3ROC's Pay What You Want 6/12-hr Adventure Race

3 Rivers Outdoor Co. is humbled to bring adventure racing back to Western Pennsylvania.

The 3ROC Pay-What-You-Want Adventure Race is a semi-urban adventure race featuring two divisions—a 6-hour and a 12-hour option—where teams of up to four athletes will bike, trek, and paddle through Pittsburgh’s iconic neighborhoods, river corridors, staircases, and parklands, collecting as many checkpoints as possible before time runs out. Few cities are better suited for this challenge: Pittsburgh is home to more than 3,800 acres of public land across 176 city parks, stitched together by rivers, ridge lines, wooded ravines, and hidden corridors that reward smart navigation and bold route choices.

This race offers challenging navigation, rewarding checkpoints, meaningful strategy and route choice, and a welcoming, community-driven atmosphere. The course is designed to be competitive for experienced teams while remaining accessible to newer racers ready to push themselves and learn the sport.

The course is built with teams of all abilities in mind using a modified rogaine format. All teams must complete a designated mandatory route that requires less advanced navigation and is short enough that teams with solid baseline fitness should be able to finish within the time limit. More experienced teams can seek out additional, optional checkpoints designed to challenge the strongest competitors and sharpest navigators.

Because cost should never be a barrier to adventure, the 3ROC Adventure Race team has adopted a Pay-What-You-Want entry model. Aside from any platform processing fees, we are committed to covering the remaining costs of putting on the race—including permits, insurance, boats, and logistics—so that everyone who wants to race has the opportunity to do so. Use the Donation option to pay what you want, if you want.

WHAT IS ADVENTURE RACING?

Adventure racing is a multi-sport, navigation-based team sport where teams race across varied terrain to visit checkpoints within a set time limit. Instead of a fixed course like a triathlon, the course isn’t revealed until race day, and teams choose their own routes between checkpoints on foot, by bike, and often by paddle.

Teams of up to 4 racers stay together throughout the race (it’s not a relay).

Navigation is central: teams use map and (sometimes) compass skills to find checkpoints, making strategy and teamwork as important as fitness.

In short, adventure racing is like a scavenger hunt with a clock—a test of endurance, teamwork, strategy, and navigation across changing terrain.

ADVENTURE RACING FAQs

Is this like Tough Mudder or Spartan?
No. Adventure racing has no man-made obstacles. Teams navigate natural terrain using a map and compass, choosing their own routes between checkpoints.

Do I need to be in great shape?
No. While elite races can be very long, many adventure races are beginner-friendly and last just a few hours. They’re designed for a wide range of abilities.

Do I need expensive gear?
No. Many races include boats or offer rentals, and some courses reduce gear requirements to make entry easier for first-timers.

Do I need to be an expert navigator?
No. Beginner courses use shorter legs and obvious checkpoints. Most racers learn navigation by doing.

What should first-timers know?
Adventure racing is a team-based, navigation-focused outdoor challenge. If you like teamwork, problem-solving, and being outside, you’re ready to race.

Are GPS devices allowed in this race?
No, In adventure racing, GPS devices are generally prohibited because navigation is a core competitive discipline of the sport. The rules are designed to test a team's ability to use traditional orienteering tools like a map and compass and their ability to read terrain to find their way through the course.. 

Adventure belongs to everyone. We’ll see you at the start line.