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3 Rivers Outdoor Co. is humbled to bring adventure racing back to Western Pennsylvania.The 3ROC Pay-What-You-Want Adventure Race is a semi-urban adventure race featuring two divisions—a 6-hour and a 12-hour option—where teams of up to four athletes will bike, trek, and paddle through Pittsburgh’s iconic neighborhoods, river corridors, staircases, and parklands, collecting as many checkpoints as possible before time runs out. Few cities are better suited for this challenge: Pittsburgh is home to more than 3,800 acres of public land across 176 city parks, stitched together by rivers, ridge lines, wooded ravines, and hidden corridors that reward smart navigation and bold route choices.
This race offers challenging navigation, rewarding checkpoints, meaningful strategy and route choice, and a welcoming, community-driven atmosphere. The course is designed to be competitive for experienced teams while remaining accessible to newer racers ready to push themselves and learn the sport.
The course is built with teams of all abilities in mind using a modified rogaine format. All teams must complete a designated mandatory route that requires less advanced navigation and is short enough that teams with solid baseline fitness should be able to finish within the time limit. More experienced teams can seek out additional, optional checkpoints designed to challenge the strongest competitors and sharpest navigators.
Because cost should never be a barrier to adventure, the 3ROC Adventure Race team has adopted a Pay-What-You-Want entry model. Aside from any platform processing fees, we are committed to covering the remaining costs of putting on the race—including permits, insurance, boats, and logistics—so that everyone who wants to race has the opportunity to do so. Use the Donation option to pay what you want, if you want.
WHAT IS ADVENTURE RACING?
Adventure racing is a multi-sport, navigation-based team sport where teams race across varied terrain to visit checkpoints within a set time limit. Instead of a fixed course like a triathlon, the course isn’t revealed until race day, and teams choose their own routes between checkpoints on foot, by bike, and often by paddle.
Teams of up to 4 racers stay together throughout the race (it’s not a relay).
Navigation is central: teams use map and (sometimes) compass skills to find checkpoints, making strategy and teamwork as important as fitness.
In short, adventure racing is like a scavenger hunt with a clock—a test of endurance, teamwork, strategy, and navigation across changing terrain.
ADVENTURE RACING FAQs
Is this like Tough Mudder or Spartan?
No. Adventure racing has no man-made obstacles. Teams navigate natural terrain using a map and compass, choosing their own routes between checkpoints.
Do I need to be in great shape?
No. While elite races can be very long, many adventure races are beginner-friendly and last just a few hours. They’re designed for a wide range of abilities.
Do I need expensive gear?
No. Many races include boats or offer rentals, and some courses reduce gear requirements to make entry easier for first-timers.
Do I need to be an expert navigator?
No. Beginner courses use shorter legs and obvious checkpoints. Most racers learn navigation by doing.
What should first-timers know?
Adventure racing is a team-based, navigation-focused outdoor challenge. If you like teamwork, problem-solving, and being outside, you’re ready to race.
Adventure belongs to everyone. We’ll see you at the start line.
SIGNUP HERE:
https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/Pittsburgh/3ROCAdventureRace
🗓️ Event Details
Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026
🌟 Unique "Pay What You Want" Pricing
We're breaking barriers and making adventure accessible to everyone!
🏁 Race Options
- 12 Hour Course: 88 miles* of pure adventure
- 6 Hour Course: A thrilling 37-mile* journey
🏆 Team Categories
Race solo or team up:
- Soloist
- Two-person team
- Three-person team
- Four-person team
🚩 Transitions
There will be transition areas along the course. There will be water available, but no other items will be provided. You must carry everything that you need for the event on your bike or person.
🧭 Gear
Event maps, event passports, rules of travel will be handed out to each team the morning of the race. You will be provided with a link that lists mandatory and recommended gear. You are responsible for carrying any equipment and food you may need for the course of the entire event.
🚣♀️ Paddle Options
A limited number of single kayaks, tandem kayaks, and SUPs will be available.
You are also welcome to bring your own paddling equipment (kayak, canoe, SUPs, pack rafts). Teams will earn an additional point for each control obtained during the paddle leg for those teams utilizing only pack rafts, SUPs or a combination of Pack rafts/SUPs during the paddle.
🚲 Bike Requirements
Any style of bike is permitted. Participants must use the same bike throughout the entire event. The course contains a mix of paved bike trails, gravel roads, smooth single track, technical single track, and potentially hike-a-bike. While we recommend front suspension, we believe you could complete this on a gravel oriented bike as well.
🕒 Race Start Times
- 12 Hour Course:
- 6:00 am: Map Distribution
- 7:00 am: Event Start
- 6 Hour Course:
- 11:00 am: Map Distribution
- 12:00 pm: Event Start
🍕 Post-Race Celebration
Enjoy local pizza, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages in the Regent Square Neighborhood!
🏨 Nearby Lodging
- Courtyard Pittsburgh West Homestead/Waterfront
- Hampton Inn & Suites Pittsburgh/Waterfront-West Homestead
📣 Spaces Limited to 50 Participants per Course - Register Early!
🚨 Cancellation
If you are unable to attend the event please let us know as soon as possible. Payments made for paddle rentals are non-refundable.
Governed by ARWS Rules of Competition
#AdventureRace #PittsburghOutdoors #UltimateChallenge
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Event Venue
1130 S Braddock Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15218-1238, United States, 1130 S Braddock Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15218-1238, United States, Braddock
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