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LBL Challenge


  • Land Between the Lakes 238 Visitor Center Drive Golden Pond, KY, 42211 United States (map)
Lake shore with a race flag along the edge

LBL CHALLenge

The LBL Challenge is back with both 12 and 24 hour options. We asked, you answered, we listened - with near-even interest in each format, we’re doing both for the return! Delivering a USARA-sanctioned AR built from an old-school race that got us hooked.

2026 RESULTS

  • LENGTH: 12 and 24 Hour options
    DISCIPLINES: Navigating • Biking • Trekking • Paddling
    DISTANCES: 24HR - Finish in under 60 miles / Full clear, plan on 100+ |
    12HR - Finish in under 20 miles / Full clear, plan on 60+
    These distances are fully-approachable for first timers.
    WHERE: Land Between the Lakes, KY (Energy Lake Area)
    WHEN: Saturday, March 28
    WHO: The 12-hour race is open to solos and teams. The 24-hour race is teams only, due to boat logistics. See the FAQ below if you’re looking for a teammate.
    USARA Sanctioned

    THE COURSE:
    This is a thinking race. Lots of off-trail travel and cross-country navigation define the LBL. Foot, bike, and boat legs will be stitched together by your route choices and decisions.

    There’s actual singletrack! + gravel and rough FS roads. The paddle will be strategically placed and manageable. Expect a 5 gallon bucket for a resupply-reprieve (see details in the FAQ below).

    COST: 12HR - $145 | 24HR - $325

    Registration Closed: March 20

    No-pressure pricing here. Sign up when you’re ready to commit to adventure - the price stays the same.

  • Registration Includes

    • A thick fleece neck gaiter, race-branded and warm. Note the shirt deadline has passed, so we’re hooking you up with these!

    • Boats provided for the 24HR option. BYOB or rentals available for the 12HR option.

    • Waterproof maps (with the option to add extra mapsets)

    • A well-marked, thoughtfully designed course

    • Swag bag of useful stuff. Including Zanfel and RunGoo!

    • Perfectly placed checkpoints

    • Post-race meal

    • A genuine, old-school adventure racing experience

  • Saturday — March 28

    • Gear Staging: 6:00–7:00 AM

    • Check-In + Maps: 7:00 AM

    • Race Start: 8:00 AM

    • Race Cutoff: 8:00 PM (12HR) | 8:00 AM SUNDAY (24HR)

Cold-weather 361° Buff

Included with registration: a thick fleece neck gaiter to keep you warm during the paddle or after-dark hours.

Note: Shirt Deadline was March 10th, but you’re still getting something nice!

“The race itself was perfect, lots of options and no shortage of suffering. I wish I could do it again next Saturday.”
Mandatory Gear
USARA Rules
Racer Communication

FAQ

  • Shoot us an email, we’ll help connect you.

  • We’d recommend: Energy Lake Campground, Kenlake State Resort Park, Lake Barkley State Resort Park

  • 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.

  • Boats will be provided for the 24HR option - you may not bring your own due to logistics.

    For the 12HR option, you may bring your own boat, or rentals will be available (with price and availability listed in the registration page).

  • More details will roll out as we get closer. We’ll send a Racer Communication with the essentials before race week. For now, train a bit, and be ready to find checkpoints in the woods.

  • In the spirit of yellow-top expedition racing BINs, just smaller. Each racer can bring a 5 Gallon Bucket for resupply. It’ll be staged at a TA. Anything in your bucket, the lid just has to close.

    12HR: Expect to see it around the halfway point. Sometime after the Paddle.

    24HR: Expect to see it before the halfway point. Sometime after the Paddle.

    More details will be released in the Racer Communication when it goes out the week before the race.

Since we’re offering both 12 and 24 hour options, it’ll take a solid volunteer crew to make it work! If family or friends are joining, or you know of anyone that just wants to spend the day outside - we’d love the help.

LBL Challenge is a USARA-sanctioned event.

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.

Friends of Land Between the Lakes (LBLA)

Is an independent, nonprofit partner. Their work supports education, volunteerism, and outdoor recreation while helping protect the natural and cultural heritage of Land Between the Lakes for future generations.

Learn more about LBLA and their impact.

REGISTRATION IS CLOSED - CATCH YOU AT THE NEXT ONE!
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