This race is designed to be a fun introduction to Adventure Racing for people new to the sport. The race will have a 4-hour cut-off time for teams to complete the mandatory elements of the course. A team is required to have at least 1 person who has never competed in or completed an Adventure Race. In a nod to the tradition of the sport, the highlighted division (best prizing!) will be the 4-person coed teams. 2-person teams will race separately and can be coed, all female, or all male.
In an Adventure Race, all teammates work together to try and find the checkpoints (like a scavenger hunt!) and make it to the finish before the cut-off time. Teammates must stay within 50′ or eyesight of each other (whichever is closer). The complete team must finish the course in the allotted time to earn an official ranked finish. Teams that work their way to the finish line after the time limit, without a teammate, or without obtaining the required checkpoints will not be a ranked finisher.
There will be a pre-race briefing 1 hour before the race. At this briefing teams will learn details about the course. Race instructions and maps will be handed out. Teams will then have until the start for any last minute preparations or strategizing.
When the race starts, teams will be required to navigate each stage of the race using the provided pre-marked topographical maps. Navigation difficulty will vary by checkpoint, but will be on the easy side for the majority of this event. Make sure at least 1 person on your team understands how to read a map and a compass (GPSs are not allowed!). Watch the “Get Your Bearings Adventure Racing” facebook page for opportunities to learn or practice your navigation/orienteering skills prior to the race. The Southern Michigan Orienteering Club offers great events in the Spring and Fall to learn, practice, or race (www.michigano.org).
Each team will be issued a ‘passport’ that will be punched at each checkpoint along the way. Make sure someone responsible on your team takes care of the passport! It must be turned in at the finish to prove that you found the checkpoints. If you don’t have it, you won’t earn an official finish!
Teams are required to carry certain gear for each section of the race. Race officials often do gear checks and assess time penalties as necessary during the race.
This is the 5th year for the Get Your Bearings Sprint Adventure Race. We strive to make it a fun event for friends and family to participate in – whether as a racer or a supporter. There will be some viewing opportunities if your team has a cheering squad. We will also be serving some good food to racers and volunteers after the race.