AR Championship India 2023

2nd Edition of AR Championship India is here! 

AR Championship India is annual event and a QUALIFIER for ARWS Asia Regional Championship 2023. This year's Asia Championship is scheduled to take place in Philippinnes in November 2023. 

We’re super excited to host AR Championship India the #3 of 3 races from INDIA as part of the prestigious Adventure Racing World Series – Asia Series in GOA. 

About host location GOA: 

Goa is a state on the southwestern coast of India within the Konkan region, geographically separated from the Deccan highlands by the Western Ghats. It is bound by the Indian states of Maharashtra to the north, and Karnataka to the east and south, with the Arabian Sea in the west. The Eleventh Finance Commission of India named Goa the best-placed state because of its infrastructure, and India's National Commission on Population rated it as having the best quality of life in India. Goa is hub for tourist and have plenty to offer whether you are a beach lover or adventure seeker. Our theme for AR Championship India is GOA "BEYOND BEACHES" and you don't want to miss this. 

About the Sport:

Adventure Racing is a multi-sport concept of combining the following sport disciplines: Mountain Biking, Trail Running/Trekking, Kayaking, and Orienteering (Navigation). If you are a Beginner or an elite athlete you are all welcome! Before you read further do check out below videos:

• What is Adventure Racing: CLICK HERE
• Namma Adventure Race 2021 (Teaser): Click Here
• Namma Adventure Race 2021 (Full Movie): Click Here

Adventure racing is a unique sport and takes our athletes to less or unexplored places by taking on endurance distances either by MTB, on foot, or on a kayak and to take on the world by facing the hard and sometimes unforgiving elements of the weather, whether it’s a scorching hot day, rain pouring down hard or a gusty wind that’s testing your guts and spirit all you can expect in one race which we love so much. And to top it all off, the orienteering part of it just put adventure racers in another league. Excited to experience? Join NOW! 

ARWS ASIA - INDIA CALENDER 2023

• Namma Adventure Race – December 2022 (Completed)
• Odyssey AR – June 2023 (Completed)
• AR Championship India – 8th, 9th & 10th September 2023 - FINALS

ARWS ASIA SERIES LOG

• Premier Mixed teams of 4 (3+1 or 2+2) is the only category to be eligible to win a free entry to the ARWS Asia Championship 2023
• Teams may substitute members with a team roster containing a maximum of 7 team members for the year.
• The log will be updated after each event, see points allocated on LINK.
• All the above-mentioned events will count towards a team’s ARWS ASIA Regional rankings as well
• AR Championship India 2023 is a championship event for India, and winner gets FREE entry into the Asia Championship - 2023

RACE CONCEPT, TEAM FORMAT, RACE DISTANCE, AND RACE DISCIPLINES

Adventure Race Concept

• Adventure racing is a multi-discipline endurance sport where competitors compete in teams, navigating from control point to control point in several disciplines.
• Disciplines include mountain biking, trekking, kayaking, and orienteering.
• Teams are expected to navigate using a map and landmarks.
• Teams must be able to operate in harsh remote environments in all weather conditions.
• Teams travel throughout the night. They can decide if, when, and where to rest or eat and proceed.
• The first team to complete the whole course, with all the control points visited without any support will be declared the winner.
• Teams are required to complete the entire distance together (always within hearing and visual distance of each other), helping and assisting each other.
• Teamwork and team dynamics are essential. A detailed understanding of your teammates and of your own capabilities is essential and key in the race.

Team format

• Teams of 4 members for Full Course / Team of 2 for shorter course (60KM)
• Teams can consist of members of any combination: All Males and/or all Females
• The official category is a premier team of 4-members with ONE FEMALE or ONE MALE (2+2 or 3+1)  who will qualify for India & Asia Rankings.

Race Distance

• The race will cover approximately 110 to 130+ km’s
• Top teams are expected to finish the course in 16 hours with the last team in before 24 hours (Rest excluded)
• All teams should be able to finish the race before 12:00 PM on Sunday Afternoon 10th September 2023
• The route scouted so far comprises 75 to 85% of mountain biking, 15 to 20% of trail running / hiking, and  10 to 15% of kayaking (final distances will be confirmed closer to the race date for registererd participants only.
• 100% Orienteering

Race Disciplines

• Mountain biking & Hike a bike – Teams should be prepared for a range of riding including single track, steep hills, gravel roads, mud roads, hair pin bends climbs, downhill, tarmac roads and ofcourse hike a bike.
• Trail Running / hiking – This Will involve traveling by foot through rugged terrains, tarmac roads, farmlands, mountains and valley's etc
• Kayaking – Kayaks, paddles, and safety jackets will be provided by race organizers, athletes are welcome to bring their own paddles, PFDs. These kayaks are very stable and suitable for novices (No outside kayaks will be allowed)
• Orienteering – Orienteering is an extremely important part of the race. The course is not marked, and teams are required to navigate using a map and compass.
• Surprise Elements - To be announced soon

