2026 is officially year 18 of MAFF! We’re excited for new partnerships and continuing the tradition of adventure racing in the Milwaukee area.
Registration closes October 31, 2026 at 11:59pm CDT (11:00pm CDT for the 18-Hour).
MAFF is the largest adventure race in southeastern Wisconsin dating back to 2009!
Earn Moose Bucks! Winning teams for the Open and Premier divisions will receive Moose Bucks for future races! There will also be select team categories that will receive Moose Bucks as well!
Saturday, November 7, 2026 (18 Hour starts Friday)
New to this? Find out if the 3-hour race is for you →
2026 Race Updates
Example race updates from 2025 - 2025 Race Updates:
Pre-Race Virtual Briefing Recording
MAFF Registration Instructions:
Registration is open for the 2026 Edition of the Milwaukee Area Fall Frenzy Adventure Race!
Looking for a team? The Checkpoint Adventure Racing App also has a new Teammate Finder built in. Download it free (forever) today: App Store | Google Play
The Basics
WHAT:
Milwaukee Area Fall Frenzy (MAFF) adventure race!
Wisconsin Adventure Racing Series: This race is part of the Wisconsin Adventure Racing Series, Wisconsin’s premier race series featuring different adventure races throughout the state and cash prizes totaling over $2,000. There is no fee to join the series, simply race any of the eleven events and you’ll be automatically signed up. The more races your team competes in, the better chance you’ll have of taking home prizes. Compete in either the coed or open division in teams of 2, 3, or 4, and see how your team ranks against others in the midwest.
Expect 3, 8, or 18 hours of team-based fun/challenge that you’re not likely to forget! For those who’ve done this before, you can probably skip to “WHEN”. For those asking “Adventure what?!?”, you can get an idea of what to expect by looking at past events.
- WHEN: Note that all final times and logistics will communicated in race updates!
When
Note that all final times and logistics will be communicated in race updates!
Where
Lapham Peak State Park – Delafield, WI (or within the Southern Kettle Moraine region).
Why
Why not?! We continue our tradition of quality races that challenge you and your team while raising money for charitable organizations. This is typically Wisconsin's last adventure race each year, so don't miss your chance to get out in the sticks one more time before hibernating!
Who
Anyone in decent physical condition! If you can trail run 2 miles, bike 20 miles, paddle for 1 hour, and find someone who can read a map, you can likely finish this race. Train beyond that if you want to do well — and have at least one map-savvy teammate (or be willing to learn).
The Gear (Mandatory and Recommended)
Want your required and recommended gear list on your phone instead of a printout? The Checkpoint Adventure Racing App — the Official Adventure Racing App — has gear lists built in, so you can build your own checklist, check items off as you pack, review gear, and get tips from other racers. Checkpoint is free forever for adventure racers. App Store | Google Play
The Rules
The Course
Bike
Mostly road with some off-road. Mountain bikes encouraged — single track won't be easy on a road bike.
Mystery Challenges
If we told you, they wouldn't be mysteries! Expect some unusual, memorable activities.
Orienteering / Trekking
Trails for part of it, bushwhacking for the rest. CPs pre-plotted on maps we provide.
Paddle
Flat water. Use your own paddles/PFDs or ours — we'll handle transport if needed.
- The following description outlines the 8 hour version of MAFF. The 3 hour Adventure Race has many of the same disciplines, but expect a shorter course with less checkpoints - but still a great day of teamwork and fun! The 18 hour course will have longer and more challenging lengths (with the added challenges of night navigation).
- Read examples of Race Updates from previous years above
- GENERAL INFO:
We achieve course flexibility by implementing a Score-O type strategy for each discipline. That essentially means teams go for as many Control Points (CPs) as they want, but must acquire the minimum number of CPs specified for each discipline to avoid a “short-coursed” ranking (a “short-coursed” team cannot finish ranked higher than a full course team). If your team goal is to win, you will likely need to acquire all CPs on the course. To help teams strategize and stay on course, cut-off times are established for most disciplines. If you do not leave a discipline by the cut-off time, your team risks being “short-coursed”.
Maps and aerial photos needed for navigating the course will be provided. No other maps/photos allowed. - BIKE:
2-3 hours (not all at once). Predominantly road riding, but expect some off-road. Mountain bikes are encouraged for adventure racing and there is often single track mountain biking trails that will not be easily navigable with a road bike. Details on MAFF Gear page. - MYSTERY CHALLENGES:
.5-1 hours. If we told you anything about these, they wouldn’t be mysteries anymore! Expect some sort of unusual challenging activities. - ORIENTEERING/TREKKING:
2-4 hours (not all at once). Trails can be used for parts of this discipline, but bushwhacking will be needed if your team’s goal is to acquire all CPs. CPs will be pre-plotted on maps of various scales that we’ll provide for you.
Note: Please do not let a fear of navigating prevent you from trying this event! Keep an eye on our Events page for multiple learning/practice opportunities before the race. These opportunities are either FREE or very reasonably priced (not to mention – just plain fun!). - PADDLE:
1-2 hours. Expect flat water paddling.
You may use your own paddles and PFDs or use the ones provided. If any paddling gear transport is necessary, we’ll take care of that for you.
The Rest
Premier Division
2, 3, or 4 person coed teams (preferred format). 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place receive prizes.
Open Division
Didn't find the right mix? All other team configurations race in the Open division — so nobody misses out.
Prizes above are separate from the overall cash prizes and other awards for the Wisconsin Adventure Racing Series.
Other fees
For items participants must acquire before/on event day — e.g., park and trail passes:
- We require membership in the USARA for 8-hour and 18-hour lengths – you can pay for a single event ($8) or an annual membership ($35). Not required for the 3 Hour. Races in the Wisconsin Adventure Racing Series will be part of the USARA series, so it is generally more cost effective to purchase an annual membership.
- Each vehicle driven to the event requires a state park pass (either annual or one day).
- State trail pass will be required (carry with you during all bike portions of race).
- NOTE: If you need a daily vehicle pass and the ranger is not at the park office, be sure to self register. Ranger will likely check vehicles at various times throughout the day and issue citations if necessary.
- Pass fee info can be found here.
A waiver will be required when registering through www.adventuresignup.com. Any participant under 18 years of age must have parental/guardian approval signature prior to event.
Support
This is an unsupported event — teams transport their own gear throughout, with one exception: the paddle (see the Gear List for details).
Food & Water
Food during the event is whatever you carry or find on course. Water is available at the park and various course locations. Food and drink provided post-race.