The sport of Adventure Racing continues to grow in popularity as the numbers of races increase every year. The never ending challenges presented to adventure racers by natural elements is causing the sport to grow by leaps and bounds. Adventure Racing is one of the few sports where just completing a race is often considered a victory.

In Adventure racing the emphasis is placed on teamwork, rather than individual achievement. Adventure races can vary anywhere from 2-5 person teams, with some events now offering solo categories. The disciplines can also vary from race to race. Adventure racing can include shredding through tight single track on a mountain bike or orienteering and hiking through a dense forest. Adventure racers may find themselves ripping down rapids in a canoe and then rappelling off a 100 foot rock face. The races can last a few hours or several days and can cover 10 – 100 miles or more!

Australian based production company, NothinButShorts produced a series titled “WILD RACERS” with the goal of educating people about the attraction of Adventure Racing.

The roots of adventure racing are deep and people debate the origin of the modern adventure race but most point to the two-day Karrimor International Mountain Marathon, first held in 1968 as the birth of modern adventure racing. The Karrimor Marathon required two-person teams to traverse mountainous terrain while carrying all the supplies required to support themselves through the double-length marathon run.

Adventure racing has been said to allow an individual to find his or her limits and push through them. Racing often takes participants out of their comfort zone by challenging competitors with unfamiliar surroundings, often while sleep deprived and physically exhausted.

Are you intrigued yet? There’s hundreds of adventure races each year, do yourself a favor and get active!