From the snow-capped peaks of Colorado to the coasts and estuaries of Spain, here are the top five adventure races and navigational challenges that we are especially excited for in 2019!
5. Stubborn Mule Adventure Race (12hr)
Cable, Wisconsin, June 29th, 2019
In this premier midwestern race (a part of Wisconsin’s Adventure Race Series) registered teams can expect to tackle a variety of disciplines, including flat water paddling, road biking, and orienteering. The objective is to find as many hidden checkpoints as possible. To up the challenge, the starting location is kept confidential until the week of the race to challenge team’s navigational skills to the utmost.
4. Never Summer Adventure Race (24hr)
Winter Park, Colorado, June 22nd, 2019
Lush valleys and flowing rivers provide a startling contrast to magnificent Rocky Mountain peaks in this 24-hour event for teams of 2, 3, or 4. The unmarked course is riddled with paddling, mountain biking, and trekking disciplines all throughout Winter Park Resort, being hosted for the first time at this location. With 90% of the course comprised of unpaved trails, the race is sure to prove a challenge to adventurers and racers of all levels of experience.
3. Eco-Endurance 2019 (24hr)
Halifax, Nova Scotia, May 4th, 2019
Situated amongst the bogs and streams of Eastern Canada’s backcountry, the Eco-Endurance adventure looks to test even the most seasoned of participants. Originally created eighteen years ago as a training event for Search and Rescue volunteers, the course quickly became popular with the public, who started asking whether they could join in. Building upon this legacy, all profits from the Eco-Endurance Challenge are used to support the life-saving activities of Halifax Regional Search and Rescue and provide assistance to the Orienteering Association of Nova Scotia. But don’t let the good-heartedness of this race fool you—be prepared to endure unpredictable temperature fluctuations, and possibly even hailstorms, sleet, and freezing rain.
2. Two Rivers Adventure Race (24hr)
Williamsport, Pennsylvania, May 18th 2019 - May 19th 2019
Two Rivers returns to its roots after three years of courses in semi-urban areas. After being placed within the woods of north central Pennsylvania, teams will encounter technical terrain and navigational choices throughout the expedition-style course. The rugged and exhausting Pennsylvanian topography poses a remarkable upside: teams will have the opportunity to experience stunning vistas along the route.
1. Raid Gallaecia (134hr)
Viveiro, Spain, May 10th 2019 - May 18th 2019
As part of the Adventure Racing World Series, adventurers will truly be put to the test in this extreme course along the Cantabrian coast. Alongside the typical disciplines of mountain biking, trail running, rope work and navigation, expect to encounter both sea and river kayaking challenges, complemented by a rigorous test of coasteering. Expect some of the globe’s most seasoned teams to make an appearance at what will undoubtedly be one of the best races of 2019.
