Until shortly before the race, all you’ll know about this year’s Gut Check is that it will combine running, cycling, orienteering and water crossing (surfboard or paddleboard, as this year’s October date is too cold for swimming) in Nickerson State Park. You will present yourself at designated checkpoints along the way. Expect a finishing time of 1 to 2 hours. Whether you compete solo or with a group of your friends (2, 3 or 4 persons), the objective is to use your wits and fitness to scramble your way (including 92 steps built into a cliff) to the finish.
Prepare yourself for this event by training to be capable of trail running and biking for about two hours. Biking elevations range from -5% to 4% grades, running elevations up to 18% grade. While swimming will again be part of future Gut Checks, this year’s late October race day means you will be paddling a board — any kind will do, SUP, kneeling paddleboard, surfboard. Bring your own, or a limited supply will be available to rent. Be prepared for a mile of paddling. Bring — at the least — a compass and a map! There will be four race categories: solo, two-person, three-person and four-person. All members of a team must remain in close contact and finish at the same time.
Be prepared to:
Paddle 1 - 1.35 miles
Bike (steep hills) 4 - 8 miles
Run (technical trails) 3.5 - 6 miles
Road Bike
Bike Helmet
Paddle board w/ paddle or surf board
Life vest or safe-swimmer buoy
Running (or trail) shoes that don't mind getting wet
Compass
We'll supply the laminated map
Marker to be used on laminated map
Race belt (this will make it easier to get your bib stamped at checkpoints)
Long pants, tights or leg protection
Sunglasses or hat
Bug spray
Sunscreen
Race with friends or race solo.
Racing as a team:
Each person registers as an individual, noting the name of your team during the registration process. This avoids the hassle of one person registering the team but then needing to gather info and collect money from everybody. Team members can also decide prior to the event to "race solo," or vice versa. On race day each member of the team must go through check points and finish line together. May the fastest... and smartest... teams win!
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Athletes will receive laminated maps that have checkpoints pre-marked before the race. You will navigate between checkpoints using the map and compass. Teams must check in at all checkpoints and the finish line together. Segments will be categorized as either a run, bike, or paddle discipline. Keep in mind that you may have multiple running, biking, and paddling legs that alternate throughout the race. Also, unlike a relay, 2, 3 or 4-person teams compete together the entire race.
This is a point-to-point race, there is no central transition area so plan accordingly.
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