AWARDS & PRIZES

• The Full course winning team of the AR Championship India 2023 will win a FREE entry into the ARWS Asia Regional Championship 2023 (Premier team Only)
• If a first team already holds the ticket, then the Free entry will go to Second Position Team.
• SECOND & THIRD Teams of both the categories will receive exclusive Discounts for NAMMA AR 3.0
• All finishers to receive a Momento / Medal / Trophy
• Every team will receive Event Ranking irrespective of Team Combination
• All ARWS standard premier Teams will receive ARWS ASIA Ranking

ENTRY FEE - 24 Hours - ARWS Asia Series & Inclusion: Full Course Category

• Super Early Bird – INR. 15999 +18% GST / USD. 195 (Per Team – Team of Four Members) - Valid until 20 August 2023
• Regular Entry Fee – INR. 19999 +18% GST / USD. 245 (Per Team – Team of Four Members) - Valid until 25 August 2023
• Inclusion:  
  • A full-service Adventure Race that forms part of "Adventure Racing World Series - Asia Regional Series"
  • Personalized AR Championship India Race Vest BIB
  • Race Garment
  • Transition Bags (2 Bags per Team)
  • Medical backup
  • Race Booklet & Logistics Planner
  • Race Maps
  • Kayaks & Paddles 
  • Life Jackets (PFD's)
  • Team Logistics Support
  • Cycling BIB
  • Closing Ceremony Dinner
  • Event Ranking & ARWS ASIA Ranking
  • AR Championship India Momentos / Medal / Souvenir
  • Amplifying Adventure
  • Disciplines: Hiking, Trail Running, MTB, Orienteering, Kayaking & Surprise Elements

      

ENTRY FEE - 60KM - 12Hours - TEAM OF 2 & Inclusion: Short Course Category

• Early Bird – INR. 6999 +18% GST / USD. 90 (Per Team – Team of Two Members) - Valid until 15 August 2023
• Regular Entry Fee  – INR. 9999 +18% GST / USD. 125   TBA (Per Team – Team of Two Members) - Valid until 25 August 2023
• Inclusion:  
  • A full-service Adventure Race that forms part of "Adventure Racing World Series - Asia Regional Series"
  • Personalized AR Championship India Race Vest BIB
  • Race Garment
  • Transition Bags (2 Bags per Team)
  • Medical backup
  • Race Booklet & Logistics Planner
  • Race Maps
  • Kayaks & Paddles 
  • Life Jackets (PFD's)
  • Team Logistics Support
  • Cycling BIB
  • Closing Ceremony Dinner
  • Event Ranking
  • AR Championship India Momentos / Medal / Souvenir
  • Amplifying Adventure
  • Disciplines: Hiking, Trail Running, MTB, Orienteering, Kayaking & Surprise Elements

      

Exclusion:

• Accommodation is NOT part of entry fee. 
• Anything which is not included in the above inclusion

Cancellations & Refunds:

• No refunds once event entry fee has been paid
• Member substitutions are allowed until 31st, August 2023 with the organizers’ consent only. No additional charges.
• In case of cancellation there will NOT be any refunds however, transfers of entry fees to any future event upto September 2024 (Any difference amount to be paid by the teams)
• Should the race be moved due to any reasons, all entries will be moved to the next date chosen for this specific race (No refunds at any point)
• No cancellation, however, teams can sell their entry to another teams. The transaction happens between the teams and to be notified.

RACE VENUE, ACCOMMODATION, DATES & TIMES;

Venue:

• The Race HQ: Panjim, Goa (HQ Hotel Announcing soon)
• Nearest Town: Panjim, Goa
• Nearest Super Specality Hospital: Manipal Hospital Goa
• Nearest Super Market: Many in 3KM Radius 
• Nearest Railway station: Margao, Vasco da gama, Karmali Railway Station (Direct Buses to Panjim available from here) 
• Nearest  Airport: Daboliam Airport and Manohar International Airport
• Nearest Beach: Just Google, Goa has many amazing beaches :)
• Langauages spoken: Konkani, Hindi & English 

Dates & Times:

• 08th September 2023, Friday – Admin Day, Registration & Opening Ceremony
• 09th September 2023, Saturday – Race Flag Off
• 10th September 2023, Sunday – Closing Ceremony

ACCOMMODATION:

• Exclusive deals for our Teams, their family and friends. Kindly send us an email.  

RACE MAPS

• Maps supplied can be topographical as well as a google maps.
• Maps may be given out as the course progresses *.
• It is recommended that teams bring large zip-loc bags (A4 Size) to waterproof maps.
• If  the map is lost or damaged, it will NOT be replaced by the organizers.
• Stationery materials for preparing routes on the map are needed: different colored pens, cello tape, scissors, etc.
• Teams will use a map to locate checkpoints in an order to complete the route.
• Bring your own compass.

