What is meant by a 3-Hour, 6-Hour, 12-Hour, or 24-Hour Adventure Race?
The advertised time of the race is the maximum time of the race. Most teams will finish prior to the max time. Some races will have a "grab bag" of checkpoints at the end of the race where teams can choose how many to collect before heading to the finish. This type of venue is called a ROGAINE and guarantees that all teams finish within the stated timeframe. 

Are these novice-friendly races?
The shorter races are ideal for novices! The longer races are definitely more technical in both terrain and navigation. We like to incorporate alternate routes in our courses in case teams are off pace to finishing the full course. We like to have as many teams as possibly cross the finish line! We sometimes incorporate ROGAINES into our races. 

Is there a gear check?
There is no pre-race gear check. We will have random gear checks during the race. If you are uncertain that something may not pass inspection, please bring it to team check-in.

Is there a set order to the disciplines?
The order of the elements is not revealed until the race start. It is possible that you may have to do the disciplines more than once.

How long is each leg?
Until your team received the maps, this is unknown. Generally, each leg is about a third of the race in time, not mileage.

What will the mountain biking be like?
It is possible that the mountain biking section will range from paved roads to gravel roads, to dirt (double) track to single-track to bushwack / carry sections. 

Do I/we need a USARA license?
Yes. All races are sanctioned by the United States Adventure Racing Association. Our longer events are National Qualifiers and all races are Team Ranking Events. If you do not have a 1-year license already, you may purchase a single event license for $8 per race / event, and can be purchased at the event. Once year licenses are also available, which you can purchase at the event if necessary, but are encouraged to pre-purchase a yearly event at USARA.com.

Are races ever canceled due to weather?
No - we race in all types of weather so plan accordingly. It's all part of the Adventure!

What are the skill requirements?
We highly recommend you have a minimum of basic knowledge and skill in all the race disciplines, including First Aid skills, mountain biking, 3 person canoe paddling, and running with a pack, and that one person on your team has basic navigational knowledge. 

Do all 3 members have to do all events?
This is not a relay event, and thus all members must travel together (within 100ft) through the entire race to remain an official team.

Where does the race start/finish?
This is something that we can tell you - each race will FINISH at the Host Center that is hosting the event. All races will start within a reasonable distance from that host center.

What is the refund policy?
All but 1/3 of the entry fee (considered the deposit) is refundable up to three weeks prior to the race start. After three weeks, anything over the deposit is redeemable within one year for credit towards a Racing Ahead, LLC event.

I have family / friends coming, what can they do?
Spectating is often difficult with AR's due to the secrecy of the route, but it is possible. They can come talk to us to get information on good viewing areas. The best way to view and cheer on your team, is to volunteer! They get to see you throughout the race as well as helping us out. Please see the volunteer section, and have them fill out the volunteer form! We would love their help!


More questions? Fill out our information form or email us!