All adventure races must meet specific guidelines but, based on the geographic topography, many races use different modes of non-motorized transports to complete the race. Adventure races are comprised of coed teams of men and women orienteering and racing through the great outdoors in unique, uncharted, exotic locations. Depending on the terrain, competitors usually partake in three or more of the following activities: trail running or trekking, rope climbing/ascending, canoeing or kayaking, skydiving, mountain biking, skiing, rock climbing, rafting and/or horseback riding.

Rules of the Game
The rules of the expeditionary/adventure racing are simple. The first four or five person coed team to leave the start and arrive at the finish as a complete team is the winner. Along the way, they must check into “CP’s” (checkpoints) to have their race passports verified and signed by race management. If any member of any team can't make it to the next check point for any reason, then the whole team is disqualified at any stage of the race.

Also, at certain CP’s there are mandatory gear checks for safety reasons. If a team is not carrying a certain mandatory item, such as a sleeping bag, to save on weight and space, the entire team is disqualified. They may finish the race, but they will do so unofficially and without rank. Each team is given a radio for absolute, life threatening emergencies. If the radio is used for any other reason, that team is disqualified.

Types of Races
Classic races are the best-known format. They are multi-day, nonstop affairs ranging from four to 10 days in length in which you navigate at night, meaning you must be able to handle sleep deprivation. Best known Examples of classics are the Raid Gauloises, the Southern Traverse, Discovery Channel Eco-Challenge and the Beast of the East.

Stage races are also multi-day races, but you sleep at night, which means you go faster and harder than nonstop races. Best examples of stage races are the Mild Seven Outdoor Quest in China and the Western Isles Challenge in the Outer Kebrides Islands of Scotland.

Weekenders are 20-60 hour races in which you may or may not sleep. Examples are the Subaru/NOL Adventure race in North Carolina, the Odyssey Endorphin Fix series and the Salomon X-Mountain series.

Sprints are the most rapidly growing segment of adventure races. They typically last four to eight hours and the skills are less demanding. They are the most accessible for people new to the sport. Examples include the HiTec Adventure series and the Blue Ridge Mountains Adventure Race.

Gear
• Camelback Hydration system, specifically MULE or H.A.W.G. models. For Adventure Racing / Adventure Training this is absolutely the best piece of gear I ever bought. You can carry Mega fluid, plus gear, plus food with one of these. Anyone who has one will tell you the same!!
•A durable, comfortable pair of trail or running shoes with a super dehydration capability; you're gonna get wet. I recommend Salomon’s Raid Wind with Contagrip soles. They are absolutely the best shoes I have ever worn...PERIOD!! These shoes are specifically designed by the best adventure racers on the planet and are hard to find. I also strongly recommend their Raid Wind pack which is Camelback compatible. If you have difficulty, you can call Salomon's home office at 800-225-6850.
• Nylon or Lycra Compression shorts. Running shorts will bunch up in the most sensitive areas and chafe you real bad. Been there/done that. Absolutely nothing natural. Period. Lycra is the way to go for Adventure Racing/Training shirts, socks, shorts, etc.

These are good things to start off with, once you start racing the gear list gets considerably longer. I've found that its easiest to accumulate gear over time. Here are some more things just to name a few:

Mountain bike, canoe or kayak, climbing harness and gear, ascenders, plenty of duct tape and ziplock bags, helmets for just about every occasion (biking and climbing), a good pack (Salomon makes a great one), and if you're lucky, someone to drive you home after a race.

Recommended Reading:

Articles

• Why Take Risks By Karl Taro Greenfeld (featured in TIME magazine)