So, you woke up on the first of January this year to some of the heaviest snowfall the UK has experienced in modern history. The first thing that crossed your mind was: Damn, I hope this clears up before the adventure racing season starts. Although a little crazy, it will definitely be an interesting read for you. Take a look at my list of the top ten adventure races in the UK:
1. New Zealand: from coast to coast
Yes, I realize I am starting a race that is not even in the UK, however it has proven extremely popular with experienced adventure racers in the UK. You’ll need all of your adventure racing gear for this race as you’re not only running and biking, but you’ll also be required to kayak a few miles into the race. You will cover 160 miles in 2 days as you go from one coast of New Zealand to another not so close.
When: February 12 – 13, 2010 (normally takes place in February each year)
two. Inov8 IROC
An ever-popular race in the UK, this race is for multiple people to take part in as an adventure racing team, or if you’re a true all-rounder you can try this race on your own. The entire race consists of 6 smaller races that you will need to complete. You will be required to run, bike, mountain bike and cruise at night. Each stage must be finished in an allotted amount of time to allow you to proceed to the next race.
3. Adventure Racing World Series:
Only the strongest of the strongest enter this racing series. Widely regarded as the premium adventure race in the UK, you’ll be expected to run, cycle, swim, raft down the river and get in touch with your animal side while riding at certain points in the race. Lasting up to six days, your stamina will be tested to the max!
When: February – November 2010
Four. Edinburgh – London: The Rat Race
Get together with a friend or two and take part in this adventure race that is for people a little more playful and less extreme. This race could be compared to the American TV show “The Amazing Race”, which shows you eating chili peppers, abseiling, running, biking, taking buses and milking cows. You have to be prepared for EVERYTHING. A fun event that will give you the opportunity to run through cities like Edinburgh, Sheffield and London in a short space of time.
When: June – September 2010
5. Barnmouth Wales: 3 Peaks Yacht Race
So you are an accomplished sailor and have sales on many lakes, rivers and oceans in your time. That won’t be enough this time, I’m afraid. This regatta will see him depart his yacht from Barnmouth in Wales and sail along the UK’s west coast. Along the way, you’ll need to leave the comfort of your boat and climb the highest peaks in Wales, England and Scotland. You will need to use all your skills and navigate, run, row and bike from one place to another. All I can say is that I must have your blessing that this adventure race is in June and not January!
When: June 19, 2010
6. UK: Questars
A unique type of race, Questars races basically boil down to getting from point A to point B in the shortest time possible. You choose when you want to bike, run or swim. You must plan your own routes and be prepared to be on your feet for up to two days of racing. The races are spread across the UK so make sure you visit the website and find out when the next race is near you.
When: March – September 2010
7. Surrey: Helly Hansen Adventure Challenge
Add this to your adventure racing calendar. This race, which usually takes place in military training camps, is a kind of obstacle course. Teams are usually made up of three people, and you’ll have to run, jump, and climb your way through numerous obstacles. Navigation is not required, but it will need to be running at full speed for 3-5 hours. A great way to start or end your racing season.
8. North of England: Open 24
A true fitness test! There is no time to rest, and you will be on your feet running for 24 hours. Expect running, biking, and kayaking during the race. The race takes place in mid-December, so make sure you break out your thermals for this one, because you don’t want to have to worry about getting cold between thoughts of trying to stay alive.
9. London – Paris: London to Paris Cycle Race
Granted, strictly this isn’t officially considered an adventure race, but if you’re the competitive type but not in the top 1% of cyclists in the world who can ride the Tour de France, then this race is the closest you’ll get. that you will be on the big tour. The three-day race spans 350 miles along UK and French road. The race organizers take care of all the logistics, so you don’t have to worry about anything other than keeping up with the peloton. The race is divided into 5 categories based on skill level, so you can be sure that you will meet and compete with people of the same ability as you.
When: from June 24 to 27
10 Dorset/Devon: series of coastal raids
A whole series of races make up these challenges. Certain races will have you racing along the beautiful coastlines of England, taking part in multi-skill challenges, and if you’re brave enough, you can take part in the ultimate 140-mile coast-to-coast race. Make sure to train yourself as these races are not for the faint of heart.
As you can see, there are plenty of opportunities in the next twelve months for you to stretch your legs. get the tracker to the bottom; Bye bye iron those sports bras and dust off those trail running shoes and start your adventure running training on the streets of your local neighborhood as that’s about as easy as it’s going to be for you this year. Good luck!
