What is the Hixson Autoplex Urban Adventure Race?
By Lance Lopez
Adventure racing is one of the fastest growing sports in the world. It involves many disciplines such as biking, running/trekking, rowing, and mystery events. But what really makes this such a unique sport is that you compete as a team, not as an individual, and you do not have to be the best or fastest to be successful. These races test your will and endurance and success is achieved by crossing the finish line.
This is a 3 person team (all male, all female, or coed). You must stay together at all times within 50 feet.
The race will be a sprint race that will consist of running (2-3 miles), mountain biking (10-12 miles), and rowing (2-3 miles). Sprint races also include “mystery events,” which test the team’s ability to complete physical or mental challenges as a group.
The race is broken up. You make run for 1 mile then get on your bike for 3 miles then run another half mile then have a mystery challenge then row 2 miles etc….. until you are finished with all the checkpoints. You will be given a city map before or during the race for navigation. Navigation is very easy so do not be worried. You will be exploring the amazing city of Alexandria and finding really cool mystery challenges at local businesses and historic sites.
So, you want to compete in your first Adventure Race? Great! But, where do you go from here? You’ll need to think about the following things to prepare for your first event:
- Find a Team – Recruit teammates who have similar goals and objectives as you, but it’s most important to find people you’ll actually enjoy racing with!
- Set Your Goal – Are you “In It to Win It” or is your goal to just finish the race and have some fun? Make sure you and your teammates all agree.
- Register for the race. There’s no going back now, so get training! http://www.imathlete.com/events/EventOverview.aspx?fEID=19662&z=1396132006841
Or got to our facebook page HIXSON AUTOPLEX URBAN ADVENTURE RACE
Or contact Lance Lopez 318-729-6268 or Billy McRae 318-446-4814
- 4. Practice, Practice, Practice – Get outside and do some training with your teammates on all the disciplines – running/hiking, rowing and mountain biking. Pay special attention to practicing orienteering and navigation. Train with a backpack on to let your body adjust to those extra pounds of gear, food & fluids you’ll carry during the race.
Gear that you will need.
- Mountain Bike and helmet
- Fluids, gels, race food
- Good attitude and joy for adventure
Last years video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUq4-1mahUk
Thank you to our sponsor Hixson Autoplex 2506 MacArthur Dr. Alexandria, La 71301 318-448-0871