Buff Betty Adventure Race

Over the last 15 years, the Buff Betty has introduced hundreds of women to the sport of adventure racing. It's a race for women designed for women, by women. The Buff Betty introduces racers to the sport in a fun, laid-back, friendly, and supportive environment; teams have two races to choose from, based on experience. Solo racers and teams of 2, 3 or 4 will hike, bike, paddle and navigate their way through either a 6-hour course, or a longer, more advanced, 10-hour course. 

With the growth of female racers and all-female teams in the sport over the past few years, the 10-hour course will challenge all levels of solo racers and teams, with more miles, more strategy, more route choices, and more complex navigation. If you have done the advanced Buff Betty over the years, you probably know that we don't water down the race just because it is all female! Make sure that at least one person on your team is comfortable and confident with map and compass-based navigation. 

The 6 hour "Taste of the Race" will be simpler and more straight-forward, with less biking, trekking and paddling. The course will be designed with beginners in mind: checkpoints will be on easily identifiable features such as trails, buildings, etc. No prior racing experiencing or navigation experience is required! Just a sense of adventure, basic ability to read a park map, teamwork, and a willingness to push yourself a little harder and farther than you thought possible. It is also the perfect race for introducing a daughter or a niece to the sport! If you have done a 5k, have ridden a bike in the woods, or come from another endurance sport such as triathlons and have been curious about how adventure racing works, this is the race for you. 

As is standard for our events, all checkpoints will be optional, although all transition areas will be mandatory. Teams and solo racers will be able to do as much of the course as they feel comfortable doing, to ensure that all teams get to the finish line. 

Both courses will have teams paddling a scenic moving Class 1 section of the James River. Overall the river is very tame and there is nothing to be concerned about if you have never paddled a moving river in a canoe or kayak. If anytime it will be fun, and a few class 1 ripples will spice things up!  All boats and paddle gear will be provided, and teams can bring their own paddles and PFD’s but no their own boats.