Wild&Co adventure races are multi-discipline events that combine endurance, navigation and teamwork across a range of outdoor environments.
While the exact mix and order of disciplines varies by event and location, the core disciplines of Wild&Co adventure races are trekking, mountain biking and paddling, supported by strong navigation skills. Some events may also include additional or “mystery” disciplines.
More detailed, event-specific information is provided in the Race Information Kit, released approximately one week prior to the event.
Teams must be prepared to operate in remote environments, navigate unmarked terrain and manage themselves safely in a wide range of weather conditions. A clear understanding of your own abilities and strong teamwork are essential.
Course Structure
Adventure race courses are made up of multiple legs, with each leg typically focusing on a single discipline such as trekking, mountain biking or paddling.
For most Wild&Co events:
Full Course teams should expect approximately 8–10 legs
Half Course teams should expect approximately 4–7 legs
The number, order and length of legs varies depending on the event format, location and course design.
Trekking
Trekking involves travelling on foot through varied and often rugged terrain.
Teams may encounter a mix of:
formed tracks and fire trails
cross-country and off-track navigation
coastal terrain, forest, hills and mountainous environments
Pace will vary depending on terrain, navigation choices and fatigue. Teams should be prepared for periods of slow, technical or physically demanding travel, including scrub, steep climbs, uneven footing, rock hopping, and off-track navigation.
Trekking legs vary in length and difficulty depending on the event format and location. Teams must be competent walkers or runners with appropriate outdoor skills, including route choice, pacing and fatigue management.
Mountain Biking
Mountain biking sections typically involve riding on a mix of:
fire trails and gravel roads
unsealed and sealed roads
cross-country terrain and singletrack
steep climbs and descents
Courses are designed around the use of a mountain bike, with an emphasis on steady progress and navigation rather than highly technical riding.
Teams should also be prepared for short hike-a-bike sections, where bikes must be pushed or carried due to terrain, steepness or access constraints.
Teams must remain together at all times and are responsible for navigating while riding.
Kayaking / Paddling
Paddling sections generally involve kayaking on inland rivers, lakes, estuaries or sheltered coastal environments.
Depending on the event location, paddling may take place:
on flat or slow-moving water
during both day and night
on ocean or white-water sections where suitable
Specific paddling conditions, safety requirements and any restrictions (such as night paddling or dark zones) will be clearly outlined in the Race Information Kit and pre-race briefings.
Kayak provision and equipment requirements vary by event format and are detailed on the relevant course and logistics pages.
Navigation
Navigation is a core skill in all Wild&Co adventure races.
Courses are unmarked, and teams must navigate between checkpoints using a map and compass, visiting checkpoints in the correct order unless otherwise stated in the course notes.
Navigation decisions directly affect distance travelled, time on course and overall performance. Strong navigation often has a greater impact on race outcome than physical speed alone.
Each team is provided with two sets of waterproof maps, along with official course notes at race registration.
Mystery Discipline
Some Wild&Co events include a Mystery Discipline — an additional adventure activity introduced as part of the course.
Mystery disciplines are designed to add variety, challenge and fun, while remaining accessible and safely managed for all competitors.
Examples may include:
archery
rock climbing or scrambling
abseiling or roping activities
caving
water crossings or short swims
other adventure-based challenges
All mystery disciplines are fully briefed and incorporated into the event’s safety planning. No prior experience is assumed unless explicitly stated in the Race Information Kit.
