13th Annual Get Your Bearings Adventure Race
4 Hour AR

2024 Race Details TBA

Race Date: May 4, 2024
Location: TBD, Michigan (TBD, requires Recreation Passport, Prices HERE)
Length: 4 hour
Disciplines: Trail Running, Mountain Biking, Paddling & Orienteering
5 Divisions:  4-person Coed, 2-person Open, 2-person First-Timer (at least 1 teammate new to AR), Solo and Family (No paddling in this division.  Parent/Child 8-14 year old..no charge for the kid!)
Who: Beginner to Experienced Adventurers!
Racer Check-In: TBD
Race Briefing: TBD
Race Start:TBD
Race Cutoff: TBD
Post Race Food: TBD
Swag: TBD

Required Gear List

Entry Fees are non-refundable.
Entry fee includes canoe/kayak rental, swag, and post race food. Entry is limited to the team limits noted above.
*Shirts not guaranteed after TBD*

Supporting Sponsors:

Event Description:

 Trekking / Trail Running / Orienteering:
Teams will use provided maps, and their compasses, to find checkpoints (CP’s) scattered throughout the area.  Detailed Orienteering topographical maps will be provided pre-marked with checkpoints, as well as a DNR Recreation Area map.  The total trekking will be in the 6-8 mile range – depending on a your selected route and number of CP’s achieved.  Not all checkpoints will be required to finish as an officially ranked team; however, the more checkpoints a team obtains, the higher they will rank in the overall standings.  Teams can choose to trek on trails or bushwhack through the wilderness!

Paddle:
Teams will be paddling approximately 2-4 miles.  Canoes/Kayaks will be provided and included in your registration fees (Kayaks for Solo Racers only). Personal boats are not permitted.  Paddles and PFDs will be provided or you can use your own paddles and PFDs instead of rented equipment if you prefer.  Rented kayak paddles are for Solo Racers only and may not be used with Canoes. It is recommended that your team has canoeing/kayaking experience.  Practice with Heavner Canoe Rental,  offering a 10% discount on rentals to anyone planning on doing the race.  There will not be a paddling section for Family teams.

Mountain Bike:
The mountain bike stage will total 10-15 miles in length as teams collect required checkpoints.  The course will include a mix of paved road, single track and off-road trails.

About

Get Your Bearings is designed to provide a challenging race for experienced adventure athletes, as well as a fun adventure for families or people new to the sport.  The 4-person Coed team is the highlighted division and the perfect way for a traditional team to prepare for longer races. The 2-person team divisions can be made up of any combination of women/men.  Family teams will race a shorter course more suitable to young kids and will not include paddling.

In an Adventure Race, all teammates work together to try and find the checkpoints (like a scavenger hunt!) and make it to the finish before the cut-off time. Teammates must stay within 50′ or eyesight of each other (whichever is closer). The complete team must finish the course in the allotted time to earn an official ranked finish. Teams that work their way to the finish line after the time limit, without a teammate, or without obtaining the required checkpoints will not be a ranked finisher. There will be a pre-race briefing before the race. At this briefing teams will learn details about the course. Race instructions and maps will be handed out. Teams will then have until the start for any last minute preparations or strategizing.

When the race starts, teams will be required to navigate each stage of the race using the provided pre-marked maps. Often, teams can choose their own route to each checkpoint. Make sure at least 1 person on your team understands how to read a map and a compass (GPSs are not allowed!). Watch the “Get Your Bearings Adventure Race” facebook page for opportunities to learn or practice your navigation/orienteering skills prior to the race. The Southern Michigan Orienteering Club offers great events in the Spring and Fall to learn, practice, or race.

Each team will be issued a ‘passport’ that will be punched (code recorded) at each checkpoint along the way, OR an electronic SI Card, depending on equipment availability. Make sure someone responsible on your team takes care of the passport/SI Card! It must be turned in at the finish to prove that you found the checkpoints. If you don’t have it, you won’t earn an official finish! Teams are required to carry certain gear for each section of the race. Race staff may do gear checks and assess time penalties or CP penalties as necessary during the race.  The mandatory gear list will be provided in advance.

For information about sponsorship opportunities, please visit our Sponsorship Opportunities Page or reach out to us by filling out the contact form on our Contact page.

Past Race Results

2023 Get Your Bearings
2022 Get Your Bearings
2021 Get Your Bearings
2020 Get Your Bearings
2019 Get Your Bearings
2018 Get Your Bearings
2017 Get Your Bearings
2016 Get Your Bearings
2015 Get Your Bearings
2014 Get Your Bearings