WISCASSET — The first Maine Summer Adventure Race will take place July 23 offering a full day (or half day) of exploration of the woods and lakes around Jefferson in the midcoast region, according to a MSAR news release.

The race will involve teams of two, three or four competing in a nonstop race involving trail running or trekking, road and mountain biking, flat-water paddling and orienteering. Teams will have to combine athleticism with strategy and navigation to guide themselves to as many checkpoints as possible within the race’s time limit.

Both the eight-hour and three-hour versions of the Maine Summer Adventure Race will start at the Hidden Valley Nature Center. The race is designed by Cliff and Kate White of the Strong Machine Adventure Racing team and will be hosted by the Midcoast Conservancy.

The race will challenge expert adventure racers and beginners alike with a fun and beautiful course that travels through thick pine forests, across deep cold lakes and rivers and up to promontories that offer the occasional revealing glimpse of the nearby Atlantic Ocean.

“If you can walk or jog a 5K, bike five miles and paddle one mile, you will be more than prepared for the three-hour race. The eight-hour course is designed to be more of a challenge, with longer distances and more navigational components. However, this race is still appropriate for the outdoorsy, beginner racer since the more difficult routes will be optional,” White said in the release.

Fees cost between $50 and $90, not including discounts offered to Midcoast Conservancy members. Race entry includes a MSAR T-shirt, swag bag, post-race feast and drinks (including a featured microbrew), maps, canoe and paddle rental, prizes and giveaways and facility and land-use fees.

The race will be sanctioned by the United States Adventure Racing Association and will count as part of its points series.

For more information, visit MaineSummerAR.weebly.com, call 646-522-5630, or email StrongMachineAR@gmail.com.


Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.