AXS - Adventure Racing Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Adventure Xstream Race? And who can do it?

Solo Athletes or Teams will travel an unmarked course by plotting the checkpoint locations using UTM coordinates and maps provided. You can view a UTM tutorial from our "Training" page. Each race has different disciplines which will include some or all of the following: Mountain Biking, Kayaking, Trail Run/Trek, Rappel, Tyrolean, Orienteering/Navigation, Skate/Scooter (See each venue for race specific disciplines). Teams race the entire course together....it is not a relay event.

Regardless of whether you are an elite athlete or simply an aspiring one, the Adventure Xstream series is designed to be not only challenging but more importanly FUN. Over 90% of entrants finish the FULL course, so don't be too intimidated, YOU CAN DO IT! Each venue may have different course lengths available so check the race venues for which course options are offered. The courses will change from year to year at each venue, as well as the course options. Below are the general lengths and difficulties for each race/course.

Course Options & Estimated Lengths:

"Sprint"- (~30 miles) - Elite athletes will finish in about ~3 hours with most teams finishing in 4-5 hours, 6 hour time limit.
"Sport" - (~50 miles) - Elite athletes will finish in ~5-6 hours, with most teams finishing in 7-9 hours, 12 hour time limit.
"Adventure"- (~75-100 miles) - Elite athletes will finish in ~15-17 hours, with most teams finishing in 18-24 hours.
"Expedition" Returning in 2011 - (~250-300+ miles) - Multi-day Expedition Adventure Race.

Designed for weekend warriors as well as elite athletes, only you can decide your level of ability and motivation. Decide what your goal is; teamwork, adventure, competition, or personal accomplishment. Ask yourself and/or your team if you can complete the specific distances in the estimated times above? While competing in these events takes training and hard work, don't underestimate yourself either. You do not have to be an "expert" in all of the disciplines to complete an adventure race. You should push yourself and/or your team to accomplish your goal but most importantly HAVE FUN!!.

Are the Xstream races a relay format?

No, they are not a relay format. Teams will race the entire course together.

Do all team member have to check-in at the same time at racer check-in?

We would like all team member to check-in together. However, we know that this is not always possible. If you can't all make it please have one team member bring all of the team members forms, certifications, liability waiver, etc... If we get all the paperwork we can give you your race packet.

Do I have to do the ropes section of a race?

We certainly encourage you to do it, as it is usually the highlight of the race for most participants. But, we don't require you to do the ropes. Each race is a little different. Either you can skip the ropes for a time penalty or you will be ranked behind any team that does complete it. See each race for specifics.

Are there prizes?

Yes, there are prizes for each race. A breakdown is posted to the "Series Info" page.

What do you mean by Supported or Unsupported?

Some adventure races are "supported", which means that you will have to provide a support crew person who will transport your gear to all of the transition areas of the race.

Other races are "unsupported", this means that you do not have to have a support crew. Either our staff will transport your gear to transition areas. Or, you will be required to drop your gear at the designated transition areas prior to the start of the race.

Shuttle Service Option. Lastly, some races will have a shuttle service option. This means that if you don't have a support crew person for the race. You can hire a shuttle service that will transport your gear to the transition areas during the race.

Each race will be different, and specific information regarding Supported, Unsupported or shuttle options will be posted to the "Race Updates" for that specific race.

If I sign up now, can I switch categories or division later?

Yes, as long as the race isn't sold out you can switch categories or divisions at any time. Please give us at least 10 days notice prior to the race. Please call or email to make team changes.

Can I change my teammates or team name?

Yes, send us an email with any changes to your teammates or team name and we will update your entry.

What if I have to cancel my entry?

Cancellation Policy - Terms & Conditions

In the event a team or team member must cancel their entry, the cancellation policy for all Adventure Xstream races will apply:

There are NO refunds for any reason; medical, personal, family, business or other.
Once registered you may not transfer your entry to another race.
You may find a substitute(s) for your teammates, there is no charge to designate a replacement.
If you cancel your entry 15+ days prior to the event you will receive a Credit of your entry fee towards a future race, minus the $50.00 cancellation fee per person. (Credit good for one year only)
There are NO credits for cancellations within 14 days of the race.

Withdrawal Procedure:
To withdraw from an AdventureXstream race an athlete must notify the AdventureXstream office by email.

Please include all of the following information - the race you are withdrawing from, your team name, email address, mailing address and phone number, and reason for withdrawal.

Natural Disaster Policy
If an Act of God/Terrorism/Community/Natural Disaster occurs, what actions are taken? 1) We will make decisions based on safety first. 2) Races will be altered as seen fit 3) Athletes in that race will have first right to sign up for that event the next year. 4) Financial: The Adventure Xstream Series cannot accept the risk of a disaster for everyone. Each athlete needs to accept the risk of his or her entry fee. There will be NO REFUNDS or free entries to other future races. All event production costs happen before any race even starts. The money you paid is spent developing that race.

How safe is adventure racing?

Your safety is our primary concern. EMT and Wilderness First Responder personnel will be on hand. An emergency reaction plan with local Emergency Medical Services is in place for all events. Safety personnel will be on the shore and in the water for all paddling portions of the event. We are working directly and indirectly with the following agencies; County Ambulance, Search and Rescue, Flight for Life, County Sheriff, Water Rescue, and County Dispatch.

All participants are accounted for as they pass each checkpoint.

Cut off times may be enforced to ensure racer and volunteer safety. Cut off times are variable and may be determined by race officials for any reason. Cut off times include designated time limits, snow, freezing rain, fog, race course conditions, remaining light or any number of circumstances that may arise the day of the event. With this in mind the course is designed to allow most competitors to finish.

Adventure Racing is not without danger. In many instances you are not competing against other entrants but against mother nature. We go to great extremes to ensure a safe event. It is however your responsibility to know your limits and to put safety first! If you are not already educated in outdoor safety please do so before registering for any of these events.

Other Questions?

If you have any other questions please let us know.