Mighty Oaks Adventure Race
Whether you’re brand new to adventure racing or a seasoned explorer, this 3 hour race is your chance to run, navigate, laugh, and discover what adventure is all about. You’ll tackle classic navigation and waypoint challenges, mixed with playful surprises along the course, all wrapped up in an energetic, summer-camp vibe.
Race Details
Date and Time
Saturday, July 25 @ 9:30 AM
Schedule
Explore the entire breakdown of registeration time, waves release times, finish times, etc.
Location
Camp Roger - Rockford, MI
Parking
All racers are required to park at Lakes Elementary School
Race Format / Disciplines
This racing is mainly trekking while navigating between checkpoints with your choice of how many checkpoints to get (all are optional). Much of the navigation could be done without a compass but to get all the points it is recommended.
There will be a fairly short canoe challenge but no biking (like many traditional adventure races).
Many of the checkpoints will have fun added challenges or puzzles with a summer camp vibe!
Required Gear
We tried to keep the required gear to minimum but see the full list below for all required, recommended, and prohibited gear.
Divisions
- Solo Males, Females
- 2-person Females, Males, Coed
- 3-4 person Females, Males, Coed
- Family (2-6 person): One person must be 14 years or younger. For teams of 3-6, at least three from the same immediate family.
Summer fun at camp!
Saturday, July 25
What is this Race?
The best parts of summer camp—the freedom to roam the woods, the thrill of a challenge, the joy of figuring things out with your friends, and the feeling that the day could turn into an adventure at any moment? This adventure race brings all of that back! It’s a choose-your-own-adventure experience where teams use a map and compass to navigate through trails, woods, and water, deciding which checkpoints to tackle and in what order. You’ll move by running or hiking, paddling, mixing exploration, problem-solving, and a whole lot of laughter along the way.
The Mighty Oaks Adventure Race isn’t about being the fastest—it’s about playing smart, working together, and having fun. You set your own pace, take breaks when needed, and enjoy natural pauses for navigating, refueling, and cheering each other on. It is designed to be welcoming to first-timers, families, and seasoned racers alike, with a strong sense of camaraderie that feels more like a shared camp experience than a cut-throat competition. You don’t need elite fitness or fancy gear—just a sense of curiosity, a willingness to try something new, and a love for being outside with good people. If you miss the magic of summer camp and want a day filled with challenge, connection, and joy, the Mighty Oaks Adventure Race is waiting for you.
Race Rules
Required Gear
Each race has a required gear list for safety and logistics. This list may vary by race and is subject to change. While not everything is required, many additional items may be wise depending on conditions.
All teams must carry one fully charged mobile phone at the race start (powered off for races longer than 6 hours). Phones are for emergencies only or to contact race organizers about safety concerns, severe weather, missing flags, or withdrawing from the race.
Missing Gear & Penalties
Required gear will be checked before or during the race. Missing required items usually result in a checkpoint penalty per missing item.
A mobile phone is required to start and continue racing—teams may not race without one. Other missing items may be raced without, but with penalty.
Prohibited Gear
The following are never allowed:
- GPS devices that show real-time location on a map
- Motorized transport
- Maps other than those provided by the race
- Outside assistance (except unplanned help from a passerby)
GPS watches and trackers may be carried only with GPS turned off and may be used after the race for analysis. Distance-only tracking is allowed.
Canoes / Kayaks
For the Mighty Oaks Adventure Race a canoe and PFDs will be provided for a short optional canoe challenge. Michigan PFD laws apply—each person must have a wearable or throwable PFD as permitted by law.
Personal Gear Liability
If Z Adventures transports personal gear (such as bikes or boats), we are not responsible for damage or lost items.
Weather
We will race rain or shine. Thunderstorms may cause race delays or postponements. Racers should seek shelter if conditions worsen. In cases of severe or extended weather, the race may be canceled. Refunds are not available due to advance costs, but partial credits for future races may be offered when possible.
Safety
Adventure racing involves inherent risk. All races are open traffic, meaning you may encounter vehicles, horses, pedestrians, and other trail users. Obey traffic laws and cross roads only when safe. Courses are designed to avoid heavily congested areas whenever possible.
Helping Other Teams
Teams that stop to help another team due to injury or mechanical issues may receive a partial time credit. Report assistance and estimated time spent when turning in your passport. Checkpoints are not awarded for assistance, but time adjustments may be made for significant emergencies.
Short Course Options
Race organizers may require or offer short-course options to help teams meet cut-off times. Teams taking a short course will be ranked below teams completing more of the full course.
Missing Checkpoints
A checkpoint is considered missing if it cannot be found within 50 meters of its mapped location. If you believe a checkpoint is missing, call race organizers after confirming with other teams. If it can’t be replaced, it won’t count for anyone.
Race-Related Delays
If delays are caused by race logistics (e.g., missing boats or bikes at transitions), partial time credits may be awarded at the discretion of the race director. External delays (trains, mechanicals, weather closures) do not qualify for time adjustments.
Support Rules
Teams may race together and collaborate, but may not share required gear. For challenge-based activities, teams may not share answers with teams who haven’t started the challenge.
Team Spacing
All team members must stay within 100 feet of one another at all times. This is for safety and fairness and may be penalized if violated.
