- Wednesday 4 June 2025
With a racing history that predates Questars itself, Sarah has been around since the early days of the sport. Here’s her take on over 25 years of racing, mistakes, memories, and a few hard-earned tips along the way. Whether you’re new to the sport or a seasoned racer, we hope that her tips and stories inspire you to get out there and give it a go. Enjoy!
When did you participate in your first Questars adventure race?
I think since the beginning… I’ve been racing since before Questars started – back in 2001 with the Blue Eskimo series. I still have a t-shirt from a Salomon race in 2002 back when they were cotton!
Roughly how many Questars adventure races have you participated in?
Too many to count. Initially as many as I could afford! Now as many as I can make round family commitments and depending on the distance. Up until recently living in Cornwall meant the travel needed could be as hardcore as the race!
What do you like most about Questars adventure races?
The format. I like the combination of disciplines so if there’s an injury I can adjust running or biking or kayaking checkpoints as needed. I also like having to navigate with an old-school map as it means an old-timer like me might have a very marginal one up over young pups used to their phones. But probably not!
What do you like most about adventure racing?
Being in gorgeous countryside. Discussing houses we’d consider living in as we pass them. If I’m on my own, patting myself on the back for navigating solo. But mostly I like it now for a chance to catch up with my adventure racing buddies for a day out with some excitement while putting the world to rights. Getting round with a decent point score (for us) is a bonus.
Why did you first get into adventure racing?
I volunteered at EcoChallenge Argentina as I happened to be travelling near there when it was on. I already did a lot of recreational outdoorsy stuff and I thought I could do that. So, when I came home, I put together a team of four and off we went. The team name was The 4 Smurfs of the Apocalypse. Don’t judge me. I was very much younger.
What advice would you give to someone just getting started in adventure racing?
Don’t overthink it. Expect to get lost, especially in a forest.
What is the best piece of advice that you were given when you started adventure racing?
Take extra socks and shoes (this was in the days of me doing multi-day races though!)
What is your strongest and weakest race discipline? How do you combat your weakest discipline?
Running is probably my weakest. I know I should say that I follow a strict training regime to get better but I mostly suggest to Pat we should do more checkpoints on the bike instead!
What does your training plan for an adventure race look like?
Hahaha, training plan, good one! (I cycle to work and back, do Parkrun and a bit of couch to 5K and some strength training cos…menopause)
How do you fuel yourself for a Questars adventure race?
Porridge and coffee first thing, then Graze bites and protein chewy bars
What type of bike do you normally use for a Questars adventure race?
The only one I have- a Trek! Extra small as I’m a short arse. It used to be a real pain as I had 24-inch wheels for my first AR bike – a Gary Fisher Tassajara and 26-inch wheels wouldn’t fit it so my team mates couldn’t swap inners if needed….
What’s the one piece of non-mandatory kit in your bag that you could not do without?
Suncream
What’s the worst mistake you’ve ever made during an adventure race?
Too many to count. But mainly getting cocky and not following my own plan. After 25 years I should really know that doesn’t end well. And once when I was racing with Julie, we blasted past one checkpoint thinking we’d get it later (it was worth 50 points too), but we regretted it when we had to abandon our race plan later on because we were on a bridleway the farmer really didn’t want people using – 6 gates to climb over with bikes, all locked shut – so we ran out of time. Always get a checkpoint if you’re near it!
What’s the weirdest/funniest/strangest thing that has happened to you during an adventure race?
On the second night of a multi-day when I’d had no sleep and I started hallucinating castles in the sky. I knew they were hallucinations and I could still function but it was weird!
What is the most difficult part of adventure racing?
The heartsink of a lovely looking long bridleway on the map that turns out to be a horrible mud fest on the ground. Or reaching a checkpoint that a tall person has put up!
Over your Questars career you have raced solo and also as part of different teams. What are some of the main advantages of racing as a team versus racing solo and vice-versa?
Oh as a team, much nicer. I like the company, you can cheer each other up, there’s an extra brain for navigation support and checkpoint spotting. And Pat and Julie normally have spares of anything I forget!
Solo is ok and I like the achievement of solo navigation but I’d race in a team for preference.
What are your top five tips for adventure racing success?
- Smile,
- Practice reading a map,
- Learn to use a compass quickly,
- Don’t worry about points values – just cross off the dummies,
- Look at the contour lines!
Thank you, Sarah! A brilliant read! Fancy giving adventure racing a go? Check out our latest events at the below link:
