The FIG Adventure Race
24 years of FIG. Two race lengths. One seriously special course.
12HR + 24HR | Red River Gorge | November 7
Via Ferrata • MTB • Navigation • Trekking • Packrafting (24HR)
24HR USARA Regional Qualifier
Kentucky’s longest-running adventure race returns - and we’re planning something worthy of its legacy.
A 24HR USARA Regional Qualifier for its 24TH running…
A 12HR option for those that love that distance…
An exciting ropes section in the form of a via ferrata…
Packrafts.
Fancy maps.
Trust us, it’ll be a good one.
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LENGTH: 12 Hour or 24 Hour Cutoff
DISCIPLINES: Navigating • Biking • Trekking • Ropes
• Packrafting (24HR only)
• NO token paddle for the 12HR (you’ll be too busy doing other cool stuff)
WHERE: Red River Gorge Area, KY. S/F at Land of Arches Campground.
WHEN: Start Saturday, November 7, 2026
WHO: Solos or Teams
USARA Sanctioned. USARA Regional QualifierTHE COURSE:
Expect a big, strategic course built to reward smart decisions. We’ll take you into areas FIG has never raced before and give you a chance to experience what the Red River Gorge is famous for - getting onto the rock.COST: 12HR: $185 | 24HR: $315
DEADLINES: Registration CLOSES November 1. Shirt Deadline is October 20. -
Registration Includes
A race-integrated Via Ferrata experience - one of the most unique you’ll find in any adventure race
Premium FIG-branded longsleeve (that you’ll actually wear)
High-end waterproof maps with lidar-generated contours and vegetation layers, plus the option to add extra map sets during registration
A well-set, thoughtfully designed course
First place in each Division will receive a custom ceramic camp mug with coffee provided by Goose Bridle Coffee!
24HR is the first USARA Regional Qualifiers for the National Championship. The winning mixed-gender 3/4-person team earns guaranteed entry to Nationals plus an $800 Nationals race credit
Perfectly placed checkpoints
Post-race meal catered by Hop’s
Race-day access to private property and unique sections of the Red River Gorge you wouldn’t normally get to experience
Friday evening get-together (pre-race party)
A genuine, old-school adventure racing experience
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Everything will take place at Land of Arches Campground. We’ll share any gear/staging locations in the Racer Communication.
Friday — November 6Get-Together & Personal Gear Staging: 5:00–9:00 PM
The Cliffview Pies & Pints Food Truck will be onsite! Plan on having dinner and hanging out with everyone before/after the prerace meeting.
Mandatory Prerace Meeting: 7:00 PM
Saturday — November 7
Gear Staging: 5:00–6:00 AM
Check-In + Maps: 6:00 AM
Race Start: 7:00 AM
Race Cutoff: 7:00 PM / 7:00 AM
Via Ferrata
Ropes are part of the Red River Gorge experience, so both the 12HR and 24HR FIG will give racers the chance to get onto the rock with a Via Ferrata section built into the course.
Expect fixed cables, iron rungs, ladders, and exposed sandstone terrain that let you move through the Gorge in a way most visitors never experience.
All mandatory gear will be provided for this section by Southeast Mtn Guides, so there’s no need to bring specialized climbing equipment.
The checkpoints will be optional, but highly encouraged. You can skip them if needed, but this is absolutely one of those FIG experiences that make adventure racing, adventurey.
“The FIG is always my favorite race each year.”
THE SWAG
SHIRT DEADLINE IS OCTOBER 20
We swagged this same tri-blend hooded long sleeve for last year’s FIG race, and it’s still the shirt we see people wearing more than any other. Lightweight, ridiculously comfortable, and actually useful.
RACE ROSTER
A LITTLE ABOUT THE 361° STYLE
“You all set really hard courses.”
Yes. But also... no.
Our courses are usually designed to be unclearable, except when a top team puts together a really great race. We want everyone—even the best racers—to have to make decisions. Which checkpoints are worth it? What do you skip? When do you change the plan?
At the same time, we try to make our races very manageable for beginners if you race strategically. Whenever possible, we build a “core” route that allows just about anyone to finish. There are no mandatory checkpoints—just make your way through the TAs. Everything else is your adventure to choose.
We also believe part of adventure racing is the unknown. You won't get eight emails and a 32-page racer guide before race day. To us, that's more stressful than showing up and seeing what happens. We'll give you what you need to come prepared, and we'll take care of the rest on race day.
You'll be fine.
Probably.
This style ain't for everyone. We hope it's for you. And we genuinely appreciate you trusting us enough to come along for the adventure.
FAQ
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Anywhere within striking distance of the S/F at Land of Arches Campground.
Red River Gorge has just about every type of lodging you can imagine, from cabins and tiny houses to hotels, glamping, and campgrounds. Our friends at Red River Gorge Vacations have put together a great collection of options, and you can check out all the options here - redrivergorgevacations.com/lodgingIf camping is more your style, check out our host campground AND the S/F for the race - Land of Arches.
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Checkout this page from USARA, How to Get Started in Adventure Racing. It has great info and links to additional resources. Then get ready to be transformed by the sport of AR.
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The 24HR course will include packrafting on moving water.
Already have a packraft setup you trust? Bring it. As long as there’s a seat per racer, you’re good to go.
If you don’t (and can’t borrow one from an expedition racer) we’ve partnered with two packraft rental providers who know adventure racing and have supplied boats for numerous events. Between Packrafting Adventures and Backcountry Packrafts, you should have no trouble finding a suitable setup.Be prepared for moving water with Class I–II sections.
Don’t expect to carry your packrafts for huge distances. “Huge” is relative in adventure racing, of course, but if we’re planning anything substantial, we’ll give you a heads-up before race day.
You’ll see the Paddle Bag requirements in the Mandatory Gear List. If you need one, or want to look super-experienced, grab the coolest here.Drysuits? Early November in Eastern Kentucky can be anything from mild to downright cold. If you own a drysuit, bringing it may be a very good call. They’re also available to rent from the providers above. If not, Tyvek suits are becoming increasingly fashionable in the AR world, and depending on conditions, good layers plus rain gear may be perfectly adequate.
If you’re new to packrafting, take a look at this USARA YouTube playlist. We strongly recommend getting some practice in before race day -not just paddling the boat, but figuring out how to transition, inflation and configuration.
Lastly, if this is your sign to finally invest in a packraft, MRS is where to start. Their tandem Barracuda R2 Pro is one of the most common boats you’ll see at adventure races - and for good reason. It’s the best.We’ve partnered with MicroRafting to make that investment a little easier. Use code 361ADVENTURES at checkout to receive the Adventure Race Essentials Bundle free with your packraft purchase.
Important: Add both the packraft and the bundle to your cart, then apply code 361ADVENTURES at checkout for the bundle discount to apply. There’s lead times on boats, so plan ahead.
Note: No paddling for the 12HR option. You’ll be too busy playing on ropes and MTB to get on the water.
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A LITTLE ABOUT OUR STYLE
“You all set really hard courses.”
Yes. But also... no.
Our courses are usually designed to be unclearable, except when a top team puts together a really great race. We want everyone, even the best racers, to have to make decisions. Which checkpoints are worth it? What do you skip? When do you change the plan?
At the same time, we try to make our races very manageable for beginners if you race strategically. Whenever possible, we build a “core” route that allows just about anyone to finish. There are no mandatory checkpoints - just make your way through the TAs. Everything else is your adventure to choose.
We also believe part of adventure racing is the unknown. You won't get 8 emails and a 32-page racer guide. To us, that's more stressful than showing up and seeing what happens. We'll give you what you need to come prepared, and we'll take care of the rest on race day.
You'll be fine.
Probably.
This style ain't for everyone. We hope it's for you. And we genuinely appreciate you trusting us enough to come along for the adventure.
We’ll share more closer to race day in a Racer Communication the week(s) before the start with the essentials. Otherwise, train up & show up. Have a fun time finding checkpoints in the woods. -
You'll have earned it.
Stick around for the post-race party and a meal from Hop's - longtime favorites in the Gorge and masters of feeding hungry racers.
It's a chance to swap stories, relive the day's highs and lows, celebrate new friendships or repair old ones, and celebrate doing something remarkably hard.
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We’re bringing back a little of that old-school FIG feel. Since 12HR and 24HR racers will be finishing at different times, Friday night is our chance to get everyone together before the race.
We’ll have a low-key pre-race hangout at Land of Arches Campground, with food available for purchase from the Cliffview Pies & Pints Food Truck, plenty of time to catch up with other racers, and then we’ll have the mandatory pre-race meeting at 7:00 PM.
Come early, grab some food, hang out, and settle in before race morning.
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12HR - expect to be fully self-supported with no resupply.
24HR - expect to have access to extra layers/food in your paddle bags.
We’re also considering access to one duffel per team. 40-pound weight limit - no limit on contents, only total weight. We’ll make the call on this closer to race day (dependent on weather forecast and logistics).
24HR FIG is officially the first USARA Regional Qualifier of the 2027 season!
The winning mixed-gender 3/4-person team earns guaranteed entry to the 2027 USARA National Championship in Virginia plus an $800 Nationals race credit, and all finishing teams receive a 5-point bonus in the USARA National Rankings.
This race is also USARA Sanctioned, meaning it meets the safety, insurance, and organizational standards set by the United States Adventure Racing Association - the national governing body of adventure racing in the U.S. USARA has supported the sport for over 20 years, helping ensure well-run, accessible, and responsibly managed races.
Built for Adventure Racing
We’ve partnered with MRS for the FIG, and if adventure racing has been slowly convincing you that you need your own packraft, this may be your excuse.
The MRS Barracuda R2 Pro has become one of the most common tandem boats at adventure races for a reason: it’s fast, practical, race-friendly, and apparently also excellent for taking your best friend along for the ride.
Use code 361ADVENTURES at MicroRafting to receive the Adventure Race Essentials Bundle FREE with your packraft purchase.
Just add both the packraft and the bundle to your cart, then apply the code at checkout. And plan ahead - boats can have lead times.
