Students looking for adventure may not have to go very far, but they better be quick. Registration for the intramural adventure race closes Wednesday.

The adventure race is approximately 4.5 miles and consists of canoeing, mountain biking and running.

Registration must be completed online at www.recservices.iastate.edu.

Participants must register in teams of two and will be separated into three divisions – men, women and co-ed. Only 30 teams will be allowed to participate.

The adventure race will be held at West Peterson Park, also known as Peterson Pits, on Sept. 30. Peterson Pits is located off North Grand Avenue, about 13 minutes from campus. Check-in will begin at 9:15 a.m. There will be three heats, with the first beginning at 10 a.m. The course consists of .5 miles of canoeing, three miles mountain biking on trails and dirt roads and finishing with an approximately one-mile run.

“In terms of technical experience, the bike trails on this course are definitely at the beginner’s level,” said Carol Williams, special projects ranger at the Story County Conservation Board.

This will be the third year Iowa State has offered the adventure race, and Williams said it is the only adventure race that takes place in Ames.

“We haven’t been approached by anyone else,” she said. “The closest thing would be the Veishea bicycle race or the race held by Bike World.”

A full map of the course is available on the Recreation Services Web site. Williams said participants should not be too worried about the course. The trails are pretty flat and easy to navigate for all skill levels, she said.

There really are not a lot of technical bicycling trails in Story County, Williams said.

Participants in the adventure race must provide their own bicycles and helmets. Rec services will provide the canoes and life vests. The ISU Outdoor Recreation Program has a small number of bicycles available for rent for about $10 a day. Transportation is not provided to Peterson Park, so participants may also be interested in renting a bike rack for $2 a day. These rentals can be obtained in the basement of State Gym.

“Anybody can be involved in this race,” said Daniel Hoy, junior in agricultural engineering. “You don’t have to be an Ironman triathlete to compete.”

Hoy has competed in other adventure races in both Oklahoma and Colorado. This will be his first year competing in the ISU adventure race. Compared to the other races he has done, Hoy said this race seems like it will be pretty short. Hoy thinks it will be a sprint race, with the fastest team winning the competition.

Hoy used to be involved in the military and said he enjoys the challenge that adventure races offer.

“I like the challenge,” he said. “Once the race starts, you are just kind of out there and have to rely on the skills that you have. Whoever can really put it all together is going to be the winner.”