The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing Podcast

Thank you to Liz and Michelle Faucher of Adventure Addicts Racing for coming onto the show to reveal and discuss the 2024 USARA National Championship Race Course. This conversation is being released at the very start of the race so that fans, dotwatchers, and at-home teammates can get a sense of this challenging and rugged race course. See the tracking link below. Thank you for being a listener. If you like what you hear, please like, click, and subscribe on your streaming platform of choice. This helps spread the word about Adventure Racing and TDZ's role in helping elevate the sport. Remember - You Keep Racing, and we'll Keep Talking! Shownotes:TRACKING LINK - https://live.enabledtracking.com/usara2024/www.usara.comhttps://www.adventureaddictsracing.com/https://ardarkzone.com/Sponsor Links:https://www.ascendathletics.org/https://www.thearschool.com/

Thank you to Lyndie Hill and John Ford of Expedition Canada for coming on the show to discuss the ARWS 2025 World Championship in British Columbia. They go deep about the race location, the beauty and challenge of the area, being good Canadian hosts, and their race design philosophy. This episode has just enough beta to whet your racing appetite. Follow the links below for registration information. Thank you for being a listener. If you like what you hear, please like, click, and subscribe on your streaming platform of choice. This helps spread the word about Adventure Racing and TDZ's role in helping elevate the sport. Remember - You Keep Racing, and we'll Keep Talking! Shownotes:https://www.expeditionracecanada.ca/https://arworldseries.com/races/expedition-canada-canadahttps://arworldseries.com/https://www.swampdonkeyar.com/https://mindovermountain.com/momar/https://ardarkzone.com/Sponsor Links:https://www.ascendathletics.org/https://www.thearschool.com/

Thank you to Darren Steinbach and Chelsey Magness for coming onto the show for a TDZ Flash Episode. Recording live from the Expedition Oregon finish line, Darren and Chelsey walk us through the race course, the team experience, the challenging terrain, and their immersive race media style. Flash episodes are built for publishing speed so this episode is lightly edited and a peek into the highs and lows of putting on a multi-day race. Thank you for being a listener. If you like what you hear, please like, click, and subscribe on your streaming platform of choice. This helps spread the word about Adventure Racing and TDZ's role in helping elevate the sport. Remember - You Keep Racing, and we'll Keep Talking! Shownotes:https://www.bendracing.com/expeditionoregon2024https://ardarkzone.com/Sponsor Links:https://www.ascendathletics.org/https://www.thearschool.com/

Thank you to Luis Becdach for coming onto the show. Luis is the perfect guest when discussing the upcoming ARWS World Championships in Ecuador. A longtime racer, Luis has raced Worlds multiple times and knows Ecuador like the back of his mano. Having raced alongside him in Huairasinchi in 2021, TDZ can attest to the accuracy of that last sentence. A wild, rugged place, Ecuador is a true adventure racing destination and this episode goes deep on how to prepare for what the teams will face in November. Thank you for being a listener. If you like what you hear, please like, click, and subscribe on your streaming platform of choice. This helps spread the word about Adventure Racing and TDZ's role in helping elevate the sport. Remember - You Keep Racing, and we'll Keep Talking! Shownotes:https://www.proyectoaventura.com/site/13/home_arwc24https://ardarkzone.com/Sponsor Links:https://www.ascendathletics.org/https://www.thearschool.com/

TDZ is happy to support The Checkpoint presented by the United States Adventure Racing Association through this crosspost of their Episode #6. Thank you for being a listener and thank you for supporting USARA. Episode Details Below: Welcome to Episode 6 of USARA's The Checkpoint Podcast. In this episode, Brent speaks with Allen Wagner of Broad Run Off Road Racing about his upcoming Fall Foliage Adventure Race. An increasingly popular race, the Fall Foliage is a great race for beginners and veterans alike. Our second segment is a deep dive into past USARA National Championships with Stephanie Ross and Tray Farrar. Packed with stories, adventures, and the challenges of presenting a national championship, this episode is a great way to prepare for next month's USARA National Championship Race in Snowshoe, West Virginia. Thanks to Brian Gatens of The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing Podcast for his assistance.Be sure to visit the United States Adventure Racing Association at www.usara.comThank you for stopping by The Checkpoint. Don't stay here too long. There's training and racing to get to! Shownotes:https://www.usara.com/www.ardarkzone.com

