5 competitions you can do this summer

1.TEST YOUR LIMITS

Western Carolina Adventure Race (May 3, Modoc, South Carolina; kando adventures.com) At 39 miles, the course is long, but you’ll have the support of two teammates to keep you going. Use a map to plot your route to the fi nish line, then do everything from hike to bike to get there.

2.BRING SOME FRIENDS

Mini Mad Dash (May 4, Madison, Wisconsin; adventurenorth.net) Partner with two other racing newbies and spend up to four hours biking, trekking, and canoeing to the fi nish line.

3.USE YOUR BRAIN

The Great Urban Race (from May to November in cities nationwide; greaturban race.com) Sign up with a smart, fast buddy for this two-person event. You might have to complete a Sudoku puzzle and compete in a round of kickball, all to get clues that lead you to checkpoints. Think of it as a one-day version of The Amazing Race.

4.LEARN THE BASICS

Silver Sage Sprint Adventure Race (June 14, Reno, Nevada; bigblueadventure .com) Your entry fee includes a Q&A with racing pros. Once you’re armed with the know-how, you’ll spend two to four hours biking, running, and wading through a river along the 16-mile course.

5.COME READY FOR ANYTHING

Sprint Adventure Race (August 2, Allamuchy, New Jersey; genesis adventures.com) Surprise! You won’t know how far you’ll be hiking, kayaking, and biking—or in what order you’ll do the three activities—until just before the start of this 25-mile race. —M.S.