Great Ames Adventure Race - 2024

Sunday, September 8, 2024 in Ames, IA at Ada Hayden Heritage Park


  • Men's Solo
    Solo participants compete in the entire course.

    » $40.00 Per Person (through 9/6 at 11:59 PM US/Central)
    Men's Solo Registration

  • Women's Solo
    Solo participants compete in the entire course.

    » $40.00 Per Person (through 9/6 at 11:59 PM US/Central)
    Women's Solo Registration

  • Men's Solo Masters - age 50 and over.
    You must elect (and qualify for) Masters to compete in this category.

    » $40.00 Per Person (through 9/6 at 11:59 PM US/Central)
    Men's Solo Masters 50+ Registration

  • Women's Solo Masters - age 50 and over.
    You must elect (and qualify for) Masters to compete in this category.

    » $40.00 Per Person (through 9/6 at 11:59 PM US/Central)
    Women's Solo Masters 50+ Registration

  • Adult - Youth Tandem
    Tandem participants compete over the entire course and stay together for the paddle, bike and run.

    » $40.00 Per Person (through 9/6 at 11:59 PM US/Central)
    Adult - Youth Tandem Registration

  • Men's Tandem
    Tandem participants compete over the entire course, paddle together, but bike and run separately.

    » $40.00 Per Person (through 9/6 at 11:59 PM US/Central)
    Men's Tandem Registration

  • Women's Tandem
    Tandem participants compete over the entire course, paddle together, but bike and run separately.

    » $40.00 Per Person (through 9/6 at 11:59 PM US/Central)
    Women's Tandem Registration

  • Mixed Tandem
    Tandem participants compete over the entire course, paddle together, but bike and run separately.

    » $40.00 Per Person (through 9/6 at 11:59 PM US/Central)
    Mixed Tandem Registration

  • Adult - Youth Relay
    Two to six participants per team. One adult-youth pair per relay leg. Use tandem kayak/canoe, and bike.

    » $30.00 Per Person (through 9/6 at 11:59 PM US/Central)

    Individual participants may compete in one, two, or three of the relay segments allowing 2 to six participants. The adult and youth must stay together on the relay segments and may use a tandem kayak, two person canoe, and tandem bike.
    Adult - Youth Relay Registration

  • Men's 2-4 Person Relay
    Relay participants compete in successive sections of the race. Teams can consist of two, three, or four persons.

    » $30.00 Per Person (through 9/6 at 11:59 PM US/Central)
    Men's Relay Registration

  • Women's 2-4 Person Relay
    Relay participants compete in successive sections of the race. Teams can consist of two, three, or four persons.

    » $30.00 Per Person (through 9/6 at 11:59 PM US/Central)
    Women's Relay Registration

  • Mixed 2-4 Person Relay
    Relay participants compete in successive sections of the race. Teams can consist of two, three, or four persons.

    » $30.00 Per Person (through 9/6 at 11:59 PM US/Central)
    Mixed Relay Registration

  • Corporate 2-4 Person Relay
    Relay participants compete in successive sections of the race. Teams can consist of two, three, or four persons.

    » $250.00 Per Team (through 8/13 at 11:59 PM US/Central)
    » $300.00 Per Team (8/13 at 11:59 PM US/Central through 9/6 at 11:59 PM US/Central)
    Corporate Relay Registration


* Click here for fee information

Connect with others about this event and see who's going!

 The Great Ames Adventure Race

The Great Ames Adventure Race (GAAR) is an amateur athletic event suitable for all ages. Whether you're pushing your own limits or competing alongside family, friends, or colleagues, this paddle-bike-run challenge is known for its enduring appeal, drawing participants back annually.

 The Event

The 2024, 16th Annual GAAR will be held on Sunday, September 8th. 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?

  • Solo participants compete in the entire course.
  • Solo Masters participants are aged 50 and over and have selected Solo Masters as their category to compete in.
  • Tandem participants compete over the entire course, paddling together in a canoe or tandem kayak. They may also bike together on a tandem bike. The other segments are completed independently and finish times for the two participants are averaged for awards and placement.
    • [*]Relay participants compete in successive sections of the race. Two, three and four-person relay teams will compete together in one category.

    		 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 begins. Participants end back at the transition to begin the 5K run around the lake.

    		 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 GreatAmesAdventureRace.com 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 GreatAmesAdventureRace.com 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?

    The Ames Jaycees is part of a global leadership development organization for young people aged 18 to 40. They focus on personal development, community service, and providing opportunities for networking and professional growth. Proceeds from the race help our chapter support the local community, local charities and other 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 amesjayceesgaar@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 GreatAmesAdventureRace.com for course maps, race rules and online registration information.

    • American Express Discover Card Mastercard Visa
    • When this page loaded, the official time was 11:48:38 PM EDT.