Gold Rush Adventure Challenge: Dawn to Dusk
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Gold Rush Adventure Challenge: Dawn to Dusk
The Gold Rush Adventure Challenge is a USARA sanctioned, 12 hour adventure race based in Sausalito, California, that combines paddling, mountain biking, trekking, and map and compass navigation. Teams of one to four racers navigate together to collect checkpoints across terrain that includes the Marin Headlands, ocean cliffs, historic sites, and views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco skyline. The course includes an on-water section in San Francisco Bay and a stop at Angel Island.
Race headquarters and the main transition area are at Marinship Park near Sea Trek in Sausalito. Teams use a central transition area to access pre-packed transition bags, change gear, and move between kayak, bike, and trekking stages. Kayaks, PFDs, paddles, and some paddling clothing are provided; racers must bring their own mountain bike and helmet to be officially ranked.
Navigation is by map and compass only; GPS navigation and mapping apps are not allowed. Every team carries a race GPS tracker for safety and live tracking; trackers include an SOS function. The event is self supported with no staffed aid stations, so teams must carry food, water, and mandatory personal and team gear. Scoring awards points for checkpoints and ranks teams by total points with time used as a tiebreaker. Points are deducted for finishing after the cutoff.
Distances (estimates): Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
- Kayak: approximately 6 miles
- Mountain bike: approximately 15 to 30 miles
- Trekking or running: approximately 2 to 14 miles
