The thirty-hour race, hosted by Rootstock Racing, takes place the weekend of October 26-27 in the remote reaches of the Pennsylvania Wilds, a region comprising more than two million acres of land in the mountains and valleys of north-central Pennsylvania.
“We have held several of our events out of the PA Wilds in recent years,” says co-race director Abby Perkiss, “including the first two editions of the five-day Endless Mountains Adventure Race, a qualifier in the Adventure Racing World Series. The area is rugged and wild, with rocky ridges, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests. It is the perfect outdoor playground for adventure racing.”
Based out of Ralston, PA, the race will feature whitewater packrafting, substantial off-trail trekking, and diverse mountain biking. Characteristic of all Rootstock Racing events, teams can expect challenging navigation and opportunities for creative route choice.
“With a mix of mandatory and optional checkpoints, we have designed the course to be accessible for newer racers, and it will push all of the teams fighting for the top of the podium,” says co-race director Brent Freedland.
Dotwatchers can expect to see a battle for that top spot. Many of the top teams in North America will line up at the start, including defending US Adventure Racing Association national champions Bend Racing/4 Hour Fuel; two-time USARA champions WEDALI; and the Canadians of Wilderness Traverse, including Bob Miller, Shannon Miller, Ryan Atkins, and Scott Ford. Atkins, Ford, and Bob Miller were on the team that finished second in the 2019 Eco-Challenge: World’s Toughest Race.
The stakes for the podium are high: the winning team will earn a free entry to the 2025 Adventure Racing World Championship. The event takes place next September in British Columbia, Canada, its first time on North American soil since 2017.
The event is supported by MRS Packrafting, Squirt Cycling, and Lubanzi Wine. It also serves as a regional qualifier for the 2025 US Adventure Racing Association National Championship, with the top US team earning free entry to that race.
Interested teams should register by July 31 to take advantage of early bird pricing.
ABOUT ROOTSTOCK RACING: Rootstock Racing is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Rootstock seeks to add adventure into the daily lives of its racers, regardless of age or experience. Serving the greater community of Philadelphia but also reaching well beyond the city limits, Rootstock encourages individuals, friends, and families to explore the natural world around them while also challenging themselves physically and mentally.
ABOUT ARWS: The Adventure Racing World Series brings together premier adventure races from around the word to create a competitive series of Qualifier events that culminate in an annual Adventure Racing World Championship. Events can be followed online through reports, videos, images, and live GPS tracking through the ARWS website and social media.
For more information, visit www.rootstockracing.com.
