Join Heidi Muller, CEO of the Adventure Racing World Series (ARWS), as she officially opens the conference with a message of vision, unity, and growth.

In this welcome address, Heidi will reflect on the journey of ARWS, the milestones achieved, and the exciting future that lies ahead for the global adventure racing community. She will highlight key themes of the conference, acknowledge the contributions of athletes, race directors, and partners, and set the tone for the collaborative spirit that defines this sport.

Expect insights into:

• The evolving landscape of global adventure racing

• ARWS’s strategic priorities and goals

• The importance of community, innovation, and inclusion in shaping the sport’s next chapter

• A heartfelt welcome to all attendees and contributors

The global adventure racing community is evolving — and with that evolution came the need for unified representation, governance, and growth.

In this pivotal session, Wayne Leek and Alen Pujol will provide an update on the International Adventure Racing Association (IARA), which marked a major step forward for the sport on a global scale.

Attendees will gain insight into:

• An update on IARA

• The vision and mission guiding the association's development

• IARA’s intended role within the sport, including athlete advocacy, standards development, education, and international collaboration

• How IARA will support race organizers, athletes, referees, and governing bodies

• The next steps in building the association — and how the global community can get involved

This session is an important first look at what could become a central pillar in the future of adventure racing — offering structure, unity, and a global voice for a sport that thrives on wild terrain and bold ambition.

Be part of the conversation and help shape the direction of IARA.

In a groundbreaking move for gender representation in endurance sports, Jan and Kim from Tri Adventure hosted the first-ever all-female ARWS (Adventure Racing World Series) event, aptly named Amazons Australia, set against the stunning backdrop of tropical North Queensland.

This session will delve into the vision, planning, and execution of the Amazons Australia race — a historic milestone that not only broke new ground within the ARWS but also sparked a wider conversation about the development and recognition of female athletes in adventure racing. Attendees will hear firsthand how Jan and Kim proposed and secured approval for an all-female format, and the transformative impact it has had on participants and the broader ARWS community.

We will explore:

• The challenges and triumphs of organizing an all-female event in a traditionally co-ed sport.

• How this initiative supports the empowerment, visibility, and development of women in endurance sports.

• The significance of safe, supportive spaces for female competitors to test their limits and build confidence.

• The future vision for female-led and female-focused events in the global ARWS landscape.

This session is a celebration of bold leadership, inclusive innovation, and the unstoppable rise of the female adventurer.

How do we ignite passion for adventure racing in the next generation and ensure the sport continues to grow, evolve, and thrive?

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In this dynamic session, Lars, Franco, JT and Romy will share their on-the-ground experiences and successful initiatives in engaging youth through adventure racing. From grassroots programs to school-based curriculums and community-driven events, you’ll hear real-world examples of how AR is being used to develop young athletes — not just in sport, but in life.

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Together, we will explore:

• Pathways into Adventure Racing: How do young people first discover the sport? What models are proving effective in introducing AR to youth, from entry-level races to integrated school programs?

• Skills & Character Development: Learn how adventure racing fosters resilience, teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, and a love for the outdoors — essential traits for both racing and life.

• Barriers & Accessibility: Addressing the challenges youth face in participating, including cost, equipment, geographic limitations, and lack of awareness. What solutions are helping remove these barriers?

• Mentorship & Role Models: The critical role of coaches, educators, and experienced racers in guiding and inspiring young participants. How can we build strong mentorship networks?

• Future Vision: What does the future of youth engagement in AR look like? How can we collaborate globally to ensure long-term growth and sustainability?

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This session is both a showcase and a call to action — aimed at race directors, educators, sponsors, and community leaders who believe in the power of adventure to shape the next generation.

In Brazil, football dominates the sports media landscape — yet Adventurar, a television program dedicated to outdoor sports and adventure racing, now reaches over 42 million viewers across four national channels.

In this inspiring session, Samuel from Adventurar and ARWS Brazil will share how strategic storytelling, high-quality production, and community-driven initiatives have helped adventure racing gain unprecedented visibility.

Discover how major sponsors like Garmin, Shokz, and Columbia, alongside tourism boards and sports departments, were engaged to support the sport’s growth. Learn from real-world examples including the Women’s Adventure Race — which has introduced over 120 newcomers to the sport — and an innovative adventure school program integrated into traditional education.

