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‘The adventure is in the journey’ is a statement that assumes new meaning when it comes to adventure racing. It’s a sport for those seeking the thrill of exploring a new and unfamiliar location but with the added element of competition. Adventure racing is a multidisciplinary team event – generally for the highest-level endurance athletes – that involves navigating a challenging, remote region for the world title.
And in India, Menchukha, a small town located 6,000ft above sea level in northern Arunachal Pradesh, proved to be the perfect host for the 3rd National Adventure Racing Championship, a part of the Adventure Racing World Series (ARWS) – Asia Series, from April 17-20. The four-member mixed teams competed for the ultimate prize of the Asian Championship, which will be held in Malaysia in October 2025. The 30-hour long course took competitors through grasslands, mountains and a river.
The disciplines included trail running, hiking, kayaking, river crossing, mountain biking, rope work, navigation and more, all the while experiencing the scenic views of Menchukha. The picturesque village, located approximately 29 km from the Indo-China border, was the grand backdrop, making it the country’s first-ever high-altitude border adventure race. Organised by NthAdventure and Arunachal Pradesh Tourism, the collaboration served as an opportunity for people to experience the natural beauty of remote regions and promote border and adventure tourism, a major area of interest for Arunachal.
“Arunachal Pradesh is well-positioned to emerge as a leading adventure tourism destination in the world. We want to showcase the potential in adventure tourism vested in our State through events like the National Adventure Racing Championship,” said Pasang Dorjee Sona, the state’s Minister for Tourism. For co-founders of NthAdventure , a Bengaluru-based adventure racing and orienteering company, Ajita Madan and Sayeesha Kirani, it was another feather in their cap.
The only licensed entity to organise adventure races in India, NthAdventure also conducts regional competitions and workshops. The first two editions took place in Chikmagalur (Karnataka) and Goa, respectively, before the bandwagon scaled greater heights to reach the valley of Menchukha. For the co-founders of NthAdventure, a Bengaluru-based adventure racing and orienteering company, Ajita Madan and Sayeesha Kirani, it was another feather in their cap.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement “It’s our first border village, and people think of it only as a remote location. But we want to send the message that it’s a place that needs development and more awareness, so that people can come and see the beauty themselves,” Ajita told Sportstar ahead of the flag off. Both race directors have ample experience in participating and organising events across the globe.
Since a large market is not present for adventure racing in India, Sayeesha said they consider this a community-based event, which is publicised through word of mouth. “It’s a sport based on adventure and exploring tradition, culture. So, every participant here loves to bring their family, friends and colleagues to experience new places across India and the world,” she said.
The event also saw the CEO of ARWS, Heidi Muller, travel from Australia ahead of the flag off. An avid adventure racer herself, the South African has organised several races in Africa before stepping up the ladder. “We go to these remote locations because our people are adventurers,” she said.
“It’s so great to be hosting this event in Menchukha. We love to see the snow-capped mountains, the beautiful temples around; that’s what we seek,” Heidi said. The 170 km race featured 30 teams, with participation from 12 states and international representation for Malaysia, Nepal and South Africa.
Team KBS Racing from Malaysia was delighted when it received the invitation from Ajita. “We met a few people from the Indian adventure racing community in the Philippines and Malaysia before. They invited us to join the race in India,” said team captain Suhaimi.
“We did intensive training for about two months – we did cycling, kayaking, hiking, and exactly what the race is. Our country also has adventure racing, but not as high an altitude as Menchukha.” Team KBS came out victorious to secure the championship, prize money and the ticket to the Asian Championship.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement Despite the terrain challenge and good competition, Team KBS was ready for the challenge. To finish the tasks within the cut-off time was their goal, while winning would have been a bonus. The weather on the final day got slightly colder with rain clouds hovering over the valley and a chill breeze blowing throughout.
However, Team KBS came out victorious to secure the championship, prize money and the ticket to the Asian Championship. ALSO READ: AFI announces Indian squad for Asian Athletics Championships 2025 And for the residents, it was the perfect opportunity to