OMAR Adventure Race

The OMAR Adventure Race unfolds across the rugged backcountry of Oak Mountain State Park, nestled in the southern Appalachian foothills of Pelham, Alabama. Featuring both 24-hour and 10-hour formats, the event tests endurance, wilderness navigation, and multi-sport agility through a mix of mountain biking, trekking, and canoeing. The park's varied terrain revolves around the prominent Double Oak Mountain ridge, which serves up demanding elevation changes, steep rocky climbs, technical descents, and secluded creek valleys. You will spend substantial time navigating singletrack networks, including sections renowned among mountain bikers for challenging rock gardens and root-strewn paths, requiring a dedicated mountain bike rather than a gravel rig.

The race incorporates rogaine-style navigation where checkpoint acquisition and discipline sequencing dictate your team's route strategy. Foot segments often pull racers away from groomed footpaths into dense hardwood forest and steep draws near landmarks like Peavine Falls, making micro-topography map reading essential. Paddle legs take place on the park's inland lakes, where prevailing winds and shifting fatigue levels can complicate flatwater progress. For 24-hour racers, navigating through the night over unpredictable foothill terrain elevates the challenge, demanding deliberate pacing, dependable lighting systems, and sharp orienteering to avoid costly route deviations.

Oak Mountain State Park is located just off Interstate 65 in Pelham, roughly 20 miles south of downtown Birmingham. If you are flying to the event, Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) is the closest commercial hub, situated approximately 25 miles north via I-65 and I-459. A rental vehicle is recommended to transport teammates and bulky gear tubs. For lodging, you can camp or reserve cabins directly inside Oak Mountain State Park to stay steps away from the start and finish areas. Alternatively, Pelham and nearby Hoover offer a broad selection of hotels along the Highway 119 and I-65 corridors within a ten-minute drive of the park gates.

Mid-March weather in central Alabama can be unpredictable. Daytime highs typically hover in the mid-60s Fahrenheit, but nighttime lows can dip into the upper 30s or low 40s. Rain is common in early spring, so pack waterproof map cases, extra dry layers, and durable foul-weather gear. While altitude acclimatization is unnecessary at roughly 500 to 1,000 feet above sea level, physical preparation for relentless short climbs is crucial. Plan to arrive early for check-in and packet pickup, as all team members must be present to review pre-plotted maps and finalize mandatory gear before your starting discipline is assigned.