Teton Ogre Adventure Race: photos of an epic 26.5 hours

There’s something so epic about going all day and all night, winding your way through the mountains on foot, bike and boat. There’s something so fulfilling about sharing that experience with your team mates. And something so intriguing about navigating entirely with map and compass – often, in the dead of a moonless night.

Yes, I bonked hard. At 5 am. After we’d been moving for 21 hours. And with 7 hours more to go. Because the Teton Ogre was actually a 28-hour race, not a 24-hour race. Yes, my team mates had to force M&Ms, Cheez-Its and salt tabs into me and tow me halfway up a steep mountain. And yes, I started to lose feeling in my limbs.

But, I revived. I snapped out of that bonk as quickly as I fell into it. And what I remember in its wake is flowing single track, stunning views of the Tetons, hilarious conversations, the childlike joy of going on a treasure hunt, and the hot Ramen noodles that appeared in the middle of the backcountry at hour 25, after I had spent the entire night dreaming of chicken broth. (Chicken broth seems to be a theme.)

Race Directors Abby Broughton and Jason Popilsky know how to put on a fabulous race. They had every detail covered and devised a truly fun, challenging course. I highly recommend the Teton Ogre Adventure Race. If 24 hours sounds daunting, check out their 8-hour race.

Enjoy these photos and see you out there next year!

The big reveal of maps

Two tricks to AR: good fuel and good map work

Bushwacking with your bikes ... typical AR.  Later we ascended a rocky spine with them. 

This was our special friend named Avo. He didn't fare too well. 

Nice way to spend the afternoon. 

Goodbye sunlight. Bring on the night. 

Checkpoint and moon

A photo finish, for second place

My team mates all zonkered out