More than a bike.
More than a run.
A UNIQUE JOURNEY ACROSS RUGGED, BEAUTIFUL TERRAIN
There are enough running and cycling races out there. How about a true test of your wits, determination and conditioning? The storied GutCheck Adventure Race is coming to Vermont in August 2026. Like the Cape Cod GutCheck race, each year the GutCheck Stratton course will be different — and no one knows exactly what it will be until minutes before the race!
Don’t miss out… join the field this year!
More than a bike.
More than a run.
A UNIQUE JOURNEY ACROSS RUGGED, BEAUTIFUL TERRAIN
There are enough running and cycling races out there. How about a true test of your wits, determination and conditioning? The storied GutCheck Adventure Race is coming to Vermont in August 2026. Like the Cape Cod GutCheck race, each year the GutCheck Stratton course will be different — and no one knows exactly what it will be until minutes before the race!
Don’t miss out… join the field this year!
More than a bike.
More than a run.
A UNIQUE JOURNEY ACROSS RUGGED, BEAUTIFUL TERRAIN
There are enough running and cycling races out there. How about a true test of your wits, determination and conditioning? The storied GutCheck Adventure Race is coming to Vermont in August 2026. Like the Cape Cod GutCheck race, each year the GutCheck Stratton course will be different — and no one knows exactly what it will be until minutes before the race!
Don’t miss out… join the field this year!
2250 Vertical Feet Of
trail running
1000 Vertical Feet Of
MTB/Gravel Cycling
Think-on-the-fly
decision making
How it works:
TO WIN, YOU NEED TO BE MORE THAN JUST FAST
Until shortly before the race, all you’ll know about this year’s GutCheck Stratton is that it will combine running, cycling and orienteering. You will present yourself at designated checkpoints along the way. Expect a finishing time of 2.5 to 4 hours. Whether you compete solo or with a group of your friends (teams of 2, 3 or 4 persons — everyone races the entire course together), the objective is to use your wits and fitness to scramble your way (and, at times, it will be a scramble!) to the finish.
Stratton Mountain Resort, Vermont
how should i prepare?
what should i bring?
Compete with friends…or go solo
Prepare yourself for this event by training to be capable of running and mountain biking for up to four hours. Hill climbing by both bike and foot are an essential part of this race — but don’t worry, there are plenty of flat or gentle downhill stretches too!
There are four race categories: solo, two-person, three-person and four-person. All members of a team must remain in close contact and finish at the same time.
SOLO
GO IT ALONE!
2-PERSON TEAM
RACE WITH A FRIEND!
3-PERSON TEAM
TACKLE IT TOGETHER!
4-PERSON TEAM
FOUR TIMES THE FUN!
how should i prepare?
what should i bring?
Compete with friends…or go solo
Prepare yourself for this event by training to be capable of running and mountain biking for up to four hours. Hill climbing by both bike and foot are an essential part of this race — but don’t worry, there are plenty of flat or gentle downhill stretches too!
There are four race categories: solo, two-person, three-person and four-person. All members of a team must remain in close contact and finish at the same time.
SOLO
GO IT ALONE!
2-PERSON TEAM
RACE WITH A FRIEND!
3-PERSON TEAM
TACKLE IT TOGETHER!
4-PERSON TEAM
FOUR TIMES THE FUN!
how should i prepare?
what should i bring?
Compete with friends…or go solo
Prepare yourself for this event by training to be capable of running and mountain biking for up to four hours. Hill climbing by both bike and foot are an essential part of this race — but don’t worry, there are plenty of flat or gentle downhill stretches too!
There are four race categories: solo, two-person, three-person and four-person. All members of a team must remain in close contact and finish at the same time.
SOLO
GO IT ALONE!
2-PERSON TEAM
RACE WITH A FRIEND!
3-PERSON TEAM
TACKLE IT TOGETHER!
4-PERSON TEAM
FOUR TIMES THE FUN!
The Basics
August 15, 2026, 9:30am
Race configuration: The 2026 event will involve trail running and mountain biking. Participants race from checkpoint to checkpoint, referencing their map — provided shortly before race start.
