Shenandoah Epic Adventure Race
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Event overview
The Shenandoah Epic Adventure Race is a 24-hour adventure race held April 11-12, 2026 in Bentonville, Virginia, based at Downriver Canoe Company. The event is open to soloists and teams of two, three, or four people. Organizers cap the field at 300 racers. The course combines paddling, trekking, and mountain biking with multiple transitions over the 24-hour period.
Course distances
- 25 miles of river paddling
- 25–35 miles of trekking
- 50–60 miles of mountain biking
Format, gear, and navigation
Boats and most paddling equipment are supplied: soloists receive a kayak, two- and three-person teams receive one canoe, and four-person teams receive two canoes. Canoes come with single-blade paddles; kayaks with double-blade paddles; PFDs are supplied. No outside canoes or kayaks are permitted; outside paddles and PFDs are allowed. Canoes do not include a middle seat and no significant portage of canoe gear is expected.
Maps are pre-plotted on waterproof paper at a 1:24,000 scale with UTM grid markings. Teams receive two map sets; soloists receive one. GPS devices are not allowed.
Supplied race equipment includes race maps, race passport, SportIdent ePunch, and GPS trackers. Organizers will perform random gear checks during the race and assess penalties for missing mandatory items.
Rules, series, and awards
The event is USARA-sanctioned and follows ARWS competition rules supplemented by event General Race Rules and a final Rules of Travel. All racers must hold USARA race-day membership or a valid yearly membership. Prizes are awarded to the top three finishers in each division, with special cash awards for KOM times. The race is a USARA regional qualifier and is part of the ARWS North American Circuit. A post-race brunch and on-course photography are provided. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
