DescriptionSomething very different and new is coming to the Shenandoah Epic this year…GPS devices! They’ve been a long-time no-no and total taboo in the AR community, but we are breaking the rules and allowing any type of GPS device for navigation in this year’s running of the Shenandoah Epic. Bring your iPhones and iPads, Garmin watches without AR mode, hell bring a laptop computer if that is the way you want to roll. There will be no holds barred on what device you want to utilize to aid your navigation around the course. The choice is yours.
While navigation will be somewhat of a different style this year, you can still expect a challenging course with ramped-up strategy decisions and route choices. The usual trekking, biking, and paddling skills to get you around the course won’t be dumbed down. Your adventure this year will be just as cutting-edge and different as the navigation requirements. We will be holding the course layout a close secret until the morning of the race, but don’t expect the normal run-of-the-mill AR course when you get your eyes on the maps for the first time.
We hope you can join us for the 12th running of the Shenandoah Epic with this new added twist. It is new to us and new to pretty much everyone else. That is part of the adventure we like to enable.
Read more about this tradition with a twist here.
VIP registration opens on October 15, 2023. VIPs will receive an email on how to sign up starting October 15.
General registration opens on November 1st, 2023.
LocationRace Start/Finish:
Hazard Mill Farms
1481 Hazard Mill Rd, Bentonville, VA 22610
DistancesWe are finalizing the design of the course, but you can expect:
FeesAn $8 race day fee (or proof of USARA membership) is required by USARA and can be purchased during registration. If you are purchasing 1-day membership, choose April 20, 2024, as the start date for your membership.
Registration platform fees also apply.
ScheduleFriday, April 19, 2024
Downriver Canoe Company
884 Indian Hollow Rd, Bentonville, VA 22610
4:00 pm-8:00 pm: Packet pickup & Paddle Gear Drop
Saturday, April 20, 2024
Hazard Mill Farms
1481 Hazard Mill Rd, Bentonville, VA 22610
7:00 am: Map distribution
7:00 am-8:45 am: Packet pickup
7:00 am-8:45 am: Transition setup
09:00 am: Race Start
Sunday, April 21, 2024
Hazard Mill Farms
1481 Hazard Mill Rd, Bentonville, VA 22610
09:00 am: Race finishes
09:30 am: Post-race food and awards ceremony
Packet PickupDownriver Canoe Company
884 Indian Hollow Rd, Bentonville, VA 22610
Friday, April 19, 2024
4:00 pm-8:00 pm: Packet pickup
or
Hazard Mill Farms
1481 Hazard Mill Rd, Bentonville, VA 22610
Saturday, April 20, 2024
7:00 am - 8:00 am
To make sure your zen and chi are intact on race day, we highly recommend packet pickup on Friday night.
During packet pickup, you will receive race numbers and SWAG. USARA fees of $8 for a one-day race membership, $35 for a yearly membership, or proof of USARA member
GearSupplied Gear
Canoes, paddles, PFDs, race maps, race passport, ePunch, GPS Tracker, rules of travel.
Mandatory Gear
Mandatory gear will not be checked during check-in. Random checks on gear will be performed during the race. Penalty points will be assessed for any missing items. These items are not all-inclusive of items you will need to complete the race. You will be out in the elements for up to 24 hours. Bring other equipment as appropriate to get through the event.
PaddleBoats will be provided. Two-person and three-person teams will get one canoe. Four-person teams will get two canoes. Soloists will get a kayak. Canoes will come with single-blade paddles. Kayaks will come with double-bladed paddles. PFDs will also be supplied. No outside canoes or kayaks are permitted. Outside paddles and PFDs are permitted. Canoes, paddles, and PFDs will be located at the canoe put-in. Canoes do not come with a middle seat. You will not need to portage the canoe for any great distance, and you will not need to carry your paddle gear for any distance.
BikeAny style of bike is permitted. Racers must use the same bike throughout the entire race. In the event of mechanical failures, replacement parts can be used but they must be provided by the team, other racers, or an event official. No outside assistance is allowed. Bikes will not be checked for mechanical worthiness, but we recommend your bike be in good working order. The course contains a mix of gravel roads, smooth single track, technical single track, and hike-a-bike. Choose your ride wisely. Front suspension is highly recommended. Full suspension will be quite nice to have. No eBikes.
TransitionsThere will be transition locations along the course. Logistics and transition staging will be released closer to the race date.
MapsMaps will be at scales 1:24,000 with UTM grid markings along the edge of the map. Maps will be on waterproof paper. All
points will be pre-plotted. Maps will be distributed at 07:00 on April 20 at the race start location. Map, compass, and GPS navigation skills are necessary to locate most of the checkpoints. Teams and soloists will receive one set of maps. Maps are 11x17 double-sided. In addition to standard race maps, you will be provided GPX coordinates for all checkpoint locations on a standard USB thumb drive. A GPX file will also be available for download once maps have been released. If you are using a GPS device, you are expected to know how to upload data to your devices.
Race Rules
Who's Racing?Who's your competition? Click here to find out.
VolunteersThe heart of a great event is its volunteers. If you have a passion for helping out and are interested in volunteering, we'd love to have you join the fun! Volunteer signup will be available closer to the race date.
Live Tracking & TimingWe're providing live tracking. Follow your faves the entire 24-hours. Also, with SportIdent ePunch timing, you will get results as soon as you crawl across the finish line. Post-race, pore over your split times for at least a week.
AwardsPrizes will go to the top 3 finishers in each division.
Plus:
LodgingWe are able to offer up rustic camping at Hazard Mill Farms. It is a beautiful spot at the water’s edge of the Shenandoah River.
Watch the stars and listen to the lap of water against the river bank as you drift off into your pre-race slumber without a worry in the world :). Camping is $10 per vehicle and can be paid for at packet pickup. The camping area is located at the start and finish location for the race
Shenandoah River State Park
Address: 350 Daughter of Stars Dr, Bentonville, VA 22610
Phone: (540) 622-6840
Low Water Bridge Campground
Address: 192 Panhandle Rd, Bentonville, VA 22610
Phone: (540) 635-7277
Post Race FoodA post-race breakfast will be served to help you refuel after your 24-hours in the woods.
Photos and MediaWe'll have a photographer on the course trying to catch you wincing, smiling with mud on your teeth, or trying to read a map folded to the size of a postage stamp.
Waivers & FormsAll racers will be required to purchase a race-day USARA membership for $8.00, already have a valid USARA membership, or purchase a 1-year membership ($35) at the time of registration. For one-day memberships, select April 20, 2024, as the date of registration for your membership start date.
Cancellations and TransfersClick here for information.
FAQWe have posted an extensive list of Frequently Asked Questions on the Adventure Enablers website. Please check this page if you have any questions regarding the race. If you don’t find the answer or need clarification, feel free to email info@adventureenablers.com.
