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Prizes by:


2011 Great Ames Adventure 	Race logo THE GREAT AMES ADVENTURE RACE!

The 2011 GAAR - An Amazing Race!

THANK YOU ALL FOR ANOTHER GREAT RACE! Many thanks to our sponsors, supporters, prize donors and volunteers, and congratulations to each and every participant. We hope you all had as much fun as we did!

Results are by category: Solo, Tandem, and Relay.
First Place Winners are in the September 16 News Release
Photos are on Picasa and on our Facebook Page.
We have one GAAR leftover - a water bottle.
    Email info @ greatamesadventurace.org to claim.


The Great Ames Adventure Race (GAAR) is a fun-filled amateur athletic event combining paddling, bicycling, and running. Participants are encouraged to challenge themselves or to challenge family, friends and coworkers in either solo, tandem or relay divisions. New this year an additional three person "Corporate Team" category has been created, and a "Corporate Cup" trophy will be awarded. Please indicate on your registration if you would like to enter this new category.

The GAAR starts and finishes at Ada Hayden Heritage Park, 5205 Grand Avenue in North Ames. Participants are started in heats on a 2.7 mile canoe and kayak race around Ada Hayden Lake and exit the lake to a transition area where the 15 mile bike race and 5K (3.1 mile) run begin. The bike race is on paved roads west and north of the park. The 5K is on asphalt and cinder trails within the park. Life jackets (PFDs) and bike helmets are required. (Click for ROUTE MAPS)

The 2011 GAAR will be held on Sunday September 11th, which is the first Sunday following Labor Day. The race starts at 7:30 a.m. All participants must check in by 7 a.m. Download the 2011 GAAR brochure here.

Current Registrations as of noon on September 5. It's not too late - late fees are being waived! You may register online through Thursday and we'll accept registrations until 7:00 AM Sunday! (Note that we cannot guarantee that those who register late will receive an event t-shirt)

- 2011 Press Release and Poster.


REGISTRATION

    Early registration fees (registrations and payment postmarked by September 2nd, 2011)

    • SOLO - $30.00 (one person, entire route)

    • TANDEM - $60.00 (two people in one canoe or tandem kayak, BOTH bike, BOTH run; times are averaged)

    • RELAY (participants compete in sections as assigned by their teams)
      2-person - $60.00
      3-person - $90.00
      4-person - $120.00
         

    Due to an error with our online registration WE WILL NOT BE ASSESSING A LATE REGISTRATION FEE this year. Late Fees already paid will be refunded at the race. Please note that we cannot guarantee that those who register late will receive an event t-shirt.

    ONLINE REGISTRATION is available at GetMeRegistered.com

    To register by mail print and complete the Registration Form and Waiver page or the pdf Registration Form and mail with payment to:

        Friends of Central Iowa Biking
        4211 Stone Brooke Road
        Ames, IA 50010

        Please make checks payable to "Friends of Central Iowa Biking" and note "GAAR" in the memo.

    GAAR reserves the right to use your photo, including video, for promotional purposes.


AWARDS will be presented at the Moose Lodge
(1/4 mile north of the park at Hwy 69 and 190th Street) following the race. A pancake breakfast will be served at the Moose Lodge from 8:00 a.m. until noon. The breakfast is included with each registration and is available to family, friends and the general public at $4/person ($2/child).




FAQ's

    Are there restrictions or regulations on what kind of canoe/kayak, bike, or paddle I can use?
    No, you may use any type of bike, paddle or canoe/kayak of your choosing.

    Do I have to wear a helmet while on my bike?
    Yes, all participants on the bike portion of the race will be required to wear CPSC/ANSI approved helmets.

    Do I have to wear a life jacket while I am in my boat?
    Yes, all participants will be required to wear US Coast Guard approved personal flotation device while on the lake.

    COMPLETE EVENT RULES can be found here.

    How do the categories work?

    • SOLO participants compete in the entire course.

    • TANDEM participants also compete in the entire course, paddling in a tandem canoe or kayak and competing in both the bike AND run. Their times are averaged. (Parent & child teams often enter in this category)

    • RELAY participants compete in sections of the race as assigned by their team.

    Can I rent a boat?
    You are responsible for providing a boat. Canoe and kayak rentals can be arranged IN ADVANCE with:

    • JAX/Ames Outdoor Gear, (515) 292-2276

    • Seven Oaks Recreation, (515) 432-9457

    • ISU Outdoor Recreation, (515) 294-8200 (for ISU students, staff, affiliates)

      And be sure to tell them you are renting for the GAAR!

    Where do the proceeds from this race go?
    The GAAR is a joint, volunteer effort between members of the Ames Area Running Club, Friends of Central Iowa Biking and the Skunk River Paddlers. GAAR proceeds help support the Lincoln Way Chapter of the American Red Cross. (See GAAR committee donates $1,000 to American Red Cross - Ames Tribune 12/8/2010)

    I don't want to participate in the GAAR but would like to volunteer. How do I do that?
    Many volunteers are needed for the GAAR. Please email volunteers@greatamesadventurerace.org and indicate how you or your group might like to help.





2010 GAAR

2009 GAAR

2008 GAAR

    Congratulations to the 2008 GAAR Participants and THANK YOU to the GAAR Volunteers for a fantastic event! Race results are available by category at gaar08_results.pdf and we have nearly 750 PHOTOS of the event - see prerace, paddle, bike, run, and the_GAAR!

    9/15/2008 - GAAR Committee presents gift to Red Cross - Members of the Skunk River Paddlers, Friends of Central Iowa Biking and Ames Running Club presented a gift of $500 to Kirk Brocker, the new Executive Director of the Lincoln Way Chapter of the American Red Cross. The '07 event was a joint effort with the Red Cross so we were pleased to have the opportunity to extend the relationship!

    The Great Ames Adventure Race returns to Ada Hayden Park   (Press Release, 7/31/08)

2007 GAAR