Great Ames Adventure Race - 2022
in United States at Ada Hayden Heritage Park-
Men's Solo
Solo participants compete in the entire course.Online registration is closed for this category.
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Women's Solo
Solo participants compete in the entire course.Online registration is closed for this category.
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Men's Solo Masters - age 50 and over.
You must elect (and qualify for) Masters to compete in this categoryOnline registration is closed for this category.
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Women's Solo Masters - age 50 and over.
You must elect (and qualify for) Masters to compete in this categoryOnline registration is closed for this category.
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Adult - Youth Tandem
Tandem participants compete over the entire course and stay together forthe paddle, bike and run.Online registration is closed for this category.
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Men's Tandem
Tandem participants compete over the entire course, paddle together, but bike and run separately.Online registration is closed for this category.
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Mixed Tandem
Tandem participants compete over the entire course, paddle together, but bike and run separately.Online registration is closed for this category.
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Women's Tandem
Tandem participants compete over the entire course, paddle together, but bike and run separately.Online registration is closed for this category.
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Adult - Youth Relay
Each leg of the relay includes one adult and one youth under 12.Individual participants may compete in one, two, or three of the relaysegments allowing 2 to six participants. The adult and youth must staytogether on the relay segments and may use a tandem kayak, two personcanoe, and tandem bike.Online registration is closed for this category.
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Corporate 2-4 Person Relay
Relay participants compete in successive sections of the race. Two, three and four- person relay teamsOnline registration is closed for this category.
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Men's 2-4 Person Relay
Relay participants compete in successive sections of the race. Two, three and four- person relay teamsOnline registration is closed for this category.
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Mixed 2-4 Person Relay
Relay participants compete in successive sections of the race. Two, three and four- person relay teamsOnline registration is closed for this category.
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Women's 2-4 Person Relay
Relay participants compete in successive sections of the race. Two, three and four- person relay teamsOnline registration is closed for this category.
The Great Ames Adventure Race |
The Great Ames Adventure Race (GAAR) is an amateur athletic event designed for all ages and abilities. Challenge yourself, or challenge family, friends, and coworkers in a paddle-bike-run event that keeps bringing people back, year after year.
The Event |
The 2022, 15th Annual GAAR will be held on Sunday, September 11th. Participants must check in by 7:00 a.m. Boats must be staged prior to the mandatory briefing at 7:15 and the race will start at 7:30 a.m.
GAAR starts and finishes at Ada Hayden Heritage Park, 5205 Grand Avenue in north Ames. Family and friends are welcome and may join participants at the Moose Lodge for pancakes and the AWARDS Ceremony following the race.
How do the categories work? |
The Course |
The race begins with waves of six canoes and kayaks on a 2.5 mile race around the lake. Participants then exit the lake to a transition area where the 15 mile bike race and the 5K run begin.
Pancakes and Awards |
Prizes and Awards will be presented at the Moose Lodge immediately following the race. The pancake breakfast is free to registered participants and is open to the public at $4.00 per person ($2/child). The Moose Lodge is 1/2 mile north of the park at US Hwy 69 and 190th Street.
Where |
GAAR will start and finish at Ada Hayden Park in Ames. Visit amesjaycees.com/gaar for course maps, race rules and registration forms.
Rules |
Participating teams are assigned to waves based on date of registration.
Athletes must check in prior to 7:00 a.m. and boats must be staged near the ramp prior to the race briefing at 7:15. The race begins at 7:30.
Participants in the paddling leg of the race must wear a US Coast Guard approved personal flotation device.
Participants in the bike leg of the race must wear a CPSC/ANSI approved bicycle helmet.
Any type of bicycle, canoe, kayak, or paddle may be used.
GAAR reserves the right to use your photo, including video, for promotional purposes.
Visit amesjaycees.com/gaar for a complete listing of event rules, course maps, and online registration information
Where can I get a boat? |
Participants needing a boat should make advance arrangements for canoe and kayak rentals with:
JAX/Ames Outdoor Gear (515) 292-2276,
Seven Oaks Recreation (515) 432-9457, or
Be sure to mention you are renting for GAAR and work out the transport details with them!
Where do the proceeds from the race go? |
GAAR proceeds help support local Charities and Non-Profits. Past recipients include the local chapter of the American Red Cross, Food at First, the Ames Emergency Shelter, Friendship Ark Homes, Friends of Ada Hayden Heritage Park and the Gilbert Trail Project.
How may I sign up to volunteer? |
Please contact us at travlala@gmail.com and indicate how you or your group might like to help!
For Additional Information |
This is a rain or shine event! Should weather conditions pose a threat to participants, spectators or volunteers, GAAR officials reserve the right to delay or cancel the race.
(No refunds will be given.)
Visit amesjaycees.com/gaar for course maps, race rules and online registration information.
- When this page loaded, the official time was 4:45:56 PM EDT.