Event Description
After five successful years as one of the most difficult sprint triathlons in the world, The Gut Check was reconfigured in 2019 as a point-to-point adventure race within Cape Cod’s 2000-acre DCR Nickerson State Park. Each year, the course will be different — and no one knows exactly what it will be until shortly before the race. Just know that it will be an endurance workout you won’t soon forget!
WARNING!
This is a race for intermediate athletes. Expect cold water, steep hills and difficult cliffside running trails paved with tree roots. While there will be emergency medical support on-site, all participants race at their own risk.
Athlete's Guide: http://www.neeevents.com/triathlon/inside-the-new-gut-check-adventure-race/
Event details and schedule
COVID-19
It is important to keep athletes, volunteers and staff safe! As guidelines shift for events of this type we will update this race's website page and post to Facebook.
HOW IT WILL WORK:
Until shortly before the race, all you’ll know about this year’s Gut Check is that it will combine running, cycling, navigating and water crossing (paddleboard or swimming) in Nickerson State Park. You will present yourself at designated checkpoints along the way. Expect a finishing time of 1 to 2 hours. Whether you compete solo or with a group of your friends (2, 3 or 4 persons), the objective is to use your wits and fitness to scramble your way (including 92 steps built into a cliff) to the finish.
HOW SHOULD I PREPARE?
Prepare yourself for this event by training to be capable of trail running and biking for about two hours. Biking elevations range from -5% to 8% grades, running elevations up to 18% grade. You can choose between swimming or paddleboarding. Bring your own, or a limited supply will be available to rent. Be prepared for a mile+ of paddling or half a mile+ of swimming. Be prepared to read and follow the supplied trail map. There will be four race categories: solo, two-person, three-person and four-person. All members of a team must remain in close contact and finish at the same time.
DISTANCES
Be prepared to:
Paddle 1.2 - 2 miles
Bike (steep hills) 4 - 8 miles
Run (technical trails) 4 - 6 miles
USA TRIATHLON
The swim category of this race is sanctioned but as of this date USAT does not have a way of ranking non-traditional races.
FOR THOSE IN "PARTICIPANT-SWIM" CATEGORY ONLY:
You will need at least a 1-day USA Triathlon membership in order to race in this category.
Follow prompts through registration to choose a 1-day ($15) or Annual ($50) Membership.
FOR THOSE IN THE "PARTICIPANT- SUP" category:
Your race is not included in USAT sanctioning so will not be required to submit or purchase a USAT membership.
GEAR LIST
Road Bike
Bike Helmet
Paddle board w/ paddle or surf board
Life vest or safe-swimmer buoy
Running (or trail) shoes that don't mind getting wet
We'll supply the laminated map
RECOMMENDED GEAR
Marker to be used on laminated map
Long pants, tights or leg protection
Sunglasses or hat
Bug spray
Sunscreen
Compass
Dry bag or safe swimmer buoy with inner compartment
TEAMS
Race with friends or race solo.
Racing as a team:
Each person registers as an individual, noting the name of your team during the registration process. This avoids the hassle of one person registering the team but then needing to gather info and collect money from everybody. Team members can also decide prior to the event to "race solo," or vice versa. On race day each member of the team must go through check points and finish line together. May the fastest... and smartest... teams win!
CAN TEAMS SHARE A PADDLEBOARD?
Yes! Up to 2 team members can be on 1 paddleboard at a time.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
On-line registration will close on October 12 at 5:00pm.
TRANSFER/REFUND POLICY
There will be no refunds , transfers or wait list.
RAIN DATE
There is no rain date. Race director does reserve the right to substitute a trail run for the paddle if weather dictates it.
FIELD LIMIT
150 Athletes!
TIMING
Results are expected to be posted to the Gut Check website and the NEEE website with in one day.
TRAVEL
For those traveling from afar, Cape Cod is awash with hotels, motor lodges, inns, bed and breakfasts, vacation cottages and AirBnB offerings.
THE COURSE
Athletes will receive laminated maps that have checkpoints pre-marked before the race. You will navigate between checkpoints using the map and compass. Teams must check in at all checkpoints and the finish line together. Segments will be categorized as either a run, bike, or swim/paddle discipline. Keep in mind that you may have multiple running, biking, and swim/paddling legs that alternate throughout the race. Also, unlike a relay, 2, 3 or 4-person teams compete together the entire race.
This is a point-to-point race, there is no central transition area so plan accordingly.
