Over the past 16 years, the Buff Betty has introduced hundreds of women to the sport of adventure racing. It's a race for women, designed by women.  The Buff Betty introduces racers to the sport in a fun, laid-back, friendly, and supportive environment. For this year's race, there will be one race course option: the original Buff Betty. The race will run between 8-10 hours, for a full day of biking, trekking, paddling and navigating. 

 

We are only offering one race this year; the course will be designed to accommodate all levels, from beginners to seasoned racers. There will be options for everyone to take on the course in the way they see fit, doing what they can within the time frame. All checkpoints will be optional and all Transition Areas (TAs) mandatory. The team with the most points in the least amount of time wins. It’s the perfect race for beginners, while also challenging the most seasoned of racers—with options to take on more challenging checkpoints, depending on navigation, strategy, distance and mountain biking ability. 

 

RACE VENUE: 

 

York River State Park near historic Williamsburg Virginia, is known for its rare and delicate estuarine environment, where fresh water and salt water meet to create a rich habitat for marine and plant life. Located on the York River, the park is known for its fossil beds and numerous beaches. With more than 40 miles of multi-use trails that explore the marsh, river, shoreline and forests, racers will be treated to a unique race environment. From paddling up a tidal creek, to fossil hunting, beach trekking, open woods, and some fun mountain biking, this Buff Betty is not to be missed!! 

 

DISCIPLINES:

 

Trekking, mountain biking, paddling and navigation. There will be a wide variety of checkpoint options and routes to chose from. For more seasoned racers, you can expect plenty of off-trail navigation, and strategy. The mountain bike trails in the park range from easy to challenging. You will see a little bit of everything on the course, with most of the riding taking place in the woods on trails, both single track and double track. There will be minimal road riding. 

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Approximate distances will be provided as we get closer to race day. However based on our early scouring you can expect: 

Paddling in canoes and kayaks: 3-5 miles on a tidal creek and river 

Trekking: 10-13 miles 

Biking: 20-23 miles  

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The Buff Betty is a USARA-sanctioned event. Racers must either have an annual USARA membership or purchase a single-event license through RunSignUp. Annual membership is instrumental in sustaining USARA’s efforts to support the US-based AR community and host an annual National Championship. In addition to supporting the community as a whole and having single-event fees waived, annual membership includes access to ExpertVoice, an incredible resource for athletes that unlocks pro-deals to hundreds of name-brands. For new racers, check out USARA's New to Adventure Racing database, a terrific collection of articles that will help you dive into the amazing sport of AR!

 

WHAT YOU'LL GET:​

• A professionally-designed, fun, safe, challenging and creative race course design 

• All insurance, permits and safety staff 

• Beautiful custom-made map(s)          

• Race Tracking (TBD) 

• Sweet schwag and our signature finisher prize for working hard and crossing the finish line 

• Cool prizes & medals on the podium for the top 3 teams in each division 

• Fabulous post-race food. 

• All boats and paddling gear provided 

• A great day outside with old and new friends

 

MANDATORY GEAR:

Most of this mandatory gear is for your safety. 

 

Mandatory Gear for Each Racer

Backpack and a way to carry water (e.g., camelbak, water bottles, etc.)

Food and water for the race

Space blanket (We recommend the SOL Space Blanket)

Whistle

Rain jacket 

Headlamp

Mountain bikes are highly recommended and cross bikes are allowed. No road bikes allowed. 

Bike helmet

Paddles and PFDs are provided by race, but racers may bring their own

Boats are provided by race (racers may not bring their own boats)

A sense of adventure!

 

Mandatory Gear for Each Team

Compass: just in case you get lost. But don't worry, you won't get lost!

Bike tool, spare tube(s), pump or CO2

Basic medical kit (We recommend the Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight 3):

Duct tape

Race map (provided at check-in)

Race rules of travel (provided at check-in)

Race passport (provided at check-in)

Watch

Cell phone (fully charged)

Small dry bag for the safe-keeping of your cell phone. These bag(s) SHOULD BE WATERPROOF. It is to your benefit to make sure you have the best waterproofing system you can find.

 

Recommended Gear

Waterproof map case (this can be as simple as zip lock(s) bags and duct tape or a store bought case)

​Map board for your bike 

Long fingered gloves 

Long tights/pants

Extra socks