Last year’s race drew 350 participants.
Largest winter adventure race in U.S. to take place in Rockford
The Michigan Adventure Race: Winter Edition returns to Camp Roger in Rockford on February 6, 2016. Last year’s race drew 350 participants, making it the largest winter adventure race in the U.S. four years running (and slipping and sliding).
Registration is now open at www.miadventurerace.com.
Two- or three-person teams will set out running through the woods to hidden checkpoints pre-marked on a map, collecting as many points as they can within three hours. They’ll encounter Amazing Race-like challenges throughout the area along with short snowshoe and fatbike/snowbike sections. Snowshoes and fatbikes will be provided.
Newer racers find that the challenges and checkpoint hunting give them just enough of a break to catch their breath before they run or walk to the next checkpoint. Experienced adventure racers looking for a greater challenge can try for checkpoints far from the start/finish, requiring good map reading and basic compass skills (free clinic on January 23; details on the website).
“West Michigan has a culture for challenging outdoor sports like adventure racing, trail running and mountain biking that does not exist in many other areas in the nation. These races draw far more people than larger cities do to similar events,” says Mark VanTongeren, race director. “Camp Roger gives us beautiful terrain and a warm place to hang out, get a free massage and eat pizza and chili after the race.”
Friends, family and the general public are welcome to experience the race, although keeping up with the racers in the snow is an adventure in itself. Spectators can get copies of the race maps that will direct them to the challenges, many within easy walking distance.
The charity partner selected for this edition of the race is Camp Roger. Proceeds will fund a scholarship for kids who cannot afford summer camp. Camp Roger offers a weekly overnight summer camp experience for young people and serves 10,000 participants in the fall, winter, and spring.
For more information about the race and to register, go to www.MiAdventureRace.com and www.facebook.com/MiAdventureRace.