TDZ helps the United States Adventure Racing Association with 'The Checkpoint' Podcast. In editing Episode #6, Steph Ross and Troy Farrar were asked by Host Brent Freedland about their favorite USARA National Championship memories. Their answers were so interesting, fun, and poignant that we pulled them out for Episode 100.5 of TDZ. Call it a 'TDZ Short.' Not a full episode but a small taste of the stories that underpin TDZ's love of AR, and we're happy to share it here. Be sure to follow the links below for more information: Shownotes:https://www.usara.com/2024-national-championshipsSponsor Links:https://www.ascendathletics.org/https://www.thearschool.com/

Thank you to Grant Killian for joining us for our 100th episode. Untamed New England holds a special place in the AR World as well as for The Dark Zone as it was the first expedition race that we tackled. A legendary race, UTNE was known not only for its challenging terrain and navigation, but for the ethic of exploration and discovery brought to the event by Grant. Even though the UTNE was last held in 2018, the DNA of his race lived on in many of today's most popular races (and we hope that this episode will help bring UTNE back!). Shownotes:http://untamedne.com/_/Sponsor Links:https://www.ascendathletics.org/https://www.thearschool.com/

Thank you to Nathalie Long, Race Director for Raid The Rockies, for joining TDZ to talk about her newest stage race in the Canadian Rockies, her own racing career, and a little race called UTMB. Natalie runs the well-named Adventure Immersion Lab and her racers got their fair share of immersion at the inaugural Raid the Rockies. Shownotes:https://www.adventureimmersionlab.ca/https://arworldseries.com/races/raid-the-rockies-canadahttps://utmb.world/Sponsor Links:https://www.ascendathletics.org/

In this episode of The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing Podcast, we sit down with the team behind a new and exciting expedition-length race — Ajita Madan and Sayeesha Kirani, founders of NthAdventure, alongside Heidi Muller and Stephan Muller, veteran adventure race directors. Together they unpack the story, strategy, and heart behind Adventure @ Mechukha, India’s first Adventure Racing World Series Qualifier.Recorded against a backdrop of jaw-dropping landscapes and months of race build-up, our conversation explores what it takes to bring a world-class 450 km expedition to life in one of the most remote corners of Arunachal Pradesh. The team shares the logistics and cultural collaborations that define the race — from engaging local communities and navigating rugged borderland terrain to designing a course that tests the mettle of any expedition-caliber team. Ajita and Sayeesha reflect on their decade-long journey growing adventure racing in India — from regional events to hosting international qualifiers — while Heidi and Stephan offer global perspective on why Mechukha is a pivotal new chapter for international adventure racing. Listeners gain insight into the philosophy of expedition race design, the importance of place and people in endurance sport, and what this race means for future athletes eager to chart their own path to the Adventure Racing World Championship. Whether you’re a seasoned adventure racer or new to the sport’s expansive world, this episode is a deep dive into the passion, planning, and community that fuel adventure racing at its highest level — from the Himalayan borderlands to the global stage.Shownotes:Nth Adventure Site - https://www.nthadventure.com/adventureatmechukhaARWS Site - https://arworldseries.com/races/424Sponsor Links:Nuataaq Carabiner Hydration Bottle - www.nuataaq.comShenandoah Epic Adventure Race - https://www.adventureenablers.com/

