Let's say you've done the typical triathlon—swim, bike, run—and now you're looking for something different: a high-endurance race that crosses different terrains, or a less rigorous event in which you can include family and friends of different skill levels. Or maybe you want to try a multi-sport event, but the thought of open water swimming is more of a challenge than you'd like. Across the country, organizers have taken note, creating annual events that combine all of a local area's adventure offerings into one race. We've rounded up some of our favorites (many of which don't require you to wear a Speedo), and some are just around the corner this fall, so you can still sign up.
Cumberland, British Columbia
Mind Over Mountain Adventure Race
The Mind Over Mountain Adventure Race, which happens every September in the historic mining town of Cumberland on Vancouver Island, combines endurance sports with navigational skills. Known for its world-class trails, the competition focuses on mountain biking, but also includes kayaking, desert hiking and finding checkpoints using a map. Race solo or join a team of two or four, choose between a 30K sport course or a 50K enduro course, and be sure to spend the night at Mount Washington Alpine Resort (from $50)—the post-race party is a good time . Interested in improving your map and compass skills? Event organizers offer navigation clinics prior to race day.
Raton, New Mexico
Master of the Mountains
In early September, runners at Master of the Mountains gather at the starting line in northeastern New Mexico's Sugarite Canyon State Park, a three-hour drive from Albuquerque. From there it's a six-mile trail run around Little Horse Mesa, a three-mile paddle on Lake Maloya in a kayak, a 22-mile bike ride on dirt and pavement, and a final shooting course at the Raton Trap Club. (Make sure you know how to use a shotgun first.) Do it alone or as part of a relay team of two to four people.
Iowa and Colorado
Running Rivers Flyathlon
A triathlon where the third leg involves craft beer? Sign us up! The Flyathlon, which takes place in August and September at various locations around these two states, includes trail running, fly fishing and, yes, drinking beer. You'll run on a creek (there are courses ranging from five to twelve miles). catch and release a brook, rainbow, brown or brown trout (take a photo of your catch over your bib—extra points for the trout). Come back; and end the race with a catered meal and an IPA. Times matter, but this race is more fun than competitive. Funds raised from these events benefit native trout and river and trail improvement projects, including a Colorado trout restoration project in George Creek.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Rendezvous River Sports Karen Oatey Pole Pedal Paddle
Every April, Rendezvous River Sports Karen Oatey Pole Pedal Paddle is held in memory of the late skier, raising money for a scholarship fund for young athletes in her name. While the five-leg race is demanding—beginning with a ski or snowboard descent down the slopes of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, followed by a series of running, cross-country skiing, biking and boating events—competitors have fun with it and often appear in costume. The event ends at Astoria Hot Springs in the Snake River Canyon, where an après party usually follows.
Bend, Oregon
Selco Pole Paddle Pedal
Selco Pole Paddle Pedal, which takes place in May, has been a local tradition since 1976 and is a great way to experience all of Bend's adventure activities in one go. The seven-leg relay starts at Mount Bachelor, with a 200-foot speed uphill, followed by a downhill ski or snowboard on the slopes and then an 8K Nordic ski race. It's followed by a scenic 22-mile bike ride, five-mile run, 1.5-mile paddle, kayak or canoe on the Deschutes River, and a half-mile sprint to the downtown finish line. Do it all by yourself or join a group to tear apart the legs. The event benefits the Mount Bachelor Sports Education Foundation, which supports youth sports in the area.
Nashua, New Hampshire
Billion Bike Paddle Run
Imagine a triathlon where the swimming part is replaced by rowing or kayaking: this is Billion Bike Paddle Run, which happens in early June. Start with a 14.5-mile parade-like bike ride through downtown Nashua, then paddle a 2.5-mile canal on the Nashua River, before finishing with a 5K trail run in Mine Falls Park along the New Hampshire Heritage Trail.
South Berwick, Maine
Sea to Summit
Sea to Summit it's more robust than your average triathlon, combining the standard format with the elements of an adventure race, so expect fewer amenities and less infrastructure (limited buoys, no bike lane markings). Starting at the historic Hamilton House in South Berwick, you'll swim 1.5 miles in a tidal river that connects to the Atlantic, cycle over 92 miles with 6,000 feet of elevation gain from Maine to New Hampshire, then climb five miles topped by 6,288-foot Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast. You can enter alone or as a team, but both require certain conditions—you must have completed a half Ironman in the last few years under a set time limit or a similar long-distance race. Only 100 people are allowed into this event, which is scheduled for July, so plan to register a year in advance or be on the waiting list.
Whitefish, Montana
The Glacier Challenge
Another July match, the Glacier Challenge begins in Whitefish, a town in the Rocky Mountains of northwestern Montana. It includes six legs over 47 miles of varied terrain: an eight-mile run, a four-mile kayak or 12-mile road bike, an eight-mile mountain bike, a 3.7-mile canoe and a three-mile run finish. The event is family-friendly and open to all levels, with a pick-and-choose setting: competitors can choose to run a 5K or 8K, do a triathlon or complete the circuit, with the option of doing it alone or with a group up to seven. All proceeds go to a program that helps local youth in crisis.
