LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS, March 19, 2025 — The Raid the Rock Adventure Race is set to return to Central Arkansas on December 21 and 22, 2025, offering participants an exhilarating test of endurance, navigation, and teamwork. Registration for this highly anticipated event will open on March 24, 2025.
After completing my first adventure race, the Ozark Challenge, in the late 1990s, I had an epiphany: I could do anything I set my mind to. It was a moment of realization that I could push myself beyond my comfort zone. For years, I’d been watching the Eco-Challenge on the Discovery Channel from my couch in Plano, Texas, dreaming of taking part in something so intense. When I moved to Arkansas, I discovered that adventure races were happening here, so I jumped in. I bought a mountain bike, took a rock climbing class with Little Rock Parks and Recreation, and taught myself how to read UTM coordinates on maps and use a compass to navigate from one point to the next. Over the next 15 years, I raced in at least one or two adventure races each year, including the first Raid the Rock, followed by at least 4 or 5 more, it became my home race. There’s a euphoria that comes with finishing a race that many would call insane. But it’s not crazy—it’s tough, and it’s absolutely worth it.
The Raid the Rock Adventure Race, which began in 2001, is a unique event that blends urban and wilderness elements, or sometimes a combination of both. It was founded by members of Team Arkansas Traveler, a local team known for competing in adventure races both nationally and internationally throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. The race was born from the team’s passion for adventure racing, their desire to introduce more people to the sport, and a commitment to raising funds for the Arthritis Foundation. The inaugural event was organized by team members Greg Eason, Nate Siria, Curtis Nunn, and Kris Mougoet, Little Rock Parks and Recreation, and the Arthritis Foundation.
Original organizer, Nate Siria, said, “We are so glad that the race continues today. I have continued to enjoy Raid the Rock but as a racer with some lifelong friends and my daughter, Sarah.
In 2012, when the founders of Raid the Rock Adventure Race decided to step away, Traci Berry took over the event. “I had a passion for adventure racing and Raid the Rock specifically, I didn’t want to see it go away,” said Berry. Her enthusiasm for outdoor challenges and her dedication to creating inclusive, engaging recreational opportunities made her a perfect fit to lead the race. Berry’s leadership has been instrumental in the event’s continued success, and she has now managed Raid the Rock longer than the original organizers.
Understanding Adventure Racing
Adventure racing has its roots in the early 1980s when the sport first emerged as a way to combine various outdoor endurance challenges into a single race. The concept gained popularity with the advent of events like the Eco-Challenge, which debuted in 1995 and brought international attention to adventure racing. These races typically combine trekking, mountain biking, paddling, and navigation, offering participants the opportunity to test their physical and mental endurance in challenging outdoor environments. The sport’s popularity surged throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, attracting both elite athletes and amateur adventurers alike, though its mainstream recognition has fluctuated over the years.
The skill set required for adventure racing is diverse and comprehensive. Participants must possess strong navigation skills, often using only maps and compasses to find their way through unmarked wilderness courses. Endurance in multiple disciplines is essential, with racers often trekking long distances, cycling rugged terrain, and paddling through challenging waterways. Mental toughness is equally important, as adventure races often push competitors to their physical limits, requiring teamwork, problem-solving, and strategic decision-making. The ability to adapt to rapidly changing environments and unexpected challenges is crucial, making adventure racing not just a test of physical prowess, but of mental resilience.
Today, adventure racing is still thriving, albeit in a more niche space compared to its peak in the late 1990s and early 2000s. While major international events like the Adventure Racing World Championship continue to draw top-level athletes, many local and regional races, like Raid the Rock, have maintained their presence by focusing on inclusivity and community involvement. The sport has seen an increase in participation from diverse groups, with events tailored for beginners and intermediate racers alongside the more advanced courses. Technology has also played a role in the sport’s evolution, with GPS devices and online tracking systems enhancing safety and race logistics. As adventure racing continues to evolve, it remains a true test of teamwork, endurance, and adventure.
Race Details
Raid the Rock 2025 will feature two distinct course options:
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8-Hour Intermediate Course: Designed for those seeking a challenging yet manageable adventure, this course requires advanced navigation skills and is ideal for intermediate-level participants.
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24-Hour Advanced Course: Tailored for seasoned adventurers, this grueling course demands high-level navigation expertise and endurance, pushing teams to their limits over a full day.
Both courses will traverse the diverse terrains of Central Arkansas, providing participants with scenic views and demanding obstacles. Teams can choose from multiple divisions—4-person, 3-person, 2-person, and solo entries. Subdivisions within the 4-person category include premier, masters, and open divisions, catering to various team compositions and experience levels.
A Strong Adventure Racing State
In 2025, Arkansas will also host the prestigious USARA National Adventure Racing Championships in Bentonville, bringing top adventure racers from across the nation to compete. This event will showcase the state’s diverse terrain, offering a challenging course that highlights Arkansas’ natural beauty and rugged landscapes. As the first time Bentonville hosts this championship, it underscores the region’s growing reputation as a hub for outdoor recreation and adventure sports.
