Adventure Racing Travel Insurance

Adventure racing is a sport which involves navigating a team across an unmarked wilderness course. Races can be as short as two hours or as long as two weeks, and the team must carry all the required equipment with them at all times. It’s a multidisciplinary sport, so alongside orienteering and ropework skills, competitors commonly participate in some form of trekking, mountain biking, and paddling event.

The origins of modern adventure racing are much debated, although people look to the 1968 Karrimor Marathon as one of the first. Two groups of two traversed mountain terrain for two days, testing their skills in extreme circumstances. Since then the sport has evolved and given way to courses such as the Patagonian Expedition Race across Chile, and the televised Eco-Challenge in Fiji.

During an adventure race there is typically no pausing of the clock for any reason, irrespective of how long the course is. This means that competitors must manage their time carefully, often making the difficult decision to keep going or rest. Strict rules dictate that the team must also stick together for the entire race, meaning that if a team member is lost along the way due to exhaustion or injury this will result in immediate disqualification!

Who goes adventure racing on holiday?

Adventure racing is not for the faint of heart. You’ll need both physical and mental stamina as you cross all forms of woodland, mountains, marshes, heaths, water… and that’s just to name a few! Competitors often train for extended periods of time before taking part in the more hardcore races, although there are more relaxed courses for beginners which can give you a taste of what’s to come.

You need to really love the outdoors and have the keenness to prove yourself as you face unforeseen challenges and unexpected natural obstacles. Despite the intensity of adventure races, almost anyone can take part with varying levels of fitness - you just have to find the course which is right for you. For those with disabilities, there are also races which cater to all kinds of impairments.

However you decide to race, you’re guaranteed to have the fun and adventure you crave!

Where do people go on adventure racing holidays?

If adventure racing sounds like it’s for you, it all just boils down to where you want to go. Race across the UK, pop over to Europe, or travel worldwide for all manner of exciting challenges.

The Gigathlon in Switzerland takes you swimming through glassy lakes, steep alpine runs, inline skating, and cycling both on- and off-road. Quite a heavy test of endurance, the Gigathlon lasts at least two days and the disciplines take place daily in any given order. Located in a different attractive region of Switzerland each year, participants get the chance to see all manner of mountains, glaciers, and lakes, as well as fresh meadows, small villages, and sunny vineyards. Typically Swiss natural landscapes and culture await you at every turn.

The GODZone races in New Zealand offer different courses across the landscape of God’s Own Country (get it?). Usually taking between 4-5 days, these courses are designed with high standards and close attention to detail, aiming to provide the ultimate adventure racing experience. Taking place in a different region of New Zealand every year, the landscapes vary from wetlands to hot springs, exotic forests to flatlands, farmland to coastlines, and everything in between. Often described as the spiritual home of adventure racing, NZ is a must-go for those endurance junkies out there.

Whichever destination you choose, your trip will provide memories that will last a lifetime.

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