Challenge the Shield Adventure Race
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About the race
The Challenge the Shield Multi-Sport Adventure Race is a points-based wilderness event on the Canadian Shield near Parry Sound, Ontario. Teams of two have up to six hours to visit as many of the 28 checkpoint challenges as they choose and score points from a total pool of 2,500 points. The course uses a choose-your-own-adventure format: teams complete a mandatory three-part prologue worth 500 points, then navigate to optional checkpoints that vary by difficulty.
The prologue and checkpoint challenge distances include:
- Prologue run approximately 3.5 km
- Prologue paddle approximately 2 km
- Prologue bike approximately 7 km
- Checkpoint treks approximately 10–12 km
- Checkpoint paddles approximately 10–12 km
- Checkpoint biking approximately 20–25 km
Four backcountry checkpoints (each 125 points) include distinct marked-route challenges, including an MTB relay, an island challenge, a mystery checkpoint, and a late swim run challenge. A penalty of 100 points is deducted for every minute or part of a minute over the six-hour limit.
The event is hosted at Nine Mile Lake Beach near the Georgian Nordic Outdoor Activity Centre, about 10 km northeast of Parry Sound. Categories are teams of two in Coed, Male, Female, Masters (total age over 100), and Juniors (ages 13 to 18, age as of December 31, 2027). Registration opens December 1, 2026; entry is capped at 80 teams and fees vary by registration period. Team entry includes customized race maps for each team member, host site day-use fees, customized CTS race swag, a participation sticker, race insurance, and one post-race pizza per team. Canoes are not included; rental options are available through a race partner. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