You’re listening to The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing Podcast, where we try to understand how adventure races really play out—over long distances, under fatigue, and within the relationships that make or break a team.Today’s episode is a conversation with Emily Panietz and Becca Lunnon, racing as The Wonky Donkeys, about their strong showing at The Legend Adventure Race in Tasmania.That result didn’t come out of nowhere. In earlier races, Emily and Becca struggled at times with communication and teamwork—misaligned expectations, moments of frustration, and the normal growing pains that come with learning how to race together. Those experiences didn’t end in easy results, but they did give them a clearer sense of what needed to change.At The Legend, that work showed. Over the course of a long, technical race, they communicated more clearly, managed decisions together, and stayed connected when things got difficult. Rather than trying to force the race, they settled into a rhythm that allowed them to move steadily and efficiently through the course.In this episode, we talk about that progression—what didn’t work early on, how they adjusted, and why The Legend felt like a genuinely strong race for them as teammates. It’s a conversation about learning, adapting, and how growth over time can turn into a result that feels earned.Shownotes:The Legend - https://www.legendexpd.com.au/Sponsor Links:Nuataaq Carabiner Hydration Bottle - www.nuataaq.comShenandoah Epic Adventure Race - https://www.adventureenablers.com/

In this episode of The Dark Zone, we sit down with Slade Combs, a performance coach who helps people understand, confront, and work through fear — not by eliminating it, but by learning how to carry it well. Whether you’re standing on a start line, staring down a scary race section, preparing for a big presentation, or simply trying to perform when the stakes feel high, fear shows up. The question isn’t if — it’s how.Slade brings a calm, practical, and deeply human approach to performance. We talk about why fear feels so powerful, how it is rooted in our life experience, and what actually helps when confidence wavers and doubt creeps in. This isn’t about hype or shortcuts. It’s about awareness, practice, and building trust in yourself when conditions aren’t perfect.Adventure racing lives in the margins — fatigue, uncertainty, imperfect information. So does life. This conversation bridges both worlds, offering insight for adventure racers, leaders, creatives, and anyone who wants to show up more fully when it matters most.Shownotes:https://www.sladecombs.com/https://ardarkzone.com/2025/04/04/episode-121-dave-jackson-of-cavesim-what-caving-can-teach-adventure-racers-about-fear-focus-and-teamwork/Sponsor Links:Nuataaq Carabiner Hydration Bottle - www.nuataaq.comShenandoah Epic Adventure Race - https://www.adventureenablers.com/Adventureware Shop - https://adventureware.shop/

In Episode 147, we step onto one of the most storied and demanding landscapes in European adventure racing.Flavie Bahuaud of Raid In France, joins TDZ to pull back the curtain on the 2026 Adventure Racing World Championship, coming to Corsica in September 2026. This isn’t just another host venue—it’s an island defined by extremes: jagged mountains rising straight from the sea, historic trails, technical navigation, and terrain that demands respect from even the most experienced teams on the planet.Flavie shares the vision behind bringing the World Championship to Corsica, how Raid In France approaches course design at the highest level of the sport, and what teams should expect—physically, technically, and mentally—when they arrive. We talk about Corsica’s unique geography, the origins of Raid In France, and why this race will reward preparation, adaptability, and patience just as much as speed.If you’re a team dreaming of a World Championship start line, a fan tracking the future of the sport, or a racer who wants a true challenge —this is an episode you don’t want to miss.The road to Corsica has begun.Shownotes: https://www.arwc2026.com/https://www.arworldseries.com/races/Corsica-is-magic-ARWC2026https://www.raidinfrance.com/Sponsor Links:Nuataaq Carabiner Hydration Bottle - www.nuataaq.comShenandoah Epic Adventure Race - https://www.adventureenablers.com/Adventureware Shop - https://adventureware.shop/

