The Gut Check Adventure Triathlon
This is a race for intermediate athletes. 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.
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.
Until shortly before the race, all you’ll know about this year’s Gut Check 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 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.
Prepare yourself for this event by training to be capable of trail running and biking for about two hours. There will be no more than two swim segments, and each swim segment will be approximately 1/4 mile. 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 paddling or half a mile+ of 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 must remain in close contact and finish at the same time.
Be prepared to:
Paddle 1.9 - 2.5 miles or Swim .5 - 1.0 miles
Bike (steep hills) 3 - 6 miles
Run (technical trails) 4 - 7 miles
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
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
This is a USAT Sanctioned race, including SUP participants! That means that we meet or exceed strict guidelines set by USA Triathlon.
You are required to have either a USA Triathlon membership in order to race in any USAT-sanctioned event. Non-USAT members will be required to purchase a one-day event insurance license from USA Triathlon. Costs: $13/sprint, $6 per relay team member. For more information about these USAT changes please click here.
Results will count toward national and regional rankings. All USAT rules and regulations will apply. Racers are subject to time penalties or disqualification for infractions of USAT rules included a positive drug test.
To purchase a USAT membership, follow the link at the bottom of your registration.
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!
Results are expected to be posted to the Gut Check website and the NEEE website with in one day.
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