GutCheck Cape Cod

EVENT INFORMATION After five successful years as one of the most difficult sprint triathlons in the world, The GutCheck was reconfigured in 2019 as a point-to-point adventure race within Cape Cod’s 2000-acre DCR Nickerson State Park. Each year, the course will be different — and no one knows exactly what it will be until shortly before the race. Just know that it will be an endurance workout you won’t soon forget! WARNING! This is a race for intermediate athletes. Expect cold water, steep hills and difficult cliffside running trails paved with tree roots. While there will be emergency medical support on-site, all participants race at their own risk. HOW IT WILL WORK: Until shortly before the race, all you’ll know about this year’s GutCheck is that it will combine running, cycling, navigating and water crossing (paddleboard or swimming) in Nickerson State Park. You will present yourself at designated checkpoints along the way. Expect a finishing time of 1 to 2 hours. Whether you compete solo or with a group of your friends (2, 3 or 4 persons), the objective is to use your wits and fitness to scramble your way (including 92 steps built into a cliff) to the finish. THE COURSE Athletes will receive laminated maps that have checkpoints pre-marked before the race. You will navigate between checkpoints using the map and compass. Teams must check in at all checkpoints and the finish line together. Segments will be categorized as either a run, bike, or swim/paddle discipline. Keep in mind that you may have multiple running, biking, and swim/paddling legs that alternate throughout the race. Also, unlike a relay, 2, 3 or 4-person teams compete together the entire race. This is a point-to-point race, there is no central transition area so plan accordingly. HOW SHOULD I PREPARE? Prepare yourself for this event by training to be capable of trail running and biking for two-plus hours. There will be no more than four swim segments, and each swim segment will be 1/2 mile or less. Pa