The Transition: AR News and Updates
Friday, September 4, 2026
Race Report Roundup
Bushwhacking and Tush Smacking
Shenandoah River Adventure Race 2026
The thought of doing a race in the exact same location three years in a row may sound repetitive and unchallenging, but that couldn't be further from the truth. At least not when the race is located in such a gem of a park. The 2026 Shenandoah River Race was a whole new level of awesomeness, even on my third year of tackling it. I just can't get enough of the splashy Shenandoah and the addicting flowy trails of the Shenandoah River State Park. Add into that, racing with one of my favorite teammates, and you have an idea of why I happily keep coming back…
Broad Run Off Road
Taking on the 'After Dark' 12-Hour Adventure Race
I’d never done a 361 Adventures race before but I’m very familiar with them as a race org through many friends who have done The Fig (a race they've been doing for 20+ years) and everyone has great things to say. It was a little more “old school” AR, with very little info before the race, just a mandatory gear list, then a few days before the race we got instructions on where/when we needed to drop our bikes. But nothing else, no course estimates, etc…
Registration Open for First Regional Qualifiers
Registration is now open for the first Regional Qualifier Race od the 2026-2027 season. The Fig Adventure Race from 361 Adventures will take place on November 7.
As Kentucky’s longest-running adventure race, the Red River Gorge area race promises something BIG. And from the gear list, that something involves packrafts.
The full slate of Regional Qualifier races should be available by the end of October.
Volunteer for Nationals
There is still time to sign up to volunteer at the for the USARA National Championship Oct. 23-24.
Whether you’re a longtime adventure-racing fan or completely new to the sport, there’s a place for you on the team. Help at transitions, support race operations, welcome racers, or simply be part of the crew behind the scenes.
Come for the race. Stay for the adventure. Leave knowing you helped make it happen.
Email Nationals@usara.com for more information or to sign up!
Gear Shed
The $50 yearly membership to USARA provides access to discounts at ExpertVoice!
REMINDER: A screenshot of the USARA membership from run signup will suffice for joining ExpertVoice. Directions are available on our membership page.
USARA annual members receive a 30% discount on custom apparel from PACTIMO and up to two free revisions on initial designs. To get started, email us at info@usara.com and we'll get you connected!
MRS Adventure Race Bundles
Racers competing at USARA National Championships can receive a FREE "Adventure Race Essentials" bundle from sponsor MRS packrafts with every packraft purchase.
To claim the free bundle, racers should add both a packraft and the bundle to their cart, and then use code “USARA”, which will adjust the price of the bundle to FREE!
News from the Adventure Race/Endurance World
Epic Wilderness And Championship Glory At The ARWS Oceania Championship 2026
Badlands 2026: Adventure awaits in the Desert
USDA proposal threatens 58 million acres of popular National Forest trail systems
91-Year-Old Becomes Oldest Person To Hike Appalachian Trail Again - YouTube
National Park Services proposes a 'simpler' approach for bicycles, e-bikes at parks
Upcoming USARA Sanctioned Events
Tracking Links by Adventure Enablers
Visit the Community Race Calendar
for More Races
September 2026
East Fork Challenge, OH, Sept. 12 (REGISTRATION ENDS 9/5)
Greenhorn Adventure Race, MD, Sep. 12 (REGISTRATION ENDS 9/9)
VentureQuest Adventure Race, MD, Sep. 12 (REGISTRATION ENDS 9/9)
Gold Rush Adventure Challenge, CA, Sep. 19 (REGISTRATION ENDS 9/12)
La Pine Loop Race Weekend, OR, Sept. 19-20
Blue Hills Adventure Race, MA, Sept. 19
Battle by the Brook, CO, Sept 19 (REGISTRATION ENDS 9/18)
La Pine Loop Family Race, OR, Sept. 20
Reservoir Ramble, IN, Sept. 20 (REGISTRATION ENDS 9/13)
Buff Betty Women’s Adventure Race, VA, Sept. 26
Coastal Traverse, DE, Sept. 26 (REGISTRATION ENDS 9/22)
DASH Adventure Race, UT, Sept. 26 (REGISTRATION ENDS 9/20)
October 2026
Central Indiana Adventure (CIA), IN, Oct. 3
Sleep When You’re Dead, CO, Oct. 3 (REGISTRATION ENDS 9/19)
Wild Driftless Adventure Race, IA, Oct. 3
Fall Foliage Adventure Race, VA, Oct. 10 (REGISTRATION ENDS 10/9)
USARA National Championships, OR, Oct. 23-24 (REGISTRATION CLOSES WHEN FIELD IS FULL)
Off Road Rage Adventure Race, MO, Oct. 24
November 2026
Milwaukee Area Fall Frenzy (MAFF), WI, NOV. 7 ((PRICE INCREASE 9/12)
Rocktown Adventure Race, VA, Nov. 7 (REGISTRATION ENDS 10/20)
The Fig, KY, Nov. 7 **REGIONAL QUALIFIER**
December 2026
Rib Mountain Adventure Challenge—Winter Edition, WI, Dec. 5
April 2027
2027 Shenandoah Epic, VA, Apr. 10
May 2027
Spring Bloom Adventure Race, VA, May 1 (PRICE INCREASE AFTER 12/31)
Have an adventure story, race report or an article to share with fellow adventure racers? Send it to social@usara.com for inclusion in the Transition.
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