On this extended episode of The Dark Zone, we head into the rugged heart of Monterrey, Mexico, home of La Ruta Madre—a race that blends blistering heat, steep technical terrain, cultural immersion, and the kind of navigational complexity that defines true expedition racing.Our guests—Una, Joel, and Zach—join TDZ to unpack the story of their team’s experience on this iconic course. But rather than spotlighting individual accomplishments, this episode explores how the team operated as a single unit: how decisions were made under fatigue, how pacing and strategy evolved across the Sierra Madre, and how communication and trust became just as critical as solid navigation or a strong climb.Together, they paint a vivid picture of what it means for a team to hold form across long hours, hard miles, and constantly shifting conditions. From their brief pre-race meeting to the moments deep in the mountains when teamwork mattered most, listeners get a rare inside look at how a successful team thinks, reacts, and stays connected.La Ruta Madre isn’t just a race—it’s a test of cohesion, resilience, and collective problem-solving. Settle in for an immersive conversation that brings you right into the heartbeat of the team as they took on one of the world's most striking and demanding adventure races.Shownotes: La Ruta Madre ARWS Page - https://arworldseries.com/races/319La Ruta Madre Event Website - https://larutamadre.mx/Bend Racing's LRM Report - https://www.bendracing.com/post/racing-la-ruta-madre-a-journey-of-teamwork-terrain-and-top-gearSponsor Links:Nuataaq Carabiner Hydration Bottle - www.nuataaq.comShenandoah Epic Adventure Race - https://www.adventureenablers.com/Adventureware Shop - https://adventureware.shop/

In this episode of The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing Podcast, we shift gears—literally and figuratively—to explore a different kind of endurance adventure. Our guest is Tyler Stancill, a passionate bikepacker who pedaled more than 6,000 miles from Key West, Florida to Newfoundland, Canada along the newly established Eastern Divide Trail.His journey captures the same spirit that fuels every adventure racer and explorer: resilience, curiosity, and a deep love of the road ahead. From the logistics of a months-long solo ride to the mental highs and lows that come with such an undertaking, Tyler’s story will strike a chord with anyone who’s ever wondered just how far they can go.Join us as we talk about bikes, backroads, and the beautiful intersection between endurance and exploration. Whether you race, ride, or simply dream of big journeys, this episode reminds us that adventure comes in many forms.Shownotes: The Eastern Divide Trail - https://bikepacking.com/eastern-divide-trail/Sponsor Links:Nuataaq Carabiner Hydration Bottle - www.nuataaq.comShenandoah Epic Adventure Race - https://www.adventureenablers.com/Adventureware Shop - https://adventureware.shop/

In this episode of The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing Podcast, host Brian Gatens welcomes John Karlsson, captain of Team SAFAT, the reigning Adventure Racing World Champions. Known for their precision, discipline, and calm under pressure, SAFAT has come to define the standard of excellence in expedition racing.John shares his introduction to the sport, his growth as a racer, and the lessons learned on the journey from first-time competitor to world champion. He offers an inside look at the team’s mindset, their approach to success, and the chemistry that fueled their dominance. But with whispers that SAFAT’s future may be uncertain, this conversation carries an undercurrent of reflection—about legacy, leadership, and what comes next.As always, you keep racing—and we’ll keep talking.Shownotes: Team SAFAT - https://www.facebook.com/swedisharmedforcesadventureteam/Sponsor Links:Nuataaq Carabiner Hydration Bottle - www.nuataaq.comShenandoah Epic Adventure Race - https://www.adventureenablers.com/

Happy October, TDZ NationHere is a quick 5-minute update following the Adventure Racing World Series AR World Championship in Penticton, British Columbia. TDZ was onsite to help with media, and the race was quite the ride. Per the episode, everyone involved in the race - racers, supporters, volunteers, family, media, EVERYONE - is encouraged to record and send a 90-second (or so) voice message/memo to brian@ardarkzone.com or send via WhatsApp if you have that info. Include your name, your role, and your team (if applicable) and share your thoughts on the race or a great story. All submissions will be used to create a special episode of TDZ. You keep talking, and we'll keep editing!

