GutCheck Cape Cod

EVENT INFORMATION

After five successful years as one of the most difficult sprint triathlons in the world, The GutCheck was reconfigured in 2019 as a point-to-point adventure race within Cape Cod’s 2000-acre DCR Nickerson State Park. Each year, the course will be different — and no one knows exactly what it will be until shortly before the race. Just know that it will be an endurance workout you won’t soon forget!

WARNING!

• Difficulty: This is a race for intermediate athletes.
• Conditions: Expect cold water, steep hills and difficult cliffside running trails paved with tree roots.
• Medical Support: While there will be emergency medical support on-site, all participants race at their own risk.

HOW IT WILL WORK:

Until shortly before the race, all you’ll know about this year’s GutCheck is that it will combine running, cycling, navigating and water crossing (paddleboard or swimming) in Nickerson State Park. You will present yourself at designated checkpoints along the way. Expect a finishing time of 1 to 2 hours. Whether you compete solo or with a group of your friends (2, 3 or 4 persons), the objective is to use your wits and fitness to scramble your way (including 92 steps built into a cliff) to the finish.

THE COURSE

Athletes will receive laminated maps that have checkpoints pre-marked before the race. You will navigate between checkpoints using the map and compass. Teams must check in at all checkpoints and the finish line together. Segments will be categorized as either a run, bike, or swim/paddle discipline.

• Navigation: Use the map and compass to find checkpoints.
• Team Dynamics: Teams must stay together at all checkpoints and the finish line.
• Race Composition: 2, 3 or 4-person teams compete together the entire race.
• Point-to-Point: There is no central transition area, so plan accordingly.

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE?

Prepare yourself for this event by training to be capable of trail running and biking for two-plus hours. There will be no more than four swim segments, and each swim segment will be 1/2 mile or less. Paddle segments will be longer. Biking elevations range from -5% to 8% grades, running elevations up to 18% grade.

• Swim Choice: You can choose between swimming or paddleboarding.
• Paddling: Be prepared for a mile+ of total paddling or 3/4 of total swimming.
• Map Reading: Be prepared to read and follow the supplied trail map.
• Team Categories: There will be solo, two-person, three-person, and four-person categories.

DISTANCES

Be prepared to:

• Paddle: 1 - 1.5 miles or Swim .5 - 1.0 miles
• Bike: 5 - 10 miles (steep hills)
• Run: 4 - 6 miles (technical trails)

USA TRIATHLON

This is a USAT Sanctioned race! That means that we meet or exceed strict guidelines set by USA Triathlon.

• Membership Requirement: You are required to have either an annual or 1-day (Bronze) USA Triathlon membership in order to race.
• Insurance License: Non-USAT members will be required to purchase a one-day event insurance license from USA Triathlon for $14.99.

GEAR LIST

• Road Bike: Bring your own bike.
• Bike Helmet: Required for safety.
• Paddle Board: Paddle board w/ paddle or surf board required.
• Life Vest: Bring a life vest or safe-swimmer buoy.
• Shoes: Running (or trail) shoes that don’t mind getting wet.

ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDED GEAR

• Marker: To be used on laminated map.
• Clothing: Long pants, tights or leg protection recommended.
• Protection: Sunglasses or hat, bug spray, and sunscreen.
• Compass: Bring a compass for navigation.

RACING AS A TEAM

Each person registers as an individual, noting the name of your team during the registration process. This avoids the hassle of one person registering the team but then needing to gather info and collect money from everybody.

• Team Checkpoints: Each member of the team must go through checkpoints and finish line together.
• Solo Option: Team members can decide to "race solo," or vice versa.

CAN TEAMS SHARE A PADDLEBOARD?

Yes! Up to 2 team members can be on 1 paddleboard at a time.

TRANSFER/REFUND POLICY

There will be no refunds, transfers or wait list.

TIMING

Results are expected to be posted to the GutCheck website and the NEEE website within one day.

TRAVEL

For those traveling from afar, Cape Cod is awash with hotels, motor lodges, inns, bed and breakfasts, vacation cottages and AirBnB offerings.

REGISTER NOW!

For more information and to register, visit: GutCheck Cape Cod.