AXS - Adventure Racing Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Adventure Xstream Race? And who can do it?

Solo Athletes or Teams will travel an unmarked course by plotting the checkpoint locations using UTM coordinates and maps provided. You can view a UTM tutorial from our "Training" page. Each race has different disciplines which will include some or all of the following: Mountain Biking, Kayaking, Trail Run/Trek, Rappel, Tyrolean, Orienteering/Navigation, Skate/Scooter (See each venue for race specific disciplines). Teams race the entire course together....it is not a relay event.

Regardless of whether you are an elite athlete or simply an aspiring one, the AdventureXstream series has a variety of races/courses available to suit just about any athlete's abilities and endurance level. Each venue has different course lengths available so check the race venues for which course options are offered. Below are the general lengths and difficulties for each race/course...

Sprint Race - (~25-35 miles) - Elite athletes will finish in about 3 hours with most teams finishing in 4-5 hours.
12 Hour Race - (~50-60 miles) - Elite athletes will finish in 6-7 hours, Weekend Warriors in 8-14 hours.
24 Hour Race - (~90-110 miles) - Elite athletes will finish in 15-18 hours, Weekend Warriors in 18-24+ hours.
Xstream Expedition - (~250-300+ miles) - Multi-day Expedition Adventure Race.

Designed for weekend warriors as well as elite athletes, only you can decide your level of ability and motivation. Decide what your goal is; teamwork, adventure, competition, or personal accomplishment. Ask yourself and/or your team if you can complete the specific distances in the estimated times above? While competing in these events takes training and hard work, don't underestimate yourself either. You do not have to be an "expert" in all of the disciplines to complete an adventure race. You should push yourself and/or your team to accomplish your goal but most importantly HAVE FUN!!.

Are the Xstream races a relay format?

No, they are not a relay format. Teams of 2 or 4 will race the entire course together.

Do all team member have to check-in at the same time the night before the race?

We would like all team member to check-in together. However, we know that this is not always possible. If you can't all make it please have one team member bring all othe team members forms, certifications, liabitility waiver, etc... If we get all the paperwork we can give you your race packet.

Do I have to do the ropes section of a race?

We certainly encourage you to do it, as it is usually the highlight of the race for most participants. But, we don't require you to do the ropes. Each race is a little different. Either you can skip the ropes for a time penalty or you will be ranked in the "Adventure" class instead of the "Pro" class. See each race for specific details.

What are the prizes?

The Premier division is the 4 person coed team. This is where the bulk of the prize money is. You can see the prize breakdown on the Series Information page. There is over $30,000.00 in prizes in this category.

We do offer prizes in other categories if there are at least 8 teams racing. Prizes in these categories would include shwag from our sponsor or race vouchers for future races.

If your interest is to compete for prizes you should consider racing in the 4 person coed division.

What do you mean by Supported or Unsupported?

Some adventure races are "supported", which means that you will have to provide a support crew person who will transport your gear to all of the transition areas of the race.

Other races are "unsupported", this means that you do not have to have a support crew. Either our staff will transport your gear to transition areas. Or, you will be required to drop your gear at the designated transition areas prior to the start of the race.

Shuttle Service Option. Lastly, some races will have a shuttle service option. This means that if you don't have a support crew person for the race. You can hire a shuttle service that will transport your gear to the transition areas during the race.

Each race will be different, and specific information regarding Supported, Unsupported or shuttle options will be posted to the "Race Updates" for that specific race.

If I sign up now, can I switch categories or division later?

Yes, as long as the race isn't sold out you can switch categories or divisions at any time. Please give us at least 10 days notice prior to the race. Please call or email to make team changes.

Can I change my teammates or team name?

Yes, send us an email with any changes to your teammates or team name and we will update your entry.

What if I have to cancel my entry?

Cancellation policy for Sprint, 12 & 24 Hour Races:
Once registered, there is a cancellation fee of $50.00 per person/per race ($25.00 for a sprint race). In the event a team or team member must cancel their entry, the cancellation policy for all AdventureXstream Sprint,12 and 24 hour races will apply:

There are NO refunds for any reason; medical, personal, family, business or other.
Once registered you may not transfer your entry to another race.
You may find a substitute(s) for your teammates, there is no charge to designate a replacement.*
If you cancel your entry 15+ days prior to the event you will receive a Credit of your entry fee towards a future race, minus the $50.00 cancellation fee per person($25.00 Sprints). (Credit good for one year only)
There are NO credits for cancellations within 14 days of the race.
To designate a substitute for your entry you must make this change 7 days prior to the race.

Withdrawal Procedure:
To withdraw from an AdventureXstream race an athlete must notify the AdventureXstream office by:
E-mail:

Please include all of the following information - the race you are withdrawing from, your team name, email address, mailing address and phone number, and reason for withdrawal.

Cancellation policy for AdventureXstream The Expedition:

Once registered, there are no refunds. No Exceptions.

There are NO refunds for any reason; medical, personal, family, business or other.
Once registered you may transfer your entry to another team, with at least 2 weeks notice.
Teams can substitute teammates at any time with an email notice to Gravity Play Sports.
If your team needs to withdraw and the race is sold out, we will offer your entry to the first team on our waitlist so you can try to recoup your fees. A $50 per person transfer fee will apply.

Questions?: Please give us a call with any questions regarding your entry. 970-259-7771

How safe is adventure racing?

Your safety is our primary concern. EMT and Wilderness First Responder personnel will be on hand. An emergency reaction plan with local Emergency Medical Services is in place for all events. Safety personnel will be on the shore and in the water for all paddling portions of the event. We are working directly and indirectly with the following agencies; County Ambulance, Search and Rescue, Flight for Life, County Sheriff, Water Rescue, and County Dispatch.

All participants are accounted for as they pass each checkpoint.

Cut off times may be enforced to ensure racer and volunteer safety. Cut off times are variable and may be determined by race officials for any reason. Cut off times include designated time limits, snow, freezing rain, fog, race course conditions, remaining light or any number of circumstances that may arise the day of the event. With this in mind the course is designed to allow most competitors to finish.

Adventure Racing is not without danger. In many instances you are not competing against other entrants but against mother nature. We go to great extremes to ensure a safe event. It is however your responsibility to know your limits and to put safety first! If you are not already educated in outdoor safety please do so before registering for any of these events.

Other Questions?

If you have any other questions please let us know.