Posted on: 17 March 2023

ARWS North America Races Announced – Starts This Weekend


North America Races Starts This Weekend

Maine Summer Race
The start of the Maine Summer Adventure Race

The inaugural year of Adventure Racing World Series – North America circuit officially gets underway this weekend with the Extreme Break Up Adventure Race in Manhattan, Kansas, U.S.A. on Saturday,
March 18th.

The ARWS North America calendar is a collection of the best mid-distance adventure races across the USA, Mexico and Canada. Event organizers set a unique course to test athletes over a 100- to 250-kilometer course of non-stop day-and-night racing in the disciplines of trekking, mountain biking, kayaking, and navigation.

Participating teams earn points toward their ARWS North American rankings and have a chance to earn free entry to the Adventure Racing World Championship in
 Ecuador in 2024.

“We’re so excited to welcome so many races in North America into the Adventure Racing World Series family,” Adventure Racing World Series CEO Heidi Muller said.

Muller will be in the USA next month at the new Expedition Ozark race, and added; “ARWS has been working hard to develop and grow our presence in North America. The official launch of ARWS North America is a huge step forward for us and completes our regional race series across the globe, providing racers everywhere an opportunity to enjoy World Series Adventure Racing.”

The series currently includes 20 races and concludes with the La Ruta Madre 48 hour race in Mexico. More races are due to join in the near future.

At the conclusion of the series there will be a grand lottery from all teams who have raced at least 2 series events, and the top prize will be a place at the Adventure Racing World Championship 2024 in Ecuador.

There will be lots more prizes too, including free race entries and products and services from ARWS commercial partners. It will be a grand give-away in the ARWS North America community at the end of the year!

North America Race Directors Off Road Rage Adventure Race Scaled 1 2048x1111

The 2023 ARWS North America Circuit includes the following races so far;

  • Extreme Break Up 12-Hour Adventure Race, Manhattan, Kansas, March 18, 2023
  • Shenandoah Epic 24-Hour Adventure Race, Front Royal, Virginia, April 15, 2023
  • Rattlesnake Racing Rock, Roll and Rattlesnake Challenge 16-Hour Adventure Race, Haskell, Texas, May 6, 2023
  • Mission 18-Hour Adventure Race, Versailles, Indiana, May 6, 2023
  • REV3Endurance 50-Hour Challenge, Woodstock, Virginia, May 14, 2023
  • Rib Mountain 18-Hour Adventure Challenge, Stevens Point, Wisconsin, May 27, 2023
  • Tug Hill 12-Hour Extreme Adventure, Osceola, New York, June 3, 2023
  • The Gorge 18-Hour Adventure Race, White Salmon, Washington, June 10, 2023
  • Teton Ogre 24-Hour Adventure Race, Teton Valley, Idaho, June 24, 2023
  • Stubborn Mule 30-Hour Adventure Race, Hayward, Wisconsin, June 24, 2023
  • Showdown on the Santa Fe 18-Hour Adventure Race, High Springs, Florida, June 24, 2023
  • Endless Mountains Adventure Race Lite 30-Hour Race, Gaines, Pennsylvania, June 26, 2023
  • Never Summer 24-Hour Adventure Race, Eagle, Colorado, July 15, 2023
  • Maine Summer 24-Hour Adventure Race, Brunswick, Maine, July 15, 2023
  • The Longest Day 24-Hour Adventure Race, Warren, Connecticut May 14, 2023
  • Cowboy Tough 24-Hour Adventure Race, Cheyenne, Wyoming, August 12, 2023
  • Almost Heaven 24-Hour Adventure Race, Davis, West Virginia, October 7, 2023
  • Chisholm Trail 24-Hour Adventure Race, Rio Vista, Texas, October 14, 2023
  • Off Road Rage 12-Hour Adventure Race, Warsaw, Missouri, October 14, 2023
  • La Ruta Madre 48-Hour Adventure Race, Monterrey, Mexico, November 16, 2023

188210947 1904893806326859 572924192387326818 N 1
Cliff White – ARWS North America Co-ordinator

“I’m very excited to help coordinate the ARWS North America Circuit,” White said. “Featuring some of the best races on the continent, it will give participants the opportunity to experience the thrill and challenge of adventure racing at longer distances without the commitment an expedition-length race requires.”

