Jason’s Adventure Bash 2026
By Matt Larson
Had an amazing, exhausting time this weekend at Jason's Adventure Bash in Columbia, SC on Saturday.
For those who don't know, Jason lost his life while racing Sea to Sea this year. This race was a celebration of Jason, and a continuation of his dreams of bringing a race to Columbia. It was amazing to meet [his wife] Liz Schmidt, and welcome her into the AR family. I'm so glad we were able to welcome her and the Schmidt family with the love that I see at each event.
I'm trying here to put it into words, but it's something you have to feel. She posted that she finally understood why Jason loved the sport so much. First, the event itself was amazing. Nick and Jesse put together an amazing course that integrated the urban with the wilderness. Having the 5 hour family racers start with the 12 hour veterans was cool. A bunch of first timers, who will hopefully stick.
It was really cool to see too, the overlapping “generations” of racers. Got to see Chip Dodd , Andrea Anderson , and Doug Silk who really helped me grow into the sport. And WILO AR who was right there with me at one of the intro clinics. And now I'm running into others who are looking up to me.
The race itself was unique. We started island hopping on foot (and knees, and butt, and bellies) across the Congragee River in downtown. It beat up my lower legs a bit, but it was fun nonetheless. Cleared this section. The next part was a scavenger hunt through the Columbia zoo, which we also did alongside the 5 hour racers. Took more time than planned, as we were asked not to run in the zoo. I guess a linebacker sized racer bowling over some kids wouldn't reflect well on the sport. Cleared this section. If I'd been a little more strategic, I would have cut some of this, as it didn't score as much per minute, but I was having fun being an honorary Team Gorilla Nerds with Stew Mills and Justin JP Porter.
From there it was back to a more traditional format. Biked to the next TA at Harbison State Forest. There was an orienteering loop and bike loop. Did the O course. But skipped the bike for time. Biked back to Saluda Shores park, got some points in the park. Strategically wanted to spend time on this leg, as there were a lot of points available in a small area. Got 8/10 points here, then went to the kayak.
Got on the river, on by far my weakest discipline. Got down the river, and successfully navigated a couple of rapids, then hit a mandatory portage. For the portage, I put my pack on my back, then forgot it was on there as I got back in the kayak. I immediately felt less stable, as it raised my center of gravity.
Decided to just roll with it, which was a mistake… Soon after, I hit a rapid that I later found out was named Pop Up Hole which flipped me. Went into the drink, bobbing and getting pulled with the current. Holding the boat with one hand, paddle with the other, I noticed a zip-lock bob up… the one with my key fob, id, debit card and hotel room key… ya know, nothing super important… somehow snatched it with my super secret third hand, still unable to reach the bottom.
Ended up getting to the bank and righted. Only got 2 points after that, skipped the 4 on the island to protect my finish time. Got back with about 10 minutes before cutoff.
So I'm sitting talking with my friends, shoving a bratwurst in my face, when I hear Nick Hurff call me up as the second place solo male! That was super cool, but I also won the more valuable prize of having my key fob survive its trip in the river without having to find a Mazda dealer to program a new key!
Much thanks to GRIT Adventure Racing for putting on an amazing race for an amazing race.
