These days there are all sorts of adventure races. Challenges where contestants can test their skills on unforgiving terrain have become a rite of passage for anyone who considers themselves an outdoorsman.
There are of course the X Games, which occurred last week in Austin. But for a less formal, more adventurous competition, there is the GoPro Mountain Games taking place this weekend in Vail, Colorado.
It all started 15 years with some friends who had been eyeing a local creek for some whitewater fun. They started by challenging each other in an annual tradition to the bottom for a beer. As the event grew in popularity, they added more races and soon the GoPro Mountain Games were born.
Today, the event runs June 9-12 covering 25 disciplines including x-country and road cycling, freestyle, 8-Ball, sprint and extreme kayaking, raft cross, World Cup Bouldering, stand up paddle sprint and surf cross, as well as trail, mud and road running, dog comps and the Ultimate Mountain Challenge.
For those not competing, or those taking a break from the action, there is even a film festival, live music and a demo area for new products.
For many adventure racers, the GoPro Mountain Games is one of the gnarliest events out there.
To follow the action visit MountainGames.com
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