“We’re aiming to make this a series everyone involved in the sport will want to be a part of, from racers to race directors to sponsors. Working together, we can elevate adventure racing in North America to a new level.”

More information on the series can be found at: https://arworldseries.com/arws-north-america/

For more information about joining the series or being a commercial partner contact Cliff White on info@arworldseries.com

Map North America 2023 2048x1617


VIEW ALL

RELATED RACES

07
Oct

North America Series Almost Heaven AR

24-hour adventure race in Davis, covering up to 100 miles with trekking, paddling, and mountain biking, and discovering relics of mining and logging while conquering natural features.
07 Oct - 08 Oct 2023 (Past Race)
Distance
161km
Course Open
24hours
Teams
1, 2, 3 & 4 PERSON
Limit
120 Participants

08
Jun

North America Series TETON OGRE ADVENTURE RACE

The Teton Ogre is back for its tenth year in the beautiful and rugged region west of the Teton mountain range in eastern Idaho. The Ogre will push teams to the limit while at the same time revealing scenery and wilderness that will take their breath away. 24-hour racers will be traveling via trekking, mountain biking, and pack rafting, while our 9-hour racers will be trekking and mountain biking. Navigation and route choice will of course be at the heart of it.

08 Jun - 09 Jun 2024 (Past Race)
Distance
100 KM | 65KM
Course Open
24hrs
Teams
Team of 2, 3 & 4
Limit
100 Teams

12
Aug

North America Series Cowboy Tough Adventure Race

Join the Cowboy Tough Race to test your endurance and Adventure Racing skills in the scenic state of Wyoming. With stunning views and challenging mountain biking, trekking, and two paddle sections, you'll be pushed over 8000 feet at 6000 feet elevation. Bend, but don't break.
12 Aug - 13 Aug 2023 (Past Race)
Distance
129km
Course Open
24hours
Teams
2 & 4 PERSON
Limit
50 Teams

20
Apr

North America Series SHENANDOAH EPIC

Something very different and new is coming to the Shenandoah Epic this year…GPS devices! They’ve been a long-time no-no and total taboo in the AR community, but we are breaking the rules and allowing any type of GPS device for navigation in this year’s running of the Shenandoah Epic. Bring your iPhones and iPads, Garmin watches without AR mode, hell bring a laptop computer if that is the way you want to roll. There will be no holds barred on what device you want to utilize to aid your navigation around the course. The choice is yours.

20 Apr - 21 Apr 2024 (Past Race)
Distance
100miles
Course Open
24hours
Teams
Team of 4, 3 & 2
Limit
300 Participants

29
Jun

North America Series Stubborn Mule Adventure Race

Gear up for the ultimate journey through the gorgeous wilderness of northern Wisconsin as the Stubborn Mule Adventure Race returns to Cable on June 29, 2024! Every aspect of this 30-hour event is designed to push your limits and leave you with unforgettable memories.

29 Jun - 30 Jun 2024 (Past Race)
Distance
N/A
Course Open
30 hrs
Teams
Team of 2, 3 & 4
Limit
200 Racers

24
Jun

North America Series Showdown on the Santa Fe

Explore Florida's natural beauty at the O'Leno State Park adventure race. Immerse yourself in a 6,000-acre wilderness and race through a landscape filled with oak trees, cypress, and palmetto thickets
24 Jun - 25 Jun 2023 (Past Race)
Distance
N/A
Course Open
18 hour
Teams
1, 2, 3 & 4 PERSON
Limit
75 Participants

12
Apr

North America Series SHENANDOAH EPIC

Preparations are underway for the Adventure Enablers 2025 running of the Shenandoah Epic 24-hour adventure race. The race is in its 14th year and is located in Front Royal, Virginia. The adventure race will start on April 12, 2025. Registration opens to all experienced and budding adventure racers on October 1, 2024.

12 Apr - 13 Apr 2025
Distance
100miles
Course Open
30 hours
Teams
Team of 4, 3 & 2
Limit
300 Participants

01
Jun

North America Series Tug Hill Extreme Adventure

12-hour race: ARWS-NA and USARA points race. Teams of 1-4 navigate with map/compass to find pre-plotted checkpoints while trekking/running, mountain biking, and paddling. 3/4-person mixed gender division.

