Adventure racing is a combination of 2 or more disciplines, including navigation and orienteering, mountain biking, cross-country running, paddling and climbing and other related rope skills. An expedition event can cover 10 days or more, while sprint events can be completed in a matter of hours. Typically there is no dark period during races, regardless of their length - the choice of when and/or if to rest is left to the competitors.

Adventure Racing is best described as a continuous, multi-discipline, team event in the great outdoors.  You could call it a wilderness triathlon.  There are many variations but usually teams consist of Four members, often mixed-sex, but not always.  The team always stays together and the 1stteam to cross the finish line in the shortest period of time wins.  The biggest factor affecting the outcome  in any race is a team's ability to navigate an unmarked course solely by map and compass.  Successful teams have learned the best route to win is not necessarily a straight line.