Untamed Virginia Adventure Race


The Untamed Virginia Adventure Race is becoming a classic mid-Atlantic endurance experience; more an adventure than a race!

Untamed Adventure

Race Information (4-Hour Course)

Untamed Virginia Adventure Race Quick Facts
Note: this page pertains to the 4-hour Dash course. Click here for details on the 30-hour Pro course.
  • When: Sept 14th, 2008
  • Where: Richmond, VA (general area)
  • Distance: 15-20 Miles
  • Duration: 4 Hours
  • Format: Solo competitors and teams of 2, 3, or 4
  • Divisions: Premiere Division is 3 or 4 Person Coed (Other divisions based on registration)
  • Entry Fee: $180 (4-person team); $150 (3-person team); $120 (2-person team); $85 (solo)
  • To register, visit the Registration page


The Location
The "Dash" course will be located in a central Virginia location (near Richmond, VA) to be announced the week prior to the race. It will share elements of the full 30-hour course, such as orienteering sections and paddling; the Dash course will have the same race finish line as the 30-hour course, combining the two races into a bigger post-race party!

The Schedule
We will announce the Dash course location on Sept 10th. On Sept 14th at 7:30 AM will be a quick race check-in and at 8:30 AM the Dash course will officially start. Estimated finishing time will be between 11:30 and 12 Noon on Sunday Sept 14th. A post-race lunch and awards will immediately follow.

The Secret Course and "Scored" Format
The course covers some really fun and challenging terrain! Teams will race non-stop from checkpoint to checkpoint, using bikes, boats, ropes, and their own feet to complete the course. The race instructions will included pre-plotted maps and directions regarding the order of disciplines etc . . . there will be plenty of strategy and decision making, so come prepared.

This race will be a "scored" format where your team earns points for each checkpoint you obtain; some checkpoints will be worth more than others, so pay attention to your race instructions and be ready to prioritize! The "scored" format ensures that all teams can enjoy the course to the maximum of their abilities and gives flexibility to teams wanting to focus on their strengths and/or work on their weaknesses.

The Disciplines
  • Mountain Biking -- some technical riding along with gravel fire roads, this is sure to be a fun part of the race!
  • Trekking -- a combination of trails and off-trail routes will keep you on your toes! Some considerable elevation gain, too, will really make this a work out.
  • Orienteering -- For the entire race, you select your route and analyze the fastest way to get from one point to the next. This race will also feature some "technical" orienteering meaning careful map and compass work will be critical!
  • Ropes -- with an emphasis on fun, the rope challenges will be beginner-friendly and not require you to bring any particular gear (we will provide harnesses etc) or have prior experience. Of course, a couple hours invested at the local climbing gym would make you more prepared, but it's not required.
  • Paddling -- we will provide 2-person kayaks for Dash teams. The paddling will be on flat or gently moving water -- no whitewater.

    The Competitors
    Solo racers and teams of 2, 3, and 4 will be permitted but the premiere division in terms of prizes and overall honours will be 3 or 4 Person Coed.

    Self Sufficiency and Organization
    The Dash course will be run out of a central transition area; this means we will have a roped off area for you to stage all your gear for the race. In between disciplines, you will return to this transition area and swap your gear accordingly. You may also stage water and food with your gear in the transition area -- no drinks or snacks will be provided on the race course, so plan accordingly.

    More Information
    If you have an question please email us at:
      Email UntamedVA.com
    or use the "contact Untamed Adventure" page to get in touch.
  • Adventure Racers Strategizing


    The Untamed Virginia Adventure Race           Race Date Sept 13-14, 2008           30-Hour Course & 4-Hour Course           Richmond, VA area