The event we have all been waiting for is finally taking place. The USARA National Championship has been waiting for the opportunity to host the ARWS North America Championship for 3 years. It is finally happening! Starting in October 2026, this championship will take place in beautiful, adventurous, and challenging Oregon. The course will have a mix of both technical and navigation challenges. All teams from Canada, the USA, and Mexico are invited to compete at the North America Championship.
The Venue: Oregon’s Outdoor Playground
Oregon’s beautiful and diverse terrain will serve as the backdrop for this prestigious competition. Known for its mountainous regions, deserts, and water bodies, Oregon offers a diverse array of challenges for racers. The USARA National Championship race is a first for the Pacific Northwest, bringing new excitement to the region’s adventure racing community.
Competitors will get the chance to experience the natural beauty of Central Oregon. The race will include various disciplines, including packrafting, a thrilling event that Bend Racing, the race organizers, have perfected over the years. This discipline has become an essential part of many ARWS expeditions, and it promises to challenge participants both mentally and physically.
Bend Racing: The Experts Behind the Race
Bend Racing, an experienced event organizer in the adventure racing world, is responsible for planning the course. Their commitment to crafting challenging, yet beautiful, race routes is well-known across the adventure racing community. The team has organized several notable races within the ARWS, including Expedition Oregon and The MAGNIficent in New Zealand. They are also the key organizers behind next year’s La Ruta Madre in Mexico.
This year’s course will be a first for the USARA National Championship, as it shifts from teams of 3 to teams of 4, making it compatible with the ARWS Championship’s format. This change will elevate the competition, allowing teams to experience the race as part of the broader ARWS North America Series. Teams that perform well in Oregon will earn double points for the ARWS rankings, enhancing the stakes even further.
What to Expect in the Race
The race will feature a variety of disciplines, including technical mountain biking, packrafting, and navigation challenges across Oregon’s rugged landscape. Bend Racing’s careful planning ensures that each segment of the race will test the endurance, skills, and strategy of all teams.
The event is not just for seasoned professionals; while elite racers will vie for the top positions and major prizes, it offers an opportunity for all teams to compete at a high level. Teams from Canada, the USA, and Mexico will race for the coveted spot at the Adventure Racing World Championship, but the competition promises to be fierce, with an array of formidable teams set to line up at the starting line.
Traveling to Bend, Oregon for the Championship
Bend, Oregon, located in the heart of Central Oregon, is an outdoor adventurer’s paradise. Whether you are a racer or a spectator, there is plenty to enjoy in this charming town. Here are some things to keep in mind when planning your trip:
The Importance of This Year’s Event
This year marks the 25th edition of the USARA National Championship, and it will be held for the first time in Oregon. The collaboration with the ARWS North America Championship introduces a new level of excitement to the race. Teams will not only race for national titles but also for the prestigious spot at the World Championship.
Canadian teams, while ineligible for USARA titles, will add an international flair to the competition, with some of the country’s top athletes making the trek to Oregon. This expansion of the race’s borders highlights the growing influence of adventure racing in North America.
Conclusion: A High-Stakes, Historic Race
The USARA National Championship and ARWS North America Championship in Oregon marks a new horizon for the adventure racing community. Amazing scenery and varied disciplines combined with stiff competition will make this one of the marquee racing events for 2023. The collaboration with racers from all over North America will make this a historic race.
For race details and registration info, check out the USARA website and the ARWS North America Series page.
