What is the Mighty oaks Adventure Race?

An adventure race is a choose-your-own-adventure endurance event that blends movement, problem-solving, and teamwork into one unforgettable experience.

Instead of following a marked course, teams use a map and compass to navigate their way through the race, choosing which checkpoints to visit and in what order. Along the way, racers travel by a mix of trail running or hiking, biking, and sometimes paddling, depending on the event. The goal isn’t necessarily to be the fastest—it’s to make smart decisions, work well together, and collect as many checkpoints as you can before the time limit.

Adventure races are designed for a wide range of abilities. You set your own pace, take breaks when needed, and adjust your strategy based on how you’re feeling. There are natural pauses built in—navigating, transitioning between activities, refueling—which makes these races surprisingly approachable, even for first-timers. Many racers are new to the sport, and experienced racers are usually happy to help if you’re learning the ropes.

What truly sets adventure racing apart is the variety and camaraderie. You might be bushwhacking through the woods one moment, biking a scenic trail the next, or tackling a creative challenge with your team. It’s physically engaging, mentally stimulating, and often filled with laughter, problem-solving, and shared triumphs.

You don’t need fancy gear or elite fitness—just a sense of curiosity, a willingness to try something new, and a team (or solo spirit) ready for adventure. Whether you race hard, cruise comfortably, or just want to experience something different outdoors, adventure racing invites you to explore, challenge yourself, and have a whole lot of fun along the way.

All checkpoints are marked on topographic maps you’ll receive before the race. The course is broken into activity sections—run or hike for a while, then bike, then maybe paddle—giving both your body and brain natural breaks. Checkpoints may be tucked behind trees or hills and not always visible from a distance, but they’re not intentionally hidden (except in public areas to prevent tampering).

Use your map and race instructions to figure out where each checkpoint is located. Some checkpoints require basic compass and map-reading skills, while others are easy to spot just by reading the map. Each checkpoint is marked with an orange-and-white flag and a punch you’ll use to mark your passport, which proves you found it.

Your goal is simple: collect as many checkpoints as possible within the time limit. More checkpoints always beat finishing early—25 checkpoints at the last second ranks higher than 24 with an hour to spare.

We recommend arriving early for check-in, when maps are handed out (often emailed the night before) so you can plan your route ahead of time. A short pre-race meeting will cover rules, safety, and questions. You’ll also receive race instructions explaining the course, activities, and checkpoint clues.

Maps are waterproofable and show terrain, trails, and checkpoint locations. Checkpoints can usually be visited in any order. Just don’t lose your passport—you’ll turn it in at the finish as your scorecard!