Let the wild nature of adventure racing bring out the BEAST in you

Barebones Evening Adventure Sprint Tournament is a
series of short adventure races held in the Seattle area.

According to the United States Adventure Racing Association (USARA), the sport of Adventure Racing is growing by leaps and bounds as it gains popularity across the nation.

Adventure Racing is one of the few sports where just completing a race is often considered a victory."

Ideal for cyclists, runners and water sport enthusiasts who enjoy working in 2-5 person teams, Adventure Racing can include any combination of physical activities -- mountain biking, hiking, running, paddling and climbing -- along with strategic mental feats such as orienteering (map reading), plus surprise skill tests that add an element of mystery and fun. The races can last a few hours or several days and can cover 10 - 100 miles or more.

Adventure Racing Also Comes in a "Fun Size"

Here in Seattle, BEAST stands for "Barebones Evening Adventure Sprint Tournament," a series of very short adventure races (1.5 to 2 hours) held on weeknights in the greater Seattle area.

Like Adventure Racing, the events involve mountain biking, running/trekking, orienteering, and some special tests such as horseshoes or jigsaw puzzles. Water-based segments are offered when and where it's possible.

Unlike Adventure Racing, BEAST provides "no spiffy race bibs, no large cadre of staff and volunteers, no EMTs, and no large tents and banners." They do, however, promise to give spirited competitors a quality race at a low price.

Meet the Anywhere But Here Racing Team

The Anywhere But Here racing team of Geoff Ormiston, Cory Sytsma and Tim Potter have one season of BEAST racing under their collective belt, and are now into their second season of racing. The team will be competing in BEAST race #4 on July 8th in Shoreline. Their next big event is the epic Trioba, a 24-30 hour adventure race this September 18-20th in Near Plain, Washington, an area that is considered a mountain biker's and trail runner’s paradise.

The Trioba will be a killer. The challenges increase with the longer races and will most likely put us to a significant test." -- Geoff Ormiston

For more information on the Adventure Racing community in the Pacific Northwest, go to PNWAR.  Check out the YouTube video below for a sneak peek at the Oyster Urban Adventure Racing series, coming to Seattle on August, 29, 2009.  Looks like fun, doesn't it?