Welcome to The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing Podcast. From time to time, we like to support our companion podcast, The Course Reveal, by crossposting special episodes.———————————————————–Welcome to a special episode of The Course Reveal Podcast, a companion show to The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing Podcast. Today, we turn our attention to the 2025 Subaru Canada Adventure Racing World Championship, where the best teams on the planet will converge in Penticton, British Columbia, to chase the ultimate prize in the sport.This year’s race features an epic 799-kilometer course, with teams racing for up to 9 days across glaciers, mountain ranges, whitewater rivers, and backcountry roads while visiting remote villages along the way. Expect rugged mountains, complex navigation, and the dramatic landscapes of British Columbia as athletes push through a relentless test of strategy, endurance, and teamwork.We’re joined by three key voices behind the event: Lyndie Hill of Hoodoo Adventures, Race Director John Ford, and Course Designer Alex Man. They go deep into the course, the challenges faced by the racers, and their pride and joy in bringing the ARWC to British Columbia. Together, they’ll guide us through the vision for this year’s championship, the details of the course design, and why British Columbia is the perfect stage for the world’s toughest teams.If you like what you hear, please subscribe, like, and share. TCR is designed to give at-home fans and dotwatchers another opportunity to connect with and enjoy the world of adventure racing.You Keep Watching, and We’ll Keep Talking.Shownotes:Race Website - https://www.expeditionracecanada.ca/Tracking Website - https://www.expeditionracecanada.ca/livetrackmedia

Welcome to The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing Podcast. From time to time, we like to support our companion podcast, The Course Reveal, by crossposting special episodes. -----------------------------------------------------------Welcome to a special episode of The Course Reveal Podcast. Today, we turn our attention to the 2025 United States Adventure Racing National Championship, where the best teams in the country will gather in Northwest Arkansas to battle for the top of the podium.This year’s Nationals features a demanding 230-kilometer course, with 78 teams racing against the clock for up to 30 hours across trekking, mountain biking, and paddling stages. Expect rugged terrain, steep climbs, and the wild beauty of the Ozarks as racers push themselves through a nonstop test of endurance and teamwork.We’re joined by two key voices at the heart of the event: Stephanie Ross, Nationals Coordinator, and Michael Garrison, Executive Director of USARA. Together, they’ll guide us through the vision behind this year’s championship, the details of the course design, and what makes Northwest Arkansas such a powerful stage for the sport.If you like what you hear, please subscribe, like, and share. TCR is designed to offer the at-home fan/dotwatcher another opportunity to enjoy and engage with their favorite races. You Keep Watching, and We'll Keep Talking.Shownotes:Race Website - https://www.usara.com/2025-national-championshipsTracking Website - https://live.enabledtracking.com/usara2025/

Welcome to a special edition of The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing Podcast. Our sister show, The Course Reveal Podcast, is your spot for adventure racing course breakdowns and interviews with race directors, but for championship races we like to crosspost those episodes to what we call The Big Feed. See below for this show's highlighted race. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Welcome to the Course Reveal Podcast. Join Course Director Lauri Hollo as he breaks down each stage of Endurance Quest Saimaa.As the Adventure Racing European Championship, this race will bring 60 teams from 12 countries to the Savonlinna region of Finland, and winners will earn a coveted spot at the ARWS World Championships. The course includes more than 70 km of trekking, 125 km of mountain biking, 44 km of paddling, and 2 km of swimming – plus climbing and rope challenges. Competitors have up to 30 hours to complete the race course.This demanding course will be the highlight of the European adventure racing season.If you like what you hear, please subscribe, like, and share. TCR is designed to offer the at-home fan/dotwatcher another opportunity to enjoy and engage with their favorite races. You Keep Watching, and We'll Keep Talking.Shownotes:Race Website - https://www.endurancequest.org/Tracking Link - https://www.tulospalvelu.fi/gps/2025eq/

In this episode of The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing Podcast, we welcome Olga Huber of Team Fragile Flowers. A well-known racer, Olga has taken on a growing number of events, both with teammates and solo. She loves AR, and she enjoys learning from all of her experiences. Wise, direct, and thoughtful, Olga shares so much with TDZ. When she speaks, school is in session. Enjoy! Thank you for listening. If you like what you hear, please like, click, and subscribe on your streaming platform of choice. This helps spread the word about Adventure Racing and TDZ's role in elevating the sport. Remember - You Keep Racing, and We'll Keep Talking!