​​WHAT IS AN ADVENTURE RACE?

Adventure racing is a multi-sport, primarily off-road, navigation-based sport. Put more plainly: adventure racing is a scavenger hunt with a clock. The course is not revealed until race time, and racers navigate to as many checkpoints as they can within a time limit.

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Adventure Racing is typically a team sport, but there are a few participants out there today doing it solo. Being a "navigation-based sport" means that participants navigate by compass using a map that indicates the location of checkpoints they need to find. GPS, phone and other smart-devices are not allowed to aid in navigation unless specifically called out by the race director.

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Today's race includes the disciplines of trekking (running/hiking), biking, and paddling. So, if you see some folks outside today watching their maps as they travel the parks/lakes/trails they are most likely racers in the Adventure Race. Feel free to cheer them on or give them a high-five. They could probably use some words of encouragement right now!

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Visit this page to learn more about today's event. And, if you'd like to learn more about Adventure Racing in general, visit the United States Adventure Racing Association's webpage here. 

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THE SPORT OF ORIENTEERING

If you’re looking for a new adventure which mixes the great outdoors with a bit of a scavenger hunt, orienteering is the sport for you. If you currently enjoy hiking, trail running, geocaching, or just a leisurely walk in the park, check out the Minnesota Orienteering Club website to learn more about the sport and what's available right here in the Twin Cities area. We’d love for you to come out and join us at one of our events. It’s an activity that everyone in the family can enjoy, regardless of age or experience, and our local events range from only $10-$15!

 

Orienteering attracts a wide range of participants; from the competitive athlete who wants to experience the exhilaration of running through the woods at top speed, to the non-competitive individuals who wants to follow the trails and enjoy the park at a more leisurely pace, and every level in between. Most events provide course options for all skill levels and abilities, from beginner to advanced.

 

The sport of orienteering can be thought of as a timed-event in which participants navigate to checkpoints on a map. The sport challenges both mind and body and is often referred to as “The Thinking Sport”. The basics can be learned in half an hour, but you can spend a lifetime honing your skills. 

 

Sound like fun? We think so, and hope you do as well. To get started, check out our event schedule at

mnoc.org/event-schedule and join us at a meet!