The Gut Check Adventure Triathlon

The Gut Check is a point-to-point adventure race within Cape Cod’s 2000-acre DCR Nickerson State Park. Each year, the "course" is different — and no one knows exactly what it will be until shortly before the race. You receive a map to get you through checkpoints to the finish line. Just know that it will be an endurance workout you won’t soon forget!

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.

Learn how this Adventure race works 

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. 

150 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).

Results are expected to be posted to the Gut Check  website and the NEEE website with in one day.

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

There will be no refunds, transfers or wait list.