To find out what you need to do your first adventure race, pick up a copy of the June 2002 issue of Runner Triathlete News. We provide a primer for your first adventure race, with expert tips from one of the top adventure racers in the U.S.

The Texas State Championship Adventure Race Series kicked off on May 4, 2002 with the first race of the series in Fort Worth, Texas. The series hosts seven different races across the state of Texas.

With the great turnout for the events in 2001, Terra Firma Promotions is expecting an even bigger turnout for this year's events. Why not, when there will be over $25,000 in awards and prizes given away by the end of the series. The series covers areas around Dallas, Houston, Austin and New Braunfels.

The races are designed to test all levels of ability from the seasoned adventure racers to beginning teams. The Texas State Championship Adventure Race Series has proven it is for racers of all levels boasting an 8-year-old that competed with her father in 1999. Each race involves a 1-3 mile trail run a 7-10 mile mountain bike, a 1-3 mile canoe and at least one mystery event to challenge teams. Teams must travel together completing all events emphasizing teamwork, which is a foundation of adventure racing.

The races all start at 9:00 a.m. and the duration is from 2-3 hours in length. The cost for each race is $60 per person ($120 per team) for early discount. Late entry or race day registration is $65 per person ($130 per team). Teams must provide their own mountain bikes, helmets and any food and water they will need. Sevylor kayaks, paddles, and life vests are provided for teams at each race. Awards and prizes are given to the top 10 teams in each division.

Teams that complete four or more races are eligible to compete in the Texas State Championship Sprint Adventure Race Point Series. The top 20 teams in each race will be awarded points for their finishing place. Teams must have a name to compete in the point series. For each team competing in the point series their best five finishes are used to determine their point average and ranking. At the end of the season the top five teams in each division of the points series will be awarded, including the 2002 Texas State Champions.

The Texas State Championship Adventure Race Series are USARA sanctioned events and each race is a qualifier for the 2002 USARA Sprint Adventure Race National Championships, which will be held in New Braunfels, Texas, on October 19, 2002. The top two teams in each division will qualify for the 2002 USARA Sprint Adventure Race National Championship. With all the awards and prizes and the chance to "go the distance" the opportunity to experience true adventure exists. Texas' varying weather conditions and different terrain at each course make the Texas State Championship Adventure Race Series a unique and exciting experience for any level of racer.

If you have any questions regarding The Texas State Championship Adventure Race Series please contact Terra Firma Promotions at (512) 863-3715 or by visiting their website at www.terrafirmapromo.com.