EXPEDITION OZARK
(5 day adventure race)
April 7-13, 2024
Expedition Ozark will be a true test of endurance, teamwork and mental toughness. Teams (2-4 members) will have 5 days to complete a 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 showcased the region’s best rivers, lakes, hiking trails and of course the world renowned single track biking trails. The 2024 version will highlight many of the same qualities by going even further into the Ozarks backyard! 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: TBD
Biking: TBD
Trekking: TBD
Paddling: TBD
Expect a fast race with short(ish) stages and numerous transitions.
The race is unsupported and we will manage all the logistics for you.
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.
Schedule / Location
The race will be hosted in Northwest Arkansas
Saturday April 6 - First Teams Arrive
Sunday April 7 - Registration, Race Briefings and Gear Checks
Monday April 8 - Race Start (AM)
Saturday April 13 - Race Ends (AM)
Saturday April 13 - Festival Celebration (PM)
Sunday April 14 - Teams Depart
(A more detailed pre-race schedule will be provided to teams before their arrival.)
Race Disciplines
Mountain Biking: Varying from the 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
Ropes:
Gear Requirements
The race will follow the ARWS rules and mandatory gear list, and you can read and download these here:
Mandatory Gear Requirements
In addition to the ARWS mandatory gear, we will have additional requirements.