4 running events in Warren County, Virginia

You’ve sat and listened to your friend’s stories, grimaced at their scrapes and bruises, oohed and ahhed over their race photos, and watched the dots long enough. It’s time to come to the adventure racing side. The AR Immersion is for anyone wanting to gain experience and explore the amazing sport of adventure racing. Immerse yourself in adventure—it’s the proven path to success and it’s going to be fun as heck.

At the AR Immersion, you will learn the foundations of adventure racing (which include navigation, mountain biking, paddling, and trekking) by doing those things with people who live and breathe it. This 1-day clinic is geared toward those wanting to get into the sport for the first time but is also useful for those ready to try a 24-hour AR.

Spots are limited to 15 people.

What you get:

• Professional instruction in navigation, paddling, biking, and trekking

• Confidence and skills to tackle the Shenandoah Epic or your next 24-hour adventure race

• Sample maps and rules of travel

• A great day out in the woods with like-minded folks running, paddling, and biking

• Hands-on practice with map & compass

• Personalized feedback from experienced adventure racers

• Detailed skills checklist and race-day gear checklist to take home

• Teamwork and race strategy coaching for beginners

• Guidance on nutrition, hydration, and race-day preparation

• Q&A with instructors and experienced racers

• Networking with other new adventure racers

• Adventure Enablers and Downriver SWAG

Join us in the Canoe Capital of Virginia for an exhilarating day on the water! With its friendly outfitters, crystal-clear waters, and abundant wildlife, Front Royal is the perfect place to embrace your sense of Adventure.

This year we are moving the event to Bentonville and the original location of the canoe races that were held in the 70's and 80's. The marathon distance has been tweaked to 10-miles. The Paddle Palooza is also running in conjunction with the Bluebell Festival held at Shenandoah River State Park so once you have finished your paddle, you can head next door to the park and enjoy the festival and check out the amazing bluebell trail.

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned paddler, there's a race for everyone! Test your endurance in the 750m out-and-back sprint, where flat water makes it ideal for newcomers and anyone looking to dip their paddle into water sports for the first time. Feel the energy from the cheering crowds lining the riverbank, giving you that extra boost to cross the finish line!

For those craving a bigger challenge, tackle the long-distance 10-mile race along one of the most stunning stretches of the South Fork of the Shenandoah River. Surrounded by breathtaking views and fast-flowing water, this race is an adventure you won’t want to miss. Keep your paddle moving as you navigate this peaceful yet powerful section of the river – no time to fish here!

Join us for a day full of excitement, community, and fun! Not a paddler? No problem! Come down to cheer on the competitors and experience the vibrant atmosphere this event brings to our town. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable community celebration!

Get ready for a day of heart-pumping fun, friendly competition, and natural beauty. Register now and see why Front Royal is the ultimate destination for canoe lovers!