Environmental Care
Leave no trace. Do not litter or damage the environment. Violations may result in penalties or disqualification.
Paddling Rules
Unless stated otherwise, paddle checkpoints must be reached by boat. Brief exits to access nearby checkpoints are allowed.
Withdrawing from the Race
Teams withdrawing must notify race organizers directly (not volunteers). This helps us ensure all racers are accounted for. Partial teams wishing to continue unranked must receive approval.
Scoring & Cut-Offs
Teams must finish before the cut-off time to be ranked.
- Races under 6 hours: 1 checkpoint penalty per minute late (up to 10 minutes)
- Races 6+ hours: teams finishing after cut-off are unranked
Official race time is based on the race organizer’s mobile phone clock. Sync watches at the start.
Passport
If you lose your passport, you must return to the start for a replacement and re-punch checkpoints. Teams finishing without a passport will be celebrated—but not ranked. Write your name and phone number on your passport in case it’s found.
Age Guidelines
Minimum ages vary by race and terrain:
- Generally 10+ for races without vehicle traffic
- Generally 14+ for races involving biking on roads
- Racers 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult
- Racers under 18 require a parent or guardian waiver
Exceptions may be considered—please contact race organizers in advance.
Pets and Animals
Pets and animals are not allowed in the race or on site – neither the nature preserve nor camp allow them. Sorry about that!
FAQs
Adventure racing is all about smart pacing and good navigation. Teams lose the most time by getting lost or missing checkpoints, not by moving too slowly. Take time to read your map, plan an efficient route, and adjust your strategy based on the cut-off time.
Staying fueled and hydrated makes a big difference, especially in longer races. Often the “tortoise” teams outperform the “rabbits” by racing steady and making good decisions.
If you’re in moderate shape or better, you’ll likely be just fine. Go at your own pace and remember—you don’t have to get every checkpoint. The goal is to collect as many as you can.
Adventure races naturally include breaks: waiting at traffic lights, navigating, refilling water, or transitioning between activities. Different disciplines use different muscles, which helps manage fatigue. And if you’ve had enough, no problem—head in early and cheer on other racers.
It depends on the race. Many races offer team and solo options. If you’re having trouble finding a teammate, reach out—we may be able to help connect you.
Absolutely. Most races allow teams of 2–4, and some allow solo racers. Adventure racing is more fun with friends or family, and you’re welcome to buddy up with other teams on course—especially if you’re navigating your way back on track.
Racers must generally be at least 10 years old, and at least one team member must be 18. Racers under 18 must have a parent or guardian sign their waiver during online registration.
Each race features a charity partner, and many races include a charity challenge where racers can donate a few dollars in exchange for help with a challenge. Giving while racing is one of our favorite parts of the event.
We recommend Gazelle Sports, West Michigan Bike & Fitness, and Bill & Paul’s Sporthaus. They carry most required and recommended gear and have incredibly helpful staff. Supporting our sponsors helps make these races possible.
Simply put, No.
GPS-enabled apps and navigation are not allowed during the race (except for recording your track in the background). Phones are required for emergencies, and we trust racers to honor the spirit of adventure racing. Plus, teams using their maps tend to pass the ones fiddling with GPS anyway.
Yes, and thank you! Volunteers are essential. Visit the Volunteer page for any race to sign up. Full-race volunteers receive a race shirt, a pint or buff (and lunch when provided), plus a credit toward a future race—and a really fun day with some wonderfully crazy racers.
For navigation-focused events, visit Michigan Adventure Race, Lost Arrow Sports and the Southern Michigan Orienteering Club. For races outside Michigan, explore the United States Adventure Racing Association.
Summer fun at camp!
Saturday, July 25
Policies
Race organizers reserve the right to cancel the event in the case of extended severe weather. We will do everything possible to get the event in, but refunds are not available if it is cancelled due to significant costs we must pay in advance of the race as well as lost wages. We would provide you a small credit for a future race. If we reschedule the event, no refunds are available. You can either transfer your entry to another team (or individual if part of your team can race) or take the partial credit.
If we need to reschedule based on weather, our permit extends through the Sunday, July 26 so that day is our preferred backup day.
Sponsor
More information coming soon! If you are looking to partner please reach out to Matt Zwiep.
Volunteer
Volunteers are the heart of every adventure race, helping create a day filled with exploration, teamwork, and memorable moments. From assisting at checkpoints to cheering teams on or supporting the finish line, every role plays an important part in the experience.
Volunteering at an adventure race is about community, connection, and enjoyment. You’ll spend time outdoors, meet friendly and enthusiastic people, and be part of a welcoming environment that values encouragement over competition. It’s a great way to support racers, give back, and enjoy the excitement without having to race yourself. If you’re looking for a rewarding, low-pressure way to be involved in something active, positive, and community-driven, volunteering at an adventure race is a great way to join the adventure.
If you are interested in volunteering we would love to hear from you and match you up with a role that is a great fit! Please reach out to Matt Zwiep via the form below.
Contact Us!
The Mighty Oaks Adventure Race is put on by Z-Adventures. Please fill out the form below to get in touch with Matt Zwiep about any questions, signing up to volunteer, or learn more about sponsoring. Thank you!