How to get into adventure racing

By Leanne Hyland

Outdoor headlines

25 June 2010 16:03

Ever wanted to try adventure racing, but put off by months of hard work and training? “Just get out there and do it” says Cheryl Frost from Open Adventure. “Before you know it you will be ready to challenge those top teams”.

Adventure racing does not have to require months of preparation, event’s themselves are excellent practise and teach you valuable skills and tips for improvement.

If you’re new to the adventure scene start off with a few short races. “The open 5 series are great for this; they will get your brain in tune for navigation and route choice”, says Cheryl.

“Get some friends together and start team training; this gives you the chance to learn from each other, picking up handy hints along the way”. Training with friends is sure to pick up your motivation, crucial for getting through those tougher moments.

“In terms of fitness, keep the cardio vascular base high and if you have time you may want to work on the core and strength too”.

Most first timers will find the variety of activities challenging, as for multidiscipline training, “Get the body used to switching between skills, some biking perhaps followed by a run or swim. Often it is a relief to switch from one discipline to the other as it gives some muscles a rest”.

Here are 5 great races to get you started this summer.

Open 12 Adventure Race 26/27th June.
http://www.openadventure.com/open12/index.htm
Check out this 12 hour race in the Dales, at its core are mountain biking and running. The race will be completed in two halves with an overnight rest in between.

Adidas Terrex Adventure Race 27th-30th August.
http://www.adidas-ar.com/
This non stop 4 day expedition across Cumbria will see teams travel on foot, bike and kayak across the Lake Districts mountainous environment.

Questars Adventure Race 17th July.
http://www.questars.co.uk/17-july-chilterns-herts.html
This easily accessible one day race just outside London is a must, with kayaking taking place on the Grand Union canal. Don’t miss the great views and tough ascents of Chilterns hills.

DW4 Adventure Race 19th October.
http://www.darkandwhite.co.uk/challenge-events-outdoor-activities.asp?race_id=274
Travel in teams of just 1 or 2 for this 8 hour race across Northern England. Disciplines have not yet been revealed for this race. Experienced racers have the option to extend the course.

Rat Race Adventure 10th July.
http://www.ratracegreenbelter.com/page138.asp
Horse Jumps, water features and running are just some of the activities in the Rat Race which will see teams take a day to explore the Oxfordshire countryside.