2024 Headwaters Adventure Race Review

I have competed in the Headwaters Adventure Race many times.  Having torn my plantar fasciitis 5 weeks ago I wasn’t sure how I would perform.  The morning of the race was extremely humid and severe storms were expected but luckily they were not as strong as predicted and we were able to race.  The combined race field between the solo competitors and relay teams was around 200 racers.

My 2 mile run time was about a minute slower than my usual pace, but I was able to run without any pain. The 10 mile bike was pure chaos. 3 miles into the bike leg a volunteer directed all the riders left off course instead of straight up the steep hill. This sent bike riders in all directions trying to find the course. Some bikers pedaled extra miles trying to get back on course while others shorter distances. It was a mess! After stopping twice and turning around twice I found my way to Camp Hi for the transition to the kayak. I biked pretty close to 10 miles which was the distance of the bike course. When I arrived at Camp Hi my heart sank realizing the bikers ahead of me were still lost on the course. I honestly didn’t know what to do. It did not feel right to proceed with the race. I decided to get in my kayak and start paddling. I paddled very slow contemplating the situation.

After a mile a racer who was ahead of me prior to the bike course issue caught up to me and passed me. At that point I decided to start racing again. Kayaking was difficult with the high seaweed. It was like kayaking on carpet. Many of my paddle strokes were half scoops but my Stellar Kayaks SR Multisport was able to cut through the seaweed and hold off all other kayaks from passing me. I was the 2nd overall racer to cross the finish line.

Another fast racer known to me was having a great race until he got lost on the bike course and finished just behind me. After a little discussion with him and realizing he biked almost 4 extra miles and finished just a minute behind me I decided to concede 2nd place to him who clearly beat me in all phases of the race. I was happy to accept the 3rd place overall award.

All participants received nice t-shirts and custom finisher medals along with a bag filled with sponsor items.