Kim Duren
Wednesday, August 26, 2026 11:33 am

For those who have ever wondered how well they could find their way through the woods with nothing more than a map and compass--or who are simply looking for a new outdoor challenge--the Broad River Greenway has something different planned for September.

The Greenway Gauntlet Adventure Race will take place Saturday, September 19, 2026, offering participants a choice between the Full Gauntlet, which combines paddling and land navigation, and a Land Navigation Challenge for those who prefer to keep their feet on solid ground.

This isn't a traditional road or trail race. There is no marked course to follow from start to finish. Instead, participants will receive a map and a set of coordinates and will use their own navigation skills to determine the best route between checkpoints.

That means the answer to one of the most frequently asked questions--"How long will it take?"--is simple: it depends.

Experienced navigators may plot an efficient route and move quickly from point to point. Those newer to map-and-compass navigation may spend a little more time deciding which way to go. Finding the route is part of the challenge and part of the fun.

Participants may compete solo or as a team. Solo competitors must be at least 18 years old. Younger racers may participate on a team beginning at age 12, provided they are partnered with an adult age 18 or older. Teams must remain together throughout the competition, checking in together at each checkpoint and crossing the finish line together.

The Full Gauntlet adds a paddling component to the adventure, taking advantage of one of the Greenway's defining natural features--the Broad River. Participants may bring their own canoe or kayak. A limited number of canoes will also be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Racers who need a canoe should first complete their registration and payment and then email kduren@broadrivergreenway.com to reserve one while supplies last.

The event is designed to test outdoor skills rather than technology. Navigation will be accomplished using traditional map-and-compass skills, with GPS devices, smartphones, smartwatches, AI tools and other electronic navigation aids prohibited for navigation during the competition.

And, of course, there are bragging rights at stake.

Awards will be presented to the first-, second- and third-place finishers in both the Solo and Team divisions. There are no separate age categories--the challenge is the same: navigate well, make good decisions and get to the finish.

Entry fees are $35 for solo competitors and $45 for teams, whether participants choose the Full Gauntlet or the Land Navigation Challenge. Participants must be 18 years old or older to participate SOLO. 12 and up can compete on a team as long they participate with an adult (18 years old). Greenway Gauntlet is an invitation to experience Broad River Greenway differently. The Greenway's mixed hardwood forests, trail system and river corridor provide the setting, but participants decide how they move through it. Success will depend on observation, decision-making, teamwork and the ability to keep a cool head when the obvious route may not necessarily be the best one.

For experienced adventure racers, the Gauntlet offers a chance to put familiar skills to work in a new setting. For newcomers, it offers an accessible introduction to navigation-based competition without requiring specialized racing experience.

Check-in begins at 9am September 19 at the Broad River Greenway Ranger Station, 126 Broad River Drive, Shelby. The detailed event schedule will be announced prior to race day.

Whether competitors choose the river-and-land Full Gauntlet or tackle navigation alone, one thing is certain: this isn't a race where following the person ahead guarantees getting you where you need to go.

At the Greenway Gauntlet, finding your way is the race.