The Transition: AR News and Updates
Friday, January 9, 2026
New Year Message from Executive Director Brent Freedland
In case you missed it, read the message from the new Executive Director of USARA, Brent Freedland, who takes over the reigns from Mike Garrison.
IARA 2026 General Meeting
The second Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the International Adventure Racing Association (IARA) will take place on Wednesday, 21 January 2026 at 19h00 GMT on Zoom. Click here for more information.
Youth Sponsorship
Applications are due by January 15 for the USARA sponsorship of two teams—one in each of the U18 and U25 age groups—to compete at the first Youth Adventure Race World Championship! This landmark event will take place in Quebec, Canada from July 23–26.
Young athletes and adventure racers interested in representing Team USA on the world stage are invited to apply by completing the linked Google Form. USARA will sponsor the selected 2-person teams by covering entry fees for the inaugural event.
Gear Shed
QR Code for ExpertVoice
Your $35 yearly membership to USARA gives you access to deals from ExpertVoice that provides max comfort to crush your goals!
REMINDER: A screenshot of the USARA membership from run signup will suffice for joining ExpertVoice. Directions are available on our membership page.
News from the Adventure Race/Endurance World
The Adventure Race Training Podcast: ART Episode 9: Bike FTP & New Years Resolution Tips
Different Sides of the Same Coin: A Conversation With Molly Seidel
Reconnect with nature in 2026 with the 1,000 hours outside challenge
The Digital World and Its Effect on Photography in Mountain Biking
West Virginia Trail Partners asking Ohio County’s help to maintain bike trail
Linn County, Iowa, built a $400K gravity park and demand has exceeded all expectations
Science unlocks the hidden key to faster trail running and lower injury risk
Upcoming USARA Sanctioned Events
Tracking Links by Adventure Enablers
Visit the Community Race Calendar for More Races
January 2026
Winter Warm Up Adventure Race, MD, Jan. 10
The Chill: Winter Adventure Race, VA, Jan. 24
Wicked Winter Navigation Race (ROGAINE), WA, Jan. 31
February 2026
Apex Endurance Challenge, FL, Feb. 7
The Jailbreak Adventure Race, TX, Feb. 21
March 2026
Extreme Break Up, OK, Mar. 7
Great Owl, OH, Mar. 14 EARLY REGISTRATION DEADLINE Jan. 16
Frozen Foot Challenge Adventure Race, VA, Mar. 14
Lake Kissimmee Endurance Challenge, FL, Mar. 21
LBL Challenge, KY, Mar. 28
April 2026
2026 Shenandoah Epic, VA, Apr. 11 **RQ**
Stubborn Fool, WI, Apr. 11 EARLY REGISTRATION DEADLINE Jan. 17
Knox Xtreme Adventure Race, TN, Apr. 25
Spring Bloom Adventure Race, VA, Apr. 25
Sufferfest in the Styx, FL, Apr. 25 **RQ**
SunRiver Scramble, OR, Apr. 25
SunRiver Family Race, OR, Apr. 26
May 2026
Midwest Championship Adventure Race--24-hr Ozarks Challenge, MO, May 2 **RQ**
Rock, Roll & Rattlesnake Challenge Adventure Race -- 16hr, TX, May 2 **RQ**
Eastern Shore Sprint 6-Hour AR, DE, May 2
Cerberus 3 Day Stage Race, VA, May 8
New River Rush, WV, May 16
3ROC’s Pay What You Want Adventure Race, PA, May 16
Rib Mountain Adventure Challenge, WI, May 23
Brake the Habit, VA, May 30 **RQ**
Tug Hill Extreme -- 24hr, NY, May 30 **RQ**
June 2026
Rainer Raid -- 30hr, WA, Jun. 6 **RQ**
Summer Sizzle Adventure Race - Saturday, VA, Jun. 13
Summer Sizzle Adventure Race - Sunday, VA, Jun. 14
Union Bay Weeknight Adventure Race, WA, Jun. 16
Endless Mountains Adventure Race, VT, Jun. 22-27
Stubborn Mule, WI, Jun. 27 **RQ** EARLY REGISTRATION DEADLINE Jan. 10
July 2026
Maine Summer Adventure Race - 24hr, ME, Jul. 11 **RQ**
Seven Bends Adventure Race, VA, Jul. 11
Pocket Gopher Extreme, MN, Jul. 17
The Longest Day -- 24hr, NY, Jul. 25 **RQ**
Teton Ogre -- 24hr, ID, Jul. 25 **RQ**'
August 2026
Cowboy Tough, WY, Aug. 7
Creve Coeur 4 Adventure Race, MO, Aug. 29
September 2026
East Fork Challenge, OH, Sept. 12
Greenhorn Adventure Race, MD, Sep. 12
VentureQuest Adventure Race, MD, Sep. 12
San Francisco Adventure Race, CA, Sep. 19
La Pine Loop Race Weekend, OR, Sept. 19-20
La Pine Loop Family Race, OR, Sept. 20
Wild Driftless Adventure Race, IA, Oct. 3
Fall Foliage Adventure Race, VA, Oct. 10 EARLY REGISTRATION DEADLINE Apr. 1
Rocktown Adventure Race, VA, Nov. 7
The Fig, KY, Nov. 7
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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