Milwaukee Area Fall Frenzy Adventure Race 2023 Edition

Thank you all for an amazing (and challenging) 2023 edition of the Milwaukee Area Fall Frenzy! We look forward to the 2024 race season!

18 hour edition tracking live tonight, November 3:

https://live.enabledtracking.com/maff2023/

Saturday, November 4, 2023 (18 Hour starts Friday, November 3th)

Race Times:

18-hour: 10pm-4pm (race check-in targeted for 7pm)

8 hour: 9am-5pm (race check-in targeted for 6am)

3 hour: 11:00am-3:00pm (race check-in targeted for 9am) – yes, it’s 4 hours for a 3 hour course!

2023 Race Updates:

2023 Race Update #1

2023 Race Update #2

2023 Race Update #3

See examples of previous race updates here:

2022 Race Update #1

2022 Race Update #2

2022 Race Update #3 – FINAL RACE UPDATE

2021 Race Update #1

2021 Race Update #2

MAFF Registration Instructions:

Registration is open for the 2023 Edition of the Milwaukee Area Fall Frenzy.

https://www.adventuresignup.com/Race/WI/Delafield/MAFFAdventureRace

MAFF is now a USARA Regional Qualifier!!!

Check out MAFF on Facebook!

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!
  • WHERE:
  • WHY:
    Why not?!?
    Actually, we’d like to continue our tradition of providing quality races guaranteed to challenge you and your team while at the same time helping to raise money for charitable organizations.   With continued cuts in state budgets, you can bet the parks we love need more help than ever before to continue to be the gems we’ve grown to expect. This is typically Wisconsin’s last adventure race each year so you don’t want to miss this 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 will likely be able to complete this race.   However, if you want to do well and/or reduce your level of discomfort, you’d be wise to train beyond those levels because actual race distances will be a bit longer.   Each team should also have at least one person who is familiar with orienteering or willing to learn (please let us know ahead of time if you need help with this).
  • HOW:
    • See registrations steps above.
  • Please email us with any questions/concerns.

The Gear (Mandatory and Recommended)

The Rules

The Course

  • 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

  • TEAM CONFIGURATIONS / DIVISIONS / PRIZES:
    2, 3, or 4 person coed is preferred for this race and will be considered the Premier division.
    1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in the Premier division will receive prizes.
    However, we don’t want anyone to miss out just because they couldn’t find the right mix.   Therefore, all other team configurations will be allowed in the Open division.
    The prizes above are separate from the over cash prizes and other awards for the 1st Basis Wisconsin Adventure Racing Series

Race Fees:

3-HOUR Adventure Race

Early: $75/person

Regular: $95/person

Late: $105/person

8-HOUR Adventure Race

Early: $110/person

Regular: $125/person

Late: $135/person

18-HOUR Adventure Race

Early: $175/person

Regular: $195/person

Late: $225/person
Early registration ends August 31
Regular registration ends October 15
Late registration ends November 3
This fee covers our expenses for the event (insurance, shelter/facilities, boats, maps, food, etc.) and will leave some extra for prizes and our donation to the designated charity (more teams = more prizes/donation).
Soloists will have an additional $20 registration cost due to the added costs of race materials and boat rental.
  • 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.

Refund Policy

If your team is unable to race, you may transfer/sell your entry to another team. Due to the costs of planning and organizing this event, we cannot offer refunds.
 
  • Registration deadlines:
Online – refer to registration page for details
  • A waiver will be provided for signing at the event, but please read beforehand to speed-up check-in.
    Any participant under 18 years of age, must have parental/guardian approval signature prior to event.
  • SUPPORT:
    This is an unsupported event.   Teams will be responsible for transporting their own gear as needed throughout the event.   The exception to this is the paddle (please see Gear List for more info)
  • FOOD/WATER:
    Food during the event is whatever you carry or can find along the course.   Water is available at the park and at various locations along the course.   Food and drink will be provided for the post-race party and awards presentation.
  • LODGING:
    Delafield area hotels
    Waukesha area hotels