01 Jun - 01 Jun 2024 (Past Race)
Distance
80km
Course Open
12hours
Teams
Team of 2, 3 & 4
Limit
100 Participants

26
Jun

North America Series ENDLESS MOUNTAINS ADVENTURE RACE

World Champs Qualifier
Explore the rugged terrain of Pennsylvania's 2 million-acre PA Wilds with a 325-mile course, including history, scenic waterways, and challenging overland navigation.
26 Jun - 01 Jul 2023 (Past Race)
Distance
525km
Course Open
120hours
Teams
2, 3 & 4 PERSON
Limit
N/A

20
Apr

Are you ready to "Take the Bite" and "Race West Texas Style?" BYOB, boat not beer, and join the adventure. This is a fun 16 hour race.

20 Apr - 20 Apr 2024 (Past Race)
Distance
N/A
Course Open
16hours
Teams
2, 3 & 4 PERSON
Limit
20 Teams

12
May

North America Series REV3Endurance 50 Hour Challenge

Ready for the REV3Endurance 50 Hour Expedition Race? The most challenging Rev3 Endurance adventure race. Clear the course to get the race belt buckle medal. Eco Challenge format with cutoffs. Endurance event for teamwork and personal achievement.
12 May - 14 May 2023 (Past Race)
Distance
193km
Course Open
50hours
Teams
2 & 4 PERSON
Limit
50 Teams

23
Mar

North America Series EXTREME BREAK UP ADVENTURE RACE

The Break Up Race is not named after your relationship status, but derived from the Spring thaw that occurs in Alaska. This race is the LONGEST running adventure race in Midwest, maybe the country!?? There is a reason it has been around the longest...it's just so DANG FUN!!

23 Mar - 23 Mar 2024 (Past Race)
Distance
6hrs / 12hrs
Course Open
12 Hours
Teams
2, 3, 4 person
Limit
N/A

29
Jun

North America Series THE LONGEST DAY

In 2024 The Longest Day Will be held for the first time ever in the Adirondack Mountains of New York. This will be a 24 hour event held in the heart of one of the largest parks in the US. Teams of 2 - 4 will experience world class single track mountain biking, incredible navigation through forests and over mountains, and exciting whitewater rafting in a guided boat.

This race is built to challenge the toughest adventure racers but also give new folks the chance to experience a longer race format. On this course many of the checkpoints will be optional with a fewer number of mandatory points to make sure that everyone gets across the finish line together.

29 Jun - 30 Jun 2024 (Past Race)
Distance
80miles
Course Open
24hrs
Teams
Team of 2, 3 & 4
Limit
80

14
Oct

North America Series OFF ROAD RAGE ADVENTURE RACE

Join us for the 10th Anniversary of the Off Road Rage Adventure Race. Held in the gorgeous Ozark mountains of Missouri, this fall race has become a Midwest favorite. 

14 Oct - 14 Oct 2023 (Past Race)
Distance
2 Hours / 6 Hours / 12 Hours
Course Open
12hrs
Teams
solo, 2 person, 3 person, 4 person
Limit
N/A

04
May

North America Series MISSION ADVENTURE RACE

MISSION is one of the US longest-running AR's. The race is designed to take nearly all teams to the 18-hour cutoff at midnight. Unique / quirky characteristics of this race include our "segment" layout in which you won't know what is next until you reach that stage of the race. Creativity and route choices are often an important part of a successful race.

04 May - 04 May 2024 (Past Race)
Distance
100km
Course Open
18hr
Teams
Team of 2 & 3
Limit
46

10
Jun

North America Series Gorge AR

Whitewater, singletrack, trekking and rock climbing in Columbia River Gorge. Bend Racing's tour includes hidden gems, near Portland. 18hr expected winning time, short course options available for newer teams.
10 Jun - 10 Jun 2023 (Past Race)
Distance
N/A
Course Open
18 hours
Teams
1, 2, 3 & 4 PERSON
Limit
25 Teams

28
Mar

After six years of success, we are proud to once again present Mexico’s Toughest Race! Our goal has always been and continues to be to promote ecotourism through mountain sports in Nuevo León and Mexico, explore the wonders and challenges that nature has to offer and experience endless emotions together with you.

