Gut Check Adventure Triathlon

The Gut Check is a point-to-point adventure race within Cape Cod’s 2000-acre DCR Nickerson State Park. Each year, the "course" is different — and no one knows exactly what it will be until shortly before the race. You receive a map to get you through checkpoints to the finish line. Just know that it will be an endurance workout you won’t soon forget! RAIN DATE: SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28TH

This is a race for athletes with some endurance experience and a moderate level of fitness or better. Expect cold water, steep hills and difficult cliffside running trails paved with tree roots. While there will be emergency medical support on-site, all participants race at their own risk.

Learn how this Adventure race works 

Until shortly before the race, all you’ll know about this year’s Gut Check is that it will combine running, cycling, navigating and water crossing (paddleboard or swimming) in Nickerson State Park. You will present yourself at designated checkpoints along the way. Expect a finishing time of 1.5 to 2.5 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 two-plus hours.  There will be no more than four swim segments, and each swim segment will be 1/4 mile or less. Paddle segments will be longer. Biking elevations range from -5% to 8% grades, running elevations up to 18% grade. You can choose between swimming or paddleboarding. Bring your own, or a limited supply will be available to rent. Be prepared for a mile+ of total paddling or 3/4 of total swimming. Be prepared to read and follow the supplied trail map.   There will be four race categories: solo, two-person, three-person and four-person. All members of a team race the entire course together, remain in close contact and finish at the same time.

Be prepared to:

Paddle 1.9 - 2.5 miles or Swim .5 - 1.0 miles

Bike (steep hills) 3 - 6 miles

Run (technical trails) 4 - 7 miles

 

Marker to be used on laminated map

Long pants, tights or leg protection

Sunglasses or hat

Bug spray

Sunscreen

Compass

Dry bag or safe swimmer buoy with inner compartment

Each person still 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!

NEED MORE INFO?

Visit the GutCheck race website for more information about this race.  For more information about our other six races, please visit NEEEVENTS.com.