of navigating—so a simple compass may be necessary. Also, 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 70ounces of fluid available per racer as well as 2-4 bars/and or gels per racer. Other than that all you need is desire.

What should I expect on the day of the race?

Race day is a blast for everyone - racers and staff included. GR races 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. Many GR races 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.

Where can I find a teammate?

Start talking about adventure racing with everyone you know and names will surely surface. If this fails, then contact us and we will work at finding someone for you to race with.

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.