2026 GutCheck Cape Cod

This is a race for athletes with some endurance experience and a moderate level of fitness or better. Expect cold water, steep hills and difficult cliffside running trails paved with tree roots. While there will be emergency medical support on-site, all participants race at their own risk.

Until shortly before the race, all you’ll know about GutCheck Cape Cod is that it will combine running, cycling, navigating and water crossing (paddleboard or swimming) in Nickerson State Park. You will present yourself at designated checkpoints along the way. Expect a finishing time of 1.5 to 2.5 hours. Whether you compete solo or with a group of your friends (2, 3 or 4 persons), the objective is to use your wits and fitness to scramble your way (including 92 steps built into a cliff!) to the finish.

Athletes will receive laminated maps that have checkpoints pre-marked before the race. You will navigate between checkpoints using the map and compass. Teams must check in at all checkpoints and the finish line together. Segments will be categorized as either a run, bike, or swim/paddle discipline. Keep in mind that you may have multiple running, biking, and swim/paddling legs that alternate throughout the race. Also, unlike a relay, 2, 3 or 4-person teams compete together the entire race. This is a point-to-point race, there is no central transition area so plan accordingly.

Prepare yourself for this event by training to be capable of trail running and biking for two-plus hours.  There will be no more than four swim segments, and each swim segment will be 1/2 mile or less. Paddle segments will be longer. Biking elevations range from -5% to 8% grades, running elevations up to 18% grade. You can choose between swimming or paddleboarding. Bring your own, or a limited supply will be available to rent. Be prepared for a mile+ of total paddling or 3/4 of total swimming. Be prepared to read and follow the supplied trail map.  There will be four race categories: solo, two-person, three-person and four-person. All members of a team race the entire course together, remain in close contact and finish at the same time.

Packet pick-up and late registration (if not sold out) will be 4:30 - 6:00pm Friday evening inside Area 6 of Nickerson State Park, and 7:30 - 8:30 am Saturday in the main parking lot. All participants MUST BRING a photo ID and proof of USAT purchase (physical card, digital card, receipt, email confirmation). 

You will NOT be able to pick up packets for others! All Relay Team members must be present to pickup their race packet. 

Be prepared to:

Paddle 1 - 1.5 miles or Swim .5 - 1.0 miles

Bike (steep hills) 5 - 10 miles

Run (technical trails) 4 - 6 miles

Road Bike

Bike Helmet

Paddle board w/ paddle or surf board

Life vest or safe-swimmer buoy

If swimming; dry bag for shoes, map etc.

Running (or trail) shoes that don't mind getting wet

We'll supply the laminated map

Marker to be used on laminated map

Long pants, tights or leg protection

Sunglasses or hat

Bug spray

Sunscreen

Compass

Dry bag or safe swimmer buoy with inner compartment

175 Athletes!

Each person still registers as an individual, noting the name of your team during the registration process. This avoids the hassle of one person registering the team but then needing to gather info and collect money from everybody. Team members can also decide prior to the event to "race solo," or vice versa. On race day each member of the team must go through check points and finish line together. May the fastest... and smartest... teams win!

Yes! Up to 2 team members can be on 1 paddleboard at a time.

Thanks to SUPfari Adventures, there is a limited supply of paddleboards available for rental on race day. They each come with a paddle and PFD but you must order in advance (you'll have the opportunity to rent during registration).

Timed race.  Results are expected to be posted to the New England Endurance Events website within 24 hours of the event. 

For those traveling from afar, Cape Cod is awash with hotels, motor lodges, inns, bed and breakfasts, vacation cottages and AirBnB offerings.

We always need volunteers!  Friends and family members of athletes are encouraged to volunteer while watching the action. Priority parking, T-shirt, refreshments and swag bag are only some of the perks!  Register online or email bethann@neeevents.com for more information.

Transfers: Private transfers can be processed through your athlete account for a $25 fee. Please contact us for transfers during race week.

Deferrals: Unable to make it race day? Defer your entry to 2027 right inside your athlete account for a $25 fee. No deferrals will be processed after 9/5/26.

Refunds: There will be no refunds for this event. You may purchase Refund Protect during the registration process which would provide a refund for certain qualifying circumstances. Learn more here. 

There will not be a wait list for this event. 

Visit the GutCheck race website for more information about this race.  For more information about our other races, please visit NEEEVENTS.com.