WE’VE NEVER DONE ANYTHING LIKE THIS, HOW HARD IS IT?

A team of new racers will likely be out there for the full duration of the race, with the possibility of not getting all the checkpoints.  We highly recommend a team of new racers to start with the 3 hour race which is beginner friendly and new this year allows the use of GPS (more info in the following question), whereas the longer race is designed with more advanced navigation in addition to the longer duration.  While this amount of time may seem long, you’ll likely find that the race flies by, as you’ll be transitioning between disciplines throughout the race.

Be sure to stay tuned on our Facebook page for opportunities to get more tips from the race directors!

CAN i USE GPS?

To reduce barriers to entry, for the 2024 event, any type of GPS will be allowed for the 3 hour event.  There are many free apps and devices, so familiarize yourself with the technology prior to the event.  Note that cell service may be limited in more remote areas on the course so downloading offline maps may be helpful.  GPX files of routes and GPS coordinates of checkpoints will not be provided to racers so it’s up to each team to determine how they want to utilize the GPS.  GPS is not required and advanced navigators may prefer not using GPS in the elements.  Note that if you choose to use your phone you may want to bring a second phone as part of the mandatory gear list to ensure you don’t drain your phone battery, especially in the cold weather.  There will be no separate divisions for non-GPS users in the 3 hour event.  Note communication with your GPS/phone with other racers is NOT allowed.

GPS for navigation is not allowed in the 6 hour or 3 hour (no bike) events and is designed with more advanced navigation.  All racers are allowed to record their track with a device inaccessible in their pack during the race to evaluate routes post-event.

WHAT DO WE DO IF WE GET LOST?

Recovering from getting lost is a big part of the sport.  We’ve all been there!  You will always be fairly close to roads and major trails.  It is a good practice to keep a recovery plan in mind, so that if you get lost, you know which direction to go to get to the nearest known point.

If there is an emergency or you are unable to get “unlost”, all teams are required to carry a fully charged cell phone in case of emergency. 

HOW WILL THE RACE BE SPLIT UP?

You should expect some of the disciplines of the race to be spit up, for example: trek/run 2k, special challenge, bike 6k, trek 3k.  You will find out the exact order of the race when you receive your map and race instructions.

CAN TEAM MEMBERS SPLIT UP DIFFERENT SECTIONS OF THE RACE BETWEEN THEM?

Team members must stay together at all times throughout the duration of the event; it is not a relay.

WILL THE RACE BE THE SAME AS LAST YEAR?

No!  We have a brand new course in store for racers every year.  We move the race around every year, so expect new CP locations, bike routes, trekking sections, and even special challenges.

WHAT KIND OF BIKE DO I NEED?  WILL I NEED a FAT Bike?

No fat bikes are needed.  All biking will be on gravel roads, double track trail, or pavement.  Mountain bikes are recommended especially if roads are slick due to weather conditions, but a cross bike/hybrid or road bike is allowed.

Plus new in 2024, we added a 3 hour race option without biking.

HOW ARE TEAMS RANKED?

Finish rank will be determined by the team who collects the most checkpoints in the fastest amount of time.  In other words, teams who get to more checkpoints but finish later will be ranked ahead of those who collect less checkpoints and finish earlier.

WILL THERE BE PLACES WHERE WE LEAVE OUR BIKES, AND WILL THEY BE SAFE?

There may be transition areas during the race where you will leave your bike and biking gear to go out on a trek.  While there will be volunteers at these transition areas watching bikes and gear, we cannot guarantee the absolute safety of your equipment.  We recommend you label all your gear and lock up anything you are truly concerned about.

WILL MAPS BE PROVIDED OR DO WE NEED TO BRING OUR OWN?

All the maps you need will be provided.

WILL WE BE REQUIRED TO PLOT UTM COORDINATE POINTS ON OUR MAPS FOR THIS RACE?

No.  Maps will be pre-plotted with checkpoints.

WILL WATER BE AVAILABLE AT THE TRANSITION AREAS?

Water will be available for teams at least once along the course. More info will be disclosed in pre-race updates.

WILL WE HAVE ACCESS TO GEAR WE LEAVE AT OUR CAR ONCE THE RACE STARTS?

Don’t count on it.  Plan on bringing everything you need with you for the duration of the race.  For example, if you wear cycling shoes, you may want to consider a way to carry your trekking shoes.  You will not need to carry biking gear on non-biking sections. More info will be disclosed in pre-race updates regarding transportation of snowshoes during the race.

CAN MY CHILD RACE ALONE OR ON A TEAM WITH OTHER CHILDREN?

No. Each team must have at least one person age 18 or older.

ARE ALL THREE RACE LENGTHS PART OF THE WISCONSIN ADVENTURE RACING SERIES?

Yes!  To complete in this series adventure races throughout Wisconsin, simply sign up for this or any of the races in the series.  More info at:  www.wisconsinadventureracingseries.com

CAN WE ADD A TEAM MEMBER TO A 2-PERSON OR 3-PERSON TEAM AFTER WE’VE ALREADY REGISTERED?

Yes!  You can add a team member to your team until registration closes.  This can be done on the registration page.

I’M INTERESTED IN DOING THE RACE, BUT NEED HELP FINDING A TEAM TO RACE WITH.  CAN YOU HELP ME FIND SOME TEAMMATES?

Post on the Wisconsin Adventure Racing Teammate Finder!  Helpful things to list include that you're interested in doing this specific race and what distance. Also, what your athletic ability is; are you looking to win, finish middle of the pack, or just make it through the race and having fun?