Click here for the participant email sent 4/8/19 full or race-day information!

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Take on the Shenandoah AquaBlaze, where all you need are trail shoes, decent paddle skills, endurance, and the desire to spend a great day off the beaten path. The AquaBlaze is our fastest-growing race, and that's because it is the next best thing to an adventure race--a great day in the woods, pushing your limits in a beautiful place with your favorite teammate...but without all the map reading and equipment! Because who needs a mountain bike? Not you, not today!

You'll be hitting one of the most picturesque rivers and mountain trails Virginia can offer at one of the prettiest times of the year. The adventure starts with about a 12-mile paddle section on the Shenandoah River followed by a half marathon trail run or trek through Shenandoah River State Park to the finish line!

With this race format, you’ll only need a pair of running shoes, water supply, and race nutrition. Sign up to compete, or just come out and enjoy a day of racing at your own pace by yourself or with a teammate.

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Race-Day Packet Pickup/Pre-Race Brief/Race Start/Finish: 

Downriver Canoe Company, 884 Indian Hollow Road, Bentonville, VA 22610

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The start and finish area is at Downriver Canoe Company, located just outside Shenandoah River State Park. If you are staying in the park (and it is a great place to stay!) or visiting the park and accessing it through the main entrance, you are responsible for park entrance fees.

• Soloist

• Two-person team

~12 miles of paddling and ~13 miles of running or trekking

• Early registration is $80.00 per team member & $100 for soloists until December 31, 2018

• Regular registration is $95 per team member & $115 for soloists until February 28, 2019

• Late registration is $110.00 per team member & $130 for soloists until close at midnight April 9, 2019

An additional $8 race day fee (or proof of USARA membership) is required by USARA and can be paid on race day or during online registration.

Early packet pickup: Friday, April 12, 5:00 pm-7:00 pm at Downriver Canoe Company (884 Indian Hollow Road, Bentonville, VA 22610)

Saturday, April 13 at Downriver Canoe Company (884 Indian Hollow Road, Bentonville, VA 22610)

• 6:30 am-8:15 am: Race packet pickup and transition set-up

• 8:30 am: Load buses for race start

• 9:00 am: Race start

• 3:00 pm Race finishes

• 3:00 pm-4:00 pm: Post-race food and awards ceremony 
  
  During packet pickup, you will receive maps, rules of travel, ePunch, and race numbers. Fees must be paid for USARA membership if necessary. USARA fees of $8 for a one-day race membership, $35 for a yearly membership, or proof of USARA membership are required and can be paid at packet pickup. Participants younger than age 16 do not need to pay for the USARA membership but they still need to complete the USARA waiver.

Who's your competition? Click here to find out.

Boats will be provided. Two-person teams will get one canoe and single-blade paddles. Soloists will get a kayak and double-blade paddles. PFDs will also be supplied. No outside canoes or kayaks are permitted. Outside paddles and PFDs are permitted. Canoes, paddles, and PFDs will be located at the canoe put in. You will not need to carry paddles or PFDs. If you bring your own PFD and paddle you will need to transport them to the canoe put in at the beginning of the race. Once you exit the canoe section you must leave your own paddle equipment in the transition area or in your car. You will not need to portage the canoe for any great distance. Personal PFDs must be class III (non-inflatable).

View the route here. Teams will be provided with hard copy maps on race morning. Turns will be marked with orange and white checkpoint flags.

You will have access to your vehicle at Downriver Canoe Company during the transition from paddle to trek, so you will not need to carry your trekking gear with you on the paddle.

• Click here for the General Race Rules.

We're mixing things up a bit. Prizes will go to the top-10 finishers overall, regardless of the category! (Points for ARC and USARA will still be valid for each division.)

Supplied Gear: Watercrafts, paddles, PFDs, race maps, ePunch, rules of travel.  
Mandatory Gear: Mandatory gear will not be checked during check-in. Random checks on gear will be performed during the race. Penalty points will be assessed for any missing items. These items are not all inclusive of items you will need to complete the race. You will be out in the elements for several hours. Bring other equipment as appropriate to get through the event.  

At all times during the race each racer must have in their possession the following equipment unless otherwise stated in the rules of travel:

• Pack to carry gear

• Enough food for replenishment

• Hydration system (Hydration pack, water bottle, etc. with the capacity to carry at least 2 liters)

• Emergency blanket or bag (Strong only)

• Headlamp or small flashlight

• Closed-toe shoes must be worn during the entire race (no bare feet or open-toe sandals)

While paddling each racer additionally must have:

• PFD Class III (provided by Adventure Enablers)

Per team:

• ePunch (Provided by Adventure Enablers)

• Race maps (Provided by Adventure Enablers)

• Rules of Travel (Provided by Adventure Enablers)

• General Race Rules (Provided by Adventure Enablers)

• Fully charged cell phone in a watertight bag (Ideally bring a smartphone so you can take pictures on the course.)

• Dry bag or method of keeping equipment (e.g., cell phone) dry in the event of bad weather and during the canoe section

We'll have plenty of food for post-race refueling!

The heart of a great event is its volunteers. If you have a passion for helping out and are interested in volunteering, we'd love to have you join the fun! We have options for individuals, groups, and families. Donations to charities are available. Looking to complete service hours? We can help you out with that too. Click here to sign up as a volunteer.

• USARA one-day membership and USARA release form (Must be completed by all racers before race packets are distributed to the team)

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All racers will be required to purchase a race-day USARA membership for $8.00, already have a valid USARA membership, or purchase a 1-year membership ($35). Please bring exact change or check. Under 16 year olds do not need to pay for the USARA membership but they still need to complete the USARA waiver.

We have posted an extensive list of Frequently Asked Questions on the Adventure Enablers web site. Please check this page if you have any questions regarding the race. If you don’t find the answer or need clarification, feel free to email info@adventureenablers.com.

Looking for things to do or a place to eat while you or your fans are in town? Check out our handy-dandy guide to our hometown!  

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Lodging:

Skyline Ranch Resort: 751 Mountain Road, Front Royal, VA 22630. Accommodations include chalets (up to 6 people), cabins (up to 6 people), and RVs (up to 4 people). Visit the website or call 540-635-4169 ext.1

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Shenandoah River State Park (cabins, camping, RVs), 350 Daughter of Stars Dr. Bentonville, VA 22610, (540) 622-6840  

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Quality Inn -  10 S Commerce Ave Front Royal, VA 22630, (540) 635-3161 

Super8 - 111 South Street, Front Royal, VA 22630, (540) 636-4888

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Camping and RVs:

Low Water Bridge Campground (RV hookups and tent camping), 192 Panhandle Rd, Bentonville, VA 22610 (just across the river from the start/finish line), (540) 635-7277

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Shenandoah River State Park (cabins, camping, RVs), 350 Daughter of Stars Drive Bentonville, VA 22610, (540) 622-6840

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Skyline Ranch Resort, 751 Mountain Road, Front Royal, VA 22630, (540) 635-4169, $40 for RV site

Click here for information.