Top 5 adventure races in the UK
Epic adventure activities, crammed into a race through wild landscapes - what's not to love?
One of the biggest motivations for signing up to any active event is spending more time outdoors, escaping the humdrum of normal life for something more wild and exciting. And if that's what you're after, there's no better event than an adventure race.
Ranging from races spanning a few hours to multi-stage events taking weeks to complete, adventure racing is epic, both in its scale and the experience you can expect. These races are defined by plunging participants into wild places and by featuring multiple methods of travel, from running and cycling to kayaking and abseiling.
Adventure races take place across the globe and some of the most iconic events explore truly wild landscapes like Patagonia and the Yukon. As amazing as these are, you don't need long-haul luggage to get involved.
These are the best adventure races in the UK, including coast-to-coast journeys and mountain challenges!
Pedal Paddle Peak
Organised by Muscular Dystrophy UK, this highly regarded challenge through the Lake District explores some of the most stunning scenery that England has to offer. Starting and finishing in Glenridding, participants cycle, kayak and hike their way to the finish line, including a circuit of Ullswater and an ascent of Helvellyn, all supported by local mountain guides. Enjoy a celebratory dinner afterwards with your team! With a reputation spanning over 10 years and a boatload of positive reviews, go-getters can expect a quality challenge day while supporting a vital UK charity, Muscular Dystrophy UK.
OPEN 5 Adventure Race
Multi-talented soloists or pairs will lap-up a fun-filled 5-hour race which includes trail running, MTB and navigation. The target is to visit as many checkpoints as possible in the set time, starting with either running or cycling first with only one transition between the disciplines. To top off a cracking event, once across the line participants will head to the Keswick Mountain Festival which is included in the price of entry! A win-win for all involved, whether steady, speedy or spectator.
Sign up to OPEN 5 Adventure Race
Race the Sun series
These famous triathlon-style events pit teams against each other in a race against the setting sun, competing to bike, hike and paddle around some of the UK's most beautiful locations. The series is perfect for pairs, couples and groups of friends, family and colleagues who want an exhilarating day whilst also raising money to help sick and vulnerable babies and children. TimeOutdoors reliably has the cheapest registration fees on the web, so you're in the right place to start your Race the Sun journey.
ITERA Expedition Race Scotland
Cranking it up to the level of life-changing quest, teams will be rigorously tested in several disciplines including trekking, mountain biking, kayaking, navigation, self-sufficiency and 'special stages' to keep you on the edge, all the while deep within spectacular, remote and historic landscapes through forests, up mountains, in rivers, seas and lochs. This is not your first-time adventure race (although there is a 'lite' version!).
ITERA Expedition Race Scotland
Hebrides Tip to Toe
If you are the sort of person who looks at far-flung islands ‘at the edge of the map’ and wonders what is there, then this adventure is for you. The Outer Hebrides are a wondrous archipelago forming a barrier from the wild Atlantic and Scotland’s West Coast. Some of these islands are interconnected with causeways and some are separated by the sea. This expedition stretches 150 miles along the entire island chain from the Butt of Lewis in the north to tiny Vatersay in the south using a multi sport selection of bike, foot and sea kayak.
Looking for something else?
Check out a fantastic selection of overseas multi-activity adventures right across the globe.