ADVENTURE OZARK
EXPEDITION OZARK
April 3-8, 2023.
5 Day Expedition Race Total: 360miles / 580km. Biking: 172miles / 277km. Trekking: 108miles / 174km8 hour adventure race)
April 8th, 2023
Expedition Ozark will be a true test of endurance, teamwork and mental toughness. Teams (2-4 members) will have 5 days to complete a 390 mile course covering the Northwest Arkansas region of the Ozarks.
The Ozarks is becoming one of the premier outdoor recreation locations in the country and this race showcases why. Rolling mountains, awe-inspiring rivers, incredible vistas and unforgiving terrain attract adventure seekers of all kinds and are the perfect setting for a multi-day adventure race.
The inaugural 2023 course will showcase the region's best rivers, lakes, hiking trails and of course the world renowned single track biking trails. Gravel and forest roads will connect National Forests and State Parks to quaint Ozark communities.
This course will test even the best racers with challenging navigation, steep ascents and unpredictable Spring weather. Racers will find their limits physically and mentally, and will be inspired by the powerful vistas, 300' bluffs and the life in the Ozark waterways in springtime.
Total: 360miles / 580km
Biking: 172miles / 277km
Trekking: 108miles / 174km
Paddling: 80miles / 129km
Expect a fast race with short(ish) stages and numerous transitions.
The race is unsupported and we will manage all the logistics for you.
There will be short course options with a mandatory route of approximately 275 miles (442km).
The course will include amazing river systems and waterfalls with some fast water (up to Class III), some of the best and longest single track trails in the US, trekking with a lot of ascent and descent, verdant forests, and a few surprises as well.
Race Disciplines
Mountain Biking: Varying from technical single track (it is the MTB capital of the world) to pristine gravel network, to forest roads.
Trekking: Trail systems and bushwhacking in varied terrain, some on steep ground
Orienteering: Map and compass navigation in the vast backcountry will be required. (Maps will be provided in varying scales.)
Packrafting: Class 1-3 should be expected on potentially fast running rivers
Caving: Mild environments
Rappelling:
Caving: Mild environments
Rappelling:
Gear Requirements
The race will follow the ARWS rules and mandatory gear list, and you can read and download these at https://arworldseries.com/resources/
In addition to the ARWS mandatory gear we will have additional requirements:
Harness - UIAA certified rock climbing harness in good working condition with a belay loop
Drysuit/Splash Gear - top and pants (with sealable cuffs)
UTM Tool - has to include 1:10,000, 1:24,000 and 1:50,000
***Tent or Bothy Bag - this is just an adjustment to the currently listed requirement on ARWS. We will allow any combination of tent/bothy bag for your team size. For example, a team of 4 can carry 1 tent that is rated for 4 people or 4 individual tents. Sizing/weight will still be as posted on ARWS mandatory list.
***Paddle Bag(s) - we will have additional bags required, please see notes below for more information.
