MAFF 2024 Race Update #1

This year has gone by in a breeze! USARA Nationals just happened (special congratulations to those Wisconsin teams that raced in some crazy weather this year). Dot watching has increased again this year, and of course we’ll have some good dot watching on Saturday night of MAFF for the 18 hour race length!

Here is Race Update #1 – stay tuned for Race Update #2 coming soon.

Milwaukee Area Fall Frenzy (MAFF) – 2024 Edition

18, 8, and 3 hour Race Update #1

We are excited to have so many returning and new teams participating in the 2024 MAFF Adventure Race! We are just over 2 weeks away from race day, and we have some great turnout – especially with the cold of November coming around. We have hundreds of adventure racers ready for the 3, 8, and 18 hour lengths!

Many general logistics and expectations are the same as previous years, but we’ve got some new things in the works this year to allow 3 hour racers to experience new terrain, 8 hour racers to make some new decisions, and 18 hour racers to be overwhelmed with so many CPs that CHOICES MUST BE MADE!

You’ll see quite a few updates in upcoming race updates, so stay tuned and stick with us!

Please review the Race Page and Race Gear pages for more information on the race. Please also review the registered teams to ensure you are listed in the proper category. If you have questions, email us at info@mooseplanetadventureracing.com now so we can get everything accurate prior to race day.

Please let us know if you have any major changes – this affects how we configure a few items like boats and maps.

Race Headquarters:

Headquarters will be at Trecker Lodge in Lapham Peak State Park in Delafield, Wisconsin.

W329 N846, County Rd C, Delafield, WI 53018

Check-in: All team members must be present before you will receive maps, passports, and instructions. Waivers have been signed through RunSignUp (but if you don’t believe you have one, please be ready to sign on race day). We are also taking pictures, so please come early so that you have to prepare, review maps, and appropriately plan.

18-hour and 8-hour racers will be required to purchase a USARA 1-day membership for $8 if you do not already have an annual membership ($35). If you will be racing in more races in the Wisconsin Adventure Racing Series, please consider supporting the USARA – you get other benefits as well! You should have been able to take care of all of that in the RunSignUp registration process.

3-hour racers will not require a USARA membership.

Pre-race Meetings: Final race day schedules will be shared in Update #2. We will have a virtual -pre-race meeting and short mandatory pre-race meetings before each race length.

Shhhhh… it’s a secret… but… there will be some added transportation/logistics for 3 and 8 hour racers, so you’ll be given additional time between your Start punch and Finish punch to accommodate.

Maps: Whew. It’s been busy to say the least. New maps (a brand new 60+ square kilometer O-map that we will use parts of), new locations, and maps ranging from O-maps, topo maps, aerial maps, and more. And to top it off, ever done an Escape Room during an adventure race? The Dragon says, “You shall solve the puzzles.”

Food and Awards: As always, we’ll have more than you could ever want, and we have some great new awards and prizes from our sponsors, including the USARA. Please plan on sticking around, meeting other racers, and enjoying the evening on Saturday!

Mandatory Gear: One more reminder about Mandatory Gear – make sure you review the lists and think about what else you may need. If you’re racing the 18-hour length, think about warm clothes, lights, and more.

Paddle Gear: As always, boats (kayaks for solo racers), PFDs, and paddles are provided. However, ALL race lengths can bring personal PFDs and paddles. More info to be shared on gear drop locations (however, note that 8 and 18 hour racers will drop paddle gear at the same location as their corresponding bike drops. 3 hour racers will drop personal paddle gear at HQ on race morning.

Orienteering Introduction and Refresher Training: We will have AR clinics before the 8 hour and 3 hour racers. Please email ben@mooseplanetadventureracing.com to reserve your spot.

Series Points: MAFF is proud to be part of two adventure racing series. We strongly encourage all teams to participate, track your team’s ranking, and show your support for adventure racing. Series entry is FREE. More information on each series can be found below. Note that to participate in USARA you must register your team in the series prior to race day.

  • Wisconsin Adventure Racing Series is Wisconsin’s premier race series featuring 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 11 events and you’ll be automatically signed up. MAFF is the final adventure race every year in the series.
  • USARA is a nation-wide promoter for adventure racing. The United States Adventure Racing Association tracks race results from races throughout the country and offers a yearly national championship event. Register your team for free on their website.

Race Update #2 will come in the next week with details on bike drop locations, paddle gear, personal property, and more.

Let us know if you have any questions!

Mike and Ben