28 Mar - 31 Mar 2024 (Past Race)
Distance
20 | 50 | 100 | 250KM
Course Open
3 Days
Teams
Team of 2 & 4
Limit
N/A

26
Jun

30-hour expedition-style Endless Mountains Adventure Race Lite takes racers on a journey through the rugged Pennsylvania Wilds.
26 Jun - 27 Jun 2023 (Past Race)
Distance
185km
Course Open
30hours
Teams
1, 2, 3 & 4 PERSON
Limit
N/A

25
May

North America Series RIB MOUNTAIN ADVENTURE CHALLENGE

The Rib Mountain Adventure Challenge is an adventure race in which teams of 2-4 members and soloists will run, bike, and paddle their way through the rugged and beautiful Central Wisconsin wilderness using only a map and compass to find the way. Team members must stick together throughout the duration of the race.

25 May - 25 May 2024 (Past Race)
Distance
125KM
Course Open
3hrs, 8hrs, 18hrs
Teams
Team of 2, 3 & 4
Limit
Teams must be age 18 or older

01
Apr

North America Series EXPEDITION OZARK

One of those days that you test your physical limits, push mental boundaries, all while looking around in disbelief of the beauty of the world you live in. Except it is 5 of those - back to back

01 Apr - 08 Apr 2023 (Past Race)
Distance
628KM
Course Open
85hrs
Teams
4 PERSON
Limit
48 teams

19
Oct

North America Series Fall Foliage Adventure Race

Make a team or go solo as the temperatures start cooling off and the leaves start falling and changing color during our Fall Foliage Adventure Race in and around the stunningly beautiful Mason Neck peninsula in Lorton, Virginia.

19 Oct - 19 Oct 2024 (Past Race)
Distance
80KM | 16KM
Course Open
14 hours
Teams
Team of 2, 3 & 4
Limit
Limited

02
Mar

North America Series CheNarr Adventure Race and Rogaine

The CheNarr Adventure Race is a 12-hr event that includes mountain or gravel biking, kayaking and trekking to find checkpoints along the Harpeth River, in the Cheatham Wildlife Management Area and in Narrows of the Harpeth State Park.

02 Mar - 02 Mar 2024 (Past Race)
Distance
120
Course Open
12 Hours
Teams
Team of 2, 3 & 4
Limit
100

28
Jun

North America Series Stubborn Mule Adventure Race

"Prepare yourself for the ultimate adventure as the Stubborn Mule Adventure Race returns to the rugged north woods of Cable, Wisconsin, on June 28, 2025! This 24-hour event is crafted to push your endurance, sharpen your skills, and create unforgettable memories.

28 Jun - 29 Jun 2025
Distance
N/A
Course Open
24 hrs
Teams
Team of 2, 3 & 4
Limit
200 Racers

03
May

The Rock, Roll and Rattlesnake Challenge (RRRC) is held on a private ranch in the remote rugged and beautiful area of North West Texas. The RRRC is not a "bag and tag' get in and get out, over and done kind of race. It is a full weekend of "entertainment", an experience to savor, enjoy and make memories. The RRRC was started by Rattlesnake Racing in 1999 and has a long history of challenging participants.

03 May - 03 May 2025
Distance
["N/A"]
Course Open
16hours
Teams
2, 3 & 4 PERSON
Limit
25 Teams

17
Jul

North America Series Pocket Gopher Extreme Challenge

The Pocket Gopher Extreme 48 will be insane this year! The PGE is both an ARWS North America Regional Race and a USARA national qualifier for 2025 and that is just the beginning. This year we are taking the PGE to extremely new heights with a 48hr expedition style race that is sure to challenge any team. If you have ever wanted to try an expedition race but have been afraid to try this is the race for you.