Point Structure, Event Rules & Regulations visit: LINK

AR Championship India 2023 Equipment list to be announced soon. LINK

BANKING DETAILS

Please make an NEFT/IMPS payment directly from your online bank account into the bank account below (the bank details will also be e-mailed to you).

• Account name: NthAdventure Evento Pvt. Ltd.
• Account no: 510101002103884
• Bank & Branch: Union Bank, Coffee Board
• IFSC: UBIN0907979
• Type: Current
• UPI: NTHADVENTURE@UPI
• Google Pay: Kindly email us

International Payments:

Paypal: ajita@nthadventure.com

Payment charges to be borne by the Team.

Kindy e-mail proof of payment to ajita@nthadventure.com. Please use your ‘team name’ as a reference. We will send you a confirmation email along with a link to submit your team information.

ADVENTURE RACING TIPS

Adventure Racing Tips for the experienced and newbies:

• Equipment:  Please do not take the compulsory list lightly, the weather can change in minutes which will result in you needing some items unexpectedly
• Gearbox packing: To avoid a mess in your bag we highly recommend each person to put all his extra gear and clothing in his own bag i.e.: a string bag, a material/plastic shopping bag, etc. Always prepare for the worst and think about being wet, cold, hungry, or sunburnt. Add a few more comfort items like another dry shirt, fleece, gloves, buff, hat, head torch, jacket, wipes, and an extra space blanket.
• Attention to detail is crucial. The whole team must study the racebook, rules, what you can do and what you can’t do. When things get unclear or “pear-shaped” during the race the navigator and/or decision-maker has more “minds” that can remember the instructions. Last resort: take out the racebook and read again.
• The fastest way to cross a water section is just to unclip your backpack from your waist and swim. No undressing or removal of shoes. You can blow up your bladder and that will assist your backpack for better buoyancy. If you have a proper waterproof bag your clothing or compulsory gear won’t get wet. That brings us back to the equipment.
• Carry your weakest persons’ backpack when he/she takes the strain. When it’s a short, fast trekking leg, you can take all the equipment or extra  things out of your slowest persons’ backpack and let them only carry water.
• What  is teamwork? It means you need to be in contact with your slowest person at all times. It does not help if you cycle 100m in front of your team. You should then go back and take the weakest persons’ backpack or push/tow that person. The same applies to a trekking leg. If you feel so much stronger at that given moment you must ask to assist, help the navigator to look for the checkpoints, or just plainly stay with your team and speak about the beautiful day and encourage with positive words.
• Golden rule: if you can’t say something positive then keep your mouth SHUT. If you can’t assist with the navigation, then keep your thoughts to yourself. If the navigator made a mistake your duty is to say: Don’t worry it's ok, how can I help you to get to the next point or how can we recover. Remember mistakes will happen, it’s about how fast can you fix it and move forward.
• Get racing fit. Adventure Racing is a skill like all other sports. You need to race to stay racing fit. In a race, you’re under pressure and you will face new challenges. It’s in those moments that you discover more about  yourself and how you handle situations. The more you do it the more it becomes easier and you will adapt easier to each situation and challenge.
• We all are going to have a low moment at some stage. Assist each other through those times and getting that person over the line is the ultimate reward. This is a sport that will humble you and your day will come to be the weakest person. If it’s your “off day” speak up and before you hit the wall and share with your team that you are pushing too hard. This is NOT the sport for EGO. Leave that at home.
• Have an attitude of gratitude that you are able to participate in this amazing, challenging, rough, and outdoor sport.

COMPETENCY CHECKS

• At least one member of the team must be capable of navigating by compass and map during the day and night. The team must be able to orientate a map, identify grid references on a map, take a bearing between two points on a map, and understand the impact of magnetic declination. (Do attend NthAventure workshops)
• The teams must be able to describe what their team would do if they are lost.
• At least one member of the team should have experience in basic First Aid.
• All team members must be suitably competent in all disciplines included in the event as specified by the race organizer and be able to complete the event without any assistance from any person other than their own team members.
• The following kayaking skills must be mastered: managing a capsized craft in deep water; righting and emptying a craft in deep water; getting back in and continuing paddling.
• Swimming  100m of any stroke.
• There may or may not be competency checks at registration. By entering this event, teams acknowledge that they are competent in all the skills required to complete an event of this nature. 

TEAM MEDIA

• Yes, teams will be allowed to bring a media team along with them. 
• More details will be shared shortly. 

TEAMS ENTERED & FIND A TEAM

• Teams entered: To be loaded shortly
• Find a Team: If you want to join an existing team, create a new team, or are looking for members to fill up your team, contact us at ajita@nthadventure.com and we will list your contact details below.

PARTNERS

• We will be sharing more details here, stay tuned. 

More details will be shared with registered teams. Let's Grow the Adventure Racing Community in India.

Team NthAdventure

Amplifying Adventure