Midwest Championship Adventure Race

Prepare for an epic challenge at the Midwest Championship Adventure Race, set to unfold on May 2, 2026, in the heart of Warsaw, Missouri. This event, now in its third year, stands as a premier test of grit and skill, serving as both a USARA Regional Championship Race and an Adventure Racing World Series-North America points race, offering a pathway to national and world championships for top teams. Racers can choose their adventure from three demanding distances: the ultimate 24-hour endurance challenge, a rigorous 6-hour course, or an accessible 2-hour option.

The course, meticulously designed by Off Road Rage Adventure Racing, will plunge competitors into the untamed beauty of Missouri's terrain. Participants will navigate through diverse landscapes, tackling trekking (running or hiking), intense mountain biking on world-class single-track, and slow-moving river paddling, with canoes, kayaks, and all necessary PFDs and paddles provided. Navigational prowess is paramount, as teams will utilize pre-plotted topographic maps to strategize their routes, with the possibility of surprise challenges enhancing the adventure. Typical race day conditions in early May feature comfortable highs around 69°F and lows near 48°F, with a moderate 21% chance of precipitation, ensuring a dynamic racing environment.

The Midwest Championship Adventure Race caters to a spectrum of abilities. While the 24-hour course covers 50-100+ miles through day and night for seasoned athletes, the 6-hour race offers a substantial challenge with approximately 15 miles of biking, 6-8 miles of trekking, and 5 miles of paddling. For those new to adventure racing or seeking a shorter experience, the 2-hour course is a 3-5 mile journey entirely on foot and is even stroller/wheelchair friendly. All courses emphasize self-sufficiency, as logistics are unsupported on the course, meaning racers carry their own gear, food, and drink. However, post-race snacks await 6-hour finishers, and a breakfast spread is provided for the 24-hour champions at the Warsaw Community Building start/finish line. Optional checkpoints allow teams to tailor their challenge, ensuring an official finish even if the entire course isn't completed.