Adventure Racing

Adventure racing includes a long journey through the rugged terrains for weeks to reach the destinations and tests the physical strength and stamina of the racers. The race usually involves a number of disciplines. Some of these are orienteering and navigation with a map and compass and cross-country running in the open. The race also comprises of other disciplines like mountain biking, climbing and paddling . Some of these races may span to more than a week, but sprints are usually finished within hours. Mountain biking involves traveling on bikes, skates or roller skates while kayaking, canoeing or rafting are included in the Paddling section. There are also on the air traveling like hang-gliding or parasailing. On the way to their finishing line, the teams of racers or an individual participant need to locate several check points and replenish their supplies at the transition areas.

The origin of adventure racing has been a subject of debate till date with some people referring to the Karrimor International Mountain Marathon which was initiated in 1968 as the first modern adventure racing. The Alpine Ironman held in New Zealand in 1980 also involved running, skiing and paddling and is regarded as one of the earliest complete adventure races.

Since its birth, adventure racing has been a favorite among the youths around the world. This has inspired with time the birth of a number of new adventure races like the Coast to Coast race , the Raid Gauloises of New Zealand, the Alaska Mountain Wilderness Classic of North America or the Eco-Challenge race . Though the races include a number of risks and have also claimed a few lives in accidents, yet it has always been a favorite in among adventure lovers and is fast growing into a global sport with increasing popularity in USA and other countries.