Neck of the Woods Adventure Race
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Neck of the Woods Adventure Race
The Neck of the Woods Adventure Race is a 3rd annual, score-style event held on October 24, 2026 in Huntersville, North Carolina. The race runs within a five hour time limit and allows solo entrants or teams of one to four people. Entry is per person; the registration fee is $40 and all proceeds benefit the Firefighters Burned Children's Fund. Registration closes October 20 and registering by October 8 guarantees a T shirt.
Participants use pre plotted maps to locate checkpoints by bike and on foot; there is no paddling or swim section. Each checkpoint found earns points, and the best score in the least time wins separate solo and team categories. There is no set route or checkpoint order; teams manage their own route and time. Most mandatory checkpoints are located near paths, creeks, intersections, or other visible features, while some optional checkpoints are trickier or on mountain bike trails.
Mandatory personal supplies include a bike, bike helmet, blinking rear bike light, reflective vest for on foot sections, food and water. Teams must carry a compass, a phone in a waterproof container, and a pen or pencil suitable for waterproof paper. Distances vary by strategy; a full route visiting every checkpoint is roughly 25 miles of biking and 5 to 6 miles of trekking, while collecting only mandatory checkpoints is about 14 to 15 miles biking and 3 to 4 miles trekking.
The bike sections are mostly on paved roads and greenways; a mountain bike is recommended for optional trail checkpoints. Maps are delivered during the event and an optional orienteering section offers substantial points. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
