I am kayaking around the soaring Sugarloaf rock on the Isle of Man, watching nesting guillemots and exploring the magical Cave of the Birds and Fairy Hall. Reaching the Sound, a spectacular headland with views of the tiny Calf of Man, I stop for a delicious picnic from the Patchwork Cafe. Then it’s time for a fun bike ride, a gentle jog and a dip in a waterfall, before dinner at 14 North in Douglas (Manx queenies and Loaghtan lamb, if you’re wondering).
As races go, it is safe to say that this one wasn’t too taxing. But then again, it wasn’t really a race: it was an easy taster ahead of the real thing. On Saturday, about 50 competitors in the Isle of Man adventure race will tackle a similar course, but at top speed – no stopping for sightseeing or snacking. And I may have downplayed the difficulty: the race proper, including kayaking (6K), mountain biking (22K), hill running (12K) and two “mystery challenges”, such as the waterfall swim, takes between four and six hours.
This event, now in its fifth year, is one of a growing number of gruelling multidisciplinary races. If 2013 was the year of the assault course-style obstacle race, then 2014 is all about the adventure race. Key differences are the number of disciplines (at least two, usually running, biking, kayaking and/or swimming), and the orienteering element: you must navigate from checkpoint to checkpoint, clocking up points. The winner is the person with the most points in the fastest time.
The Isle of Man must be one of the most scenic settings for such a race, with stunning stretches of coastline, mountain bike trails through leafy plantations and hill running around gorgeous glens, but there are plenty of other courses to choose from. For example, Questars has several races a year around the UK; Open Adventure has a series of five UK events; Tri-Adventure runs events mainly in the Chilterns; and Burn Series has an annual race in Cardiff.
I found my induction into adventure racing pretty daunting, despite the relaxed pace. The paddling and biking were great, but I had nothing left in my legs for hill running (which isn’t exactly my forte anyway). But that is the beauty of these events: you can pair up with a friend and take on two disciplines each, missing out your weaker event. Some events also allow teams. Of course, elite racers compete solo.
So, have you been tempted by an adventure race – and if so, which ones would you recommend? Does the idea of navigating appeal, or are you happier with clearly marked routes and marshals? And do mystery challenges add to the fun or get in the way of serious racing?
• The Isle of Man adventure race is on 20 September, £60pp for solo runners and pairs, including race pack, T-shirt and post-race barbecue, adventurousexperiences.com.
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