Adventure Races to Get Your Blood Pumping

Written by
Erica Schuckies
Are you bored with your average road race? Can't take another run in a straight line—okay, maybe with a few turns here and there—from start to finish? Give yourself a real challenge with these adventure races, offering activities such as kayaking, cycling, climbing and, of course, some running for good measure.
Branson Adventure Challenge
Aug. 1, 2015, in Branson, Mo.
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The Branson Adventure Challenge is a 10-mile jaunt through the popular southern vacation destination, winding through the downtown area, Branson Landing and Lake Taneycomo. One leg of the Challenge requires a kayak, but don't worry—if you don't have your own, kayaks are provided.
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Squaw Creek Army Challenge Fourth Tour
Aug. 1, 2015, in Marion, Iowa
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Racers of the Squaw Creek Army Challenge will encounter obstacles that active duty Army Soldiers use to train and condition, so you should expect a serious physical test. While this Iowa-based race is open to all levels and types, runners will be crawling, climbing, walking and running through more than three miles of mud and adventure and can expect to take home a few scrapes and bruises, according to the race organizers.
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New York City Challenge Race
Aug. 2, 2015, in New York City
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Conquer unique challenges during this three-mile urban obstacle course, complete with 30 obstacles and a view of the New York City skyline. To avoid overcrowding and waiting at each obstacle, race waves are limited to 200 people. The 2015 race is a fundraiser for The Wounded Warrior Project and charity: water.
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Race the State
Aug. 9, 2015, in Rhode Island
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As the first race in a new interstate multi-sport series, this Rhode Island race will take racers across the state via running, stand up paddle boarding, kayaking and cycling. Spanning seven cities, the course can be completed individually or in teams of two, three or four. Racers must provide their own SUP boards, kayaks and bikes.
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5K Wet 'N Wild Adventure Run & Kids Fun Run
Aug. 22, 2015, in Piru, Calif.
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The Family Friendly Wet 'N Wild Adventure Run is a perfect way to challenge your active family. The race takes place on the shores of Lake Piru and includes challenges like cargo nets, floating beams, tire ladders and tubes. Race organizers encourage racers to dress up in costume for post-race prizes.
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Jack Axe Games and Festival
Aug. 29, 2015, in Charles, Ill.
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Is there a lumberjack inside you itching to get out? If so, don't miss the inaugural Jack Axe Games and Festival in Charles, Ill. The Games will pit you against challenges found in the Lumberjack and Scottish Highland Games, and it will include axe throwing, cross-cutting logs and the caber toss (trust us, Google this). The corresponding festival will offer a number of food vendors, a beer tent, farmers market and a bouncy house for the kids and fun for all ages.
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Esprit de Corps Challenge
Sept. 12, 2015, in Four Oaks, N.C.
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The Esprit de Corps Challenge claims to be "open to mighty men and women ages 15 to 120 years," welcoming athletes, warriors, adventurers and the fearless. As a team-oriented "resilience" event, you'll want to gather a team of your toughest friends and family members for this race. Racers will face archery, tomahawk throwing, shotgun shooting, fire starting, canoeing, rapelling, climbing challenges and more for 11 miles. Additionally, the Esprit de Corps Challenge honors those lost on Sept. 11, 2001.
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Funk~N~Impossible Mission Scavenger Hunt
Oct. 3, 2015, in Washington D.C.
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Flash back to every scavenger hunt you did as a kid as you complete this Funk~N~Impossible Mission Scavenger Hunt in "secret locations" across the D.C. area. The interactive event will allow you to compete against other teams as you use your body and brain to figure out clues to complete mini-missions—all for the chance to win a cash prize. The 10 to 15 clues will have each team walking or running anywhere from two to four miles, but race organizers warn that the race could end up longer if you take a wrong turn.
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Bartram's Wildwood Epic Adventure Race
Nov. 7, 2015, in Appling, Ga.
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As a qualifier for the U.S. Adventure Racing Association National Championship, this 24-hour race is an "epic" experience. Registrants will race to checkpoints along the 100-mile course by running, trekking, mountain biking and canoeing/kayaking through Central Georgia. For a twist, racers will also need to tackle at least one mental challenge and may come across a unique checkpoint (such as playing a few holes of disc golf).
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