Whether you’re an athlete, race organizer, or industry stakeholder, this session will offer actionable insights for elevating adventure racing’s profile and creating lasting impact in your region.

Adventure racing doesn’t just challenge athletes — it also showcases some of the world’s most breathtaking natural landscapes. In this insightful session, Lyndie Seddon explores how strategic partnerships with the tourism sector can elevate adventure racing events while delivering meaningful benefits to local communities.

Drawing from real-world experience and successful collaborations, Lyndie will highlight the mutual value that can be created when race organizers engage with regional tourism bodies, operators, and local businesses. These partnerships go far beyond sponsorship — they can amplify event exposure, boost regional economies, and enhance racer and spectator experiences.

Key discussion points will include:

• The economic and promotional benefits of aligning with local tourism initiatives.

• How to position adventure racing as a destination event that attracts visitors and investment.

• Successful case studies where tourism partnerships enhanced the scale, sustainability, and legacy of a race.

• Building long-term relationships with tourism boards and navigating shared goals.

• Strategies for race directors to pitch and collaborate effectively with the tourism industry.

This session is essential for race directors, event planners, and stakeholders looking to grow their events, strengthen local ties, and contribute positively to the regions that host adventure races.

In the extreme demands of adventure racing, athletes constantly navigate physical hardship, emotional turbulence, and cognitive overload. Yet, the clarity, courage, and connection forged on the course often stay behind when the race ends. This session introduces a practical and powerful framework to change that.

Led by Jesse Tubb, founder of GRIT Adventures and creator of the Mindset Reset tool, this session focuses on developing mental fitness to not only perform more effectively during races but to intentionally transfer resilience from the racecourse into daily life, relationships, and work. Participants will engage in guided reflection, storytelling, and resilience-mapping exercises used in GRIT Adventures' evidence-informed curriculum, "Adopt a Team Mindset" and the "Adventure Skills for Life" training series.

Why This Matters:

Adventure racing athletes already embody resilience in motion. This session helps them recognize, name, and transfer that inner strength to other areas of life with intention. Drawing from GRIT Adventures’ virtual workshops for athletes, educators, and veterans, this session builds on a tested framework that bridges the gap between peak performance and personal growth.

Rules are the foundation of fair play — but in a sport as dynamic and unpredictable as adventure racing, how they are applied and evolve is just as critical as the rules themselves.

Join moderator Brian Gatens and a panel of experienced ARWS officials — Scott Alexander, Igor Dorotic, and Wayne Leek — for a timely and thought-provoking discussion on the intent, interpretation, and ongoing evolution of the Adventure Racing World Series rules.

This session will explore:

• The core philosophy behind the ARWS rules: What are they designed to protect, promote, or prevent?

• How referees and race officials should approach rule enforcement in the spirit of fairness, safety, and integrity.

• A candid look at specific rules currently under review — what's creating friction or confusion, and what potential changes are being considered?

• The balance between consistency and flexibility, especially in remote, high-pressure racing environments.

Audience members will gain deeper insight into how rules are shaped, applied, and evolved — and will have the opportunity to understand the reasoning behind rule interpretations and updates that directly impact teams, organizers, and referees alike.

This is a must-attend for racers, referees, and race directors who want to stay informed, contribute to the conversation, and help shape the future of a fair and thriving sport.

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END OF CONFERENCE LIVE FEED

The Athletes' Forum is your opportunity to be heard.

Moderated by Brian Gatens and joined by Heidi Muller along with a panel of ARWS Race Directors, this open session is designed specifically for athletes, by athletes. It provides a platform for adventure racers of all levels to ask questions, raise concerns, share experiences, and discuss the evolving landscape of the sport.

Whether you're a seasoned racer or new to the ARWS, this is your chance to engage directly with the decision-makers who shape the racing experience — from course design to logistics, safety, and athlete support.

Key areas of discussion may include:

• Athlete welfare and support during multi-day races

• Communication between teams and race organizers

• Ideas for improving the athlete experience

Come ready to speak, listen, and collaborate. Your insights and experiences are invaluable to shaping a stronger, more inclusive, and more exciting future for adventure racing.