17 Jul - 20 Jul 2025
Distance
75km-250km
Course Open
48hrs & 12 Hrs
Teams
Team of 2, 3 & 4
Limit
Unlimited

01
Mar

North America Series CheNarr Adventure Race and Rogaine

The CheNarr Adventure Race is a 12-hr event that includes mountain or gravel biking, kayaking and trekking to find checkpoints along the Harpeth River, in the Cheatham Wildlife Management Area and in Narrows of the Harpeth State Park.

01 Mar - 01 Mar 2025
Distance
80
Course Open
12 Hours
Teams
Team of 2, 3 & 4
Limit
100

27
Jul

Join us for the USARA Nationals qualifier Gold Ruch 30-Hour Adventure Challenge. Male, Female and Co-Ed Teams of 2, 3 or 4 will cover 120 miles in Stanislaus National Forest via trekking, biking, paddling and ropes using only a compass and a map to navigate from checkpoint to checkpoint; the race will offer both Mandatory and Pro CPs (for the expert level teams.)

27 Jul - 28 Jul 2023 (Past Race)
Distance
120 Miles
Course Open
30 hours
Teams
Team of 2, 3 & 4
Limit
75

21
Mar

World Champs Qualifier

After six years of success, we are proud to once again present Mexico’s Toughest Race! Our goal has always been and continues to be to promote ecotourism through mountain sports in Nuevo León and Mexico, explore the wonders and challenges that nature has to offer and experience endless emotions together with you.

21 Mar - 28 Mar 2025
Distance
500km | 200km | 100km
Course Open
6.5 Days
Teams
Team of 2, 3 & 4
Limit
N/A

20
Jun

North America Series ENDLESS MOUNTAINS ADVENTURE RACE

World Champs Qualifier

Now in its third edition, the 2025 Endless Mountains Adventure Race is heading north to the Green Mountain State! Over seven days, teams will get to explore the full expanse of what Vermont has to offer: rolling mountains, lush forests, majestic waterways, iconic gravel, and twisty single track on a course that calls to mind the Untamed New England expeditions of years past and pairs it with the classic Rootstock flair that you have come to expect from Endless: rewarding checkpoints, a close-knit community feel, and some of the most challenging navigation and route choice on the ARWS circuit.

20 Jun - 28 Jun 2025
Distance
765km | 587km
Course Open
7 Days
Teams
Team of 2, 3 & 4
Limit
N/A

22
Mar

North America Series EXTREME BREAK UP ADVENTURE RACE

Join us for the LONGEST running Midwest Adventure Race! This race isn't named after your relationship, but rather the spring thaw after a long winter! There will be 6 and 12 hour courses to FIT ALL SKILL LEVELS!

22 Mar - 22 Mar 2025
Distance
6hrs / 12hrs
Course Open
12 Hours
Teams
Team of 2, 3 & 4
Limit
200 Racers

13
Jul

North America Series Never Summer Adventure Race

The 9th edition of the Never Summer Race returns to beautiful Eagle where teams will trek, bike, and paddle the wild Rocky Mountains of Colorado. There is the full 24hr course for teams of 2, 3, or 4 and also a more beginner 6hr course available.

13 Jul - 14 Jul 2024 (Past Race)
Distance
113km | 97km
Course Open
24hours
Teams
2, 3 & 4 PERSON
Limit
100 Teams

13
Jul

North America Series Maine Summer Adventure Race

Now in its eighth year, the Maine Summer Adventure Race is an annual event designed to showcase the most beautiful, interesting, and fun parts of Maine.

The 3-hour race, with mostly on-trail hiking and optional mountain biking, is a perfect introduction to the sport for those new to adventure racing. Past finishers have included toddlers and septuagenarians.

13 Jul - 14 Jul 2024 (Past Race)
Distance
N/A
Course Open
24 hours
Teams
Team of 4, 3 & 2
Limit
150 Participants

19
Jul

North America Series Pocket Gopher Extreme Challenge

In 2024 the Pocket Gopher Challenges are coming back to where it all began, Nerstand MN.

19 Jul - 21 Jul 2024 (Past Race)
Distance
150-250km
Course Open
30hrs & 12 Hrs
Teams
Team of 2, 3 & 4
Limit
200 people

22
Sep

North America Series EXPEDITION CANADA - ARWC 2025

World Championship

Hosted in and around the Okanagan Valley in BC, Western Canada, set in uniquely beautiful and geologically formidable terrain.Hosted in the City of Penticton in Western Canada, Expedition Canada explores the uniquely beautiful and geologically formidable terrain of British Columbia.

22 Sep - 06 Oct 2025
Distance
600km
Course Open
9 days
Teams
Mixed Teams of 4
Limit
120 teams

27
Sep

USARA has hosted a 30-hour National Championship Adventure Race since 2000, bringing together the top teams in the country to compete for the coveted championship trophy.

27 Sep - 28 Sep 2024 (Past Race)
Distance
210km
Course Open
30 hours
Teams
Team of 3
Limit
90

13
Sep

North America Series Chisholm Trail Adventure Race

Are you tough enough to race the Chisholm Trail? This ARWS 24 hour adventure race will take you back in time to retrace the trails of cowboys driving cattle up the Chisholm Trail. Be ready to paddle up the Brazos River and navigate across a variety of challenging landscapes both on your mountain bike and on foot searching for check points along the way.

13 Sep - 14 Sep 2024 (Past Race)
Distance
250KM
Course Open
24hours
Teams
Team of 2, 3 & 4
Limit
100 Teams

06
Sep

World Champs Qualifier

Just what kind of race is Expedition Oregon? One of a kind.

06 Sep - 14 Sep 2024 (Past Race)
Distance
350miles
Course Open
6 Days
Teams
Team of 2, 3 & 4
Limit
80

17
May

World Champs Qualifier

Developed and designed by Jason and Chelsey Magness of Team BendRacing/ 4HourFuel.

17 May - 25 May 2025
Distance
["250miles"]
Course Open
5 Days
Teams
Team of 2, 3 & 4
Limit
35 Teams

02
Nov

North America Series OFF ROAD RAGE ADVENTURE RACE

Join us for this Fall staple race in the Midwest! Gorgeous Missouri scenery provides the backdrop to this 6 or 12 hour Adventure Race!

02 Nov - 02 Nov 2024 (Past Race)
Distance
2 Hours / 6 Hours / 12 Hours
Course Open
12hrs
Teams
Team of 2, 3 & 4
Limit
200 Racers

12
Jul

North America Series Never Summer Adventure Race

Returning for the 10th year, the Never Summer Adventure Race will take racers through the rugged Rocky Mountains of Eagle County, Colorado. With world renowned single track mountain biking, epic, swift water mountain kayaking, and trekking through breathtaking terrain, this race will be an adventure of a lifetime. Don't miss this 10 anniversary edition, once again taking place on an all new course.

12 Jul - 13 Jul 2025
Distance
100km
Course Open
24hours
Teams
Team of 2, 3 & 4
Limit
120 racers

12
Jul

North America Series Maine Summer Adventure Race

The Maine Summer Adventure Race is an annual event designed to showcase the most beautiful, interesting, and fun parts of Maine. The 24-hour race is an extreme challenge, involving multiple hiking, mountain biking, and canoeing stages.

Teams race through the day and night (and day again), covering 50 to 100+ miles in total distance. The race is hosted and designed by Kate and Cliff White, the founders of Strong Machine Adventure Racing.

12 Jul - 13 Jul 2025
Distance
["N/A"]
Course Open
24 hours
Teams
Team of 2, 3 & 4
Limit
150 Participants

16
Nov

North America Series La Ruta Madre Adventure Race

After six years of success, we are proud to once again present Mexico’s Toughest Race. Our goal has always been and continues to be to promote ecotourism through mountain sports in Mexico, explore the wonders and challenges that nature has to offer and experience endless emotions together with you.

16 Nov - 18 Nov 2024 (Past Race)
Distance
20km | 60km
Course Open
2 days
Teams
Team of 2 & 3
Limit
Limited

31
May

North America Series Tug Hill Extreme Adventure

12-hour race: ARWS-NA and USARA points race. Teams of 1-4 navigate with map/compass to find pre-plotted checkpoints while trekking/running, mountain biking, and paddling. 3/4-person mixed gender division.

31 May - 01 Jun 2025
Distance
150km
Course Open
12hours
Teams
Team of 2, 3 & 4
Limit
150 Participants