Navigating tricky sandbars and swift currents while avoiding snags and capsizes, a total of 6 bends await each team. After passing under the rustic pedestrian bridge, the take-out point is only a slight bend away. Paddlers will pull out sharply onto the south bank (right side), and begin the second section of the race.

Once a team makes it ashore successfully, they will begin the cycling portion of the race, completed on smoothly paved roads. Competitors will race road bikes around the inside of the western half of Water Works Park, following along the Raccoon River before looping through the broad green fields and wooded sections of the public park.

The route returns back to the entry of the figure 8 loop, where competitors will begin a second lap. After completing a second lap, bikers will dismount in transition and begin the run portion of the adventure.

The third leg is the trail running portion of the race. Their route begins by backtracking along the south bank of the Raccoon River along Grays Lake Drive. A sharp right brings the runners across the Bill Riley Trail Bridge. Another right turn after crossing over the footbridge leads them onto the equestrian trails.

A total of three miles of scenic, wooded trail running awaits each competitor. This section concludes once the route loops back across the bridge where racers will cross the finish line near the waters edge for a total of 3 miles of running, and an overall race total of 14 miles.

Q: Can teams bring their own canoe?

A: Yes! During registration teams can opt to bring their own canoe. Otherwise, aluminum canoes will be provided, courtesy of Argo Adventures.

Q: How long will this thing take?

A: As long as you make it! Depending on your abilities, this race can last anywhere between 2-4 hours!

Q: Where is my money going?

A: Good question, glad you asked! Proceeds from DSM Adventure Race go to Above + Beyond Cancer, a Des Moines based non-profit devoted to inspiring healthy living, with weekly cancer survivorship programs.  These programs allow survivors to recover and redefine a life they may had not thought possible.  A+BC also leads cancer survivors on challenging adventures. It’s an incredible organization, really, we encourage you to check them out!