Should I race solo or form a team? You could do either. Teams range from 2 athletes to 4 and can be “added to” as race day approaches. Teammates race the entire course together. A great way to spend a morning with friends!
Training: Faster athletes will likely be on the course for 2-3 hours. Other athletes should plan on 3-5 hours. Plan your training accordingly. Time cut-offs are very generous.
Bike Course: In addition to using mountain bikes, the bike segments can be navigated by gravel cyclists who have experience and training on smooth single-track dirt trails with sharp inclines. Trails used on race day may have a sustained uphill pitch of up to 7%.
Travel/Lodging: Stratton Mountain Resort has a variety of lodging accommodations at all price points. View their hotel accommodations and rental homes. Registered athletes will receive additional details regarding lodging in their confirmation emails.
Race Schedule
SUNDAY BEFORE THE RACE
7pm: Athlete’s Meeting via Zoom
DAY BEFORE THE RACE
4:30 – 6pm: Packet pickup in Stratton Village
RACE DAY
7:30 – 9am: Packet pickup (location TBD)
9:15am: Map distribution
9:30am: Race starts!
1pm: Food service begins
3pm: Awards Ceremony
The Basics
August 15, 2026, 9:30am
Race configuration: The 2026 event will involve trail running and mountain biking. Participants race from checkpoint to checkpoint, using their own interpretation of their map — provided shortly before race start.
Should I race solo or form a team?: You could do either. Teams range from 2 athletes to 4 and can be “added to” as race day approaches. Teammates race the entire course together. A great way to spend a morning with friends!
Training: Fast athletes will likely be on the course for 2-2.5 hours. Other athletes should plan on up to 3-5 hours. Time cut-offs are very generous.
Porters: Each athlete should designate a friend or family member to serve as their support porter during the race. Duties are relatively light; taking away your bike/helmet at certain stages of the race; and/or transporting the bike by car from one point to another. All porters also receive the post-race meal that’s part of your entry. One person can porter for up to two athletes. Teams of 3 or 4 should plan to have two porters.
What to bring: Running gear, mountain bike with helmet, sunscreen, protective eyewear. While nutrition and hydration will be provided at checkpoints of the race, you would be best served to have some on your bike. Most racers will also wear hydration belts or vests.
Where to go race morning to drop off gear: Instructions will be emailed in advance; volunteers will direct you at park entrance.
Water/Nutrition: Provided at checkpoints (6-10 per race)
Awards: Categories are male solo and female solo, overall as well as specified age groups. Also: 2-athlete team, 3-athlete team, 4-athlete team.
Age Restriction: All participants must be 18+
Additional Details: All athletes will receive email communications with further details as race date nears.
Questions: Contact us using the form below.
Race Schedule
SUNDAY BEFORE THE RACE
7pm: Athlete’s Meeting via Zoom
DAY BEFORE THE RACE
4:30 – 6pm: Packet pickup in Stratton Village
RACE DAY
7:30 – 9am: Packet pickup (location TBD)
9:15am: Map distribution
9:30am: Race starts!
1pm: Food service begins
3pm: Awards Ceremony
More Basics
Porters: Each athlete or team must designate a friend or family member to serve as their porter during the race. Duties are relatively light; taking away your bike/helmet at certain stages of the race; and/or transporting the bike by car from one point to another. All porters also receive the post-race meal that’s part of your entry. One person can porter for up to two athletes. Teams of 3 or 4 should plan to have two porters.
What to bring: Running gear, mountain bike with helmet — and a friend to be your porter!
Water/Nutrition: Nutrition and hydration will be provided at checkpoints of the race. Most racers will prep their bikes with water bottles and may wear hydration belts or vests.
After-Race Luncheon & Awards Ceremony: Held at the base lodge…within yards of the finish line. Athletes and porters are admitted free; other family and friends can pay a minimal charge.
Age Restriction: All participants must be 18+
Additional Details: All athletes will receive email communications with further details as race date nears.
Questions: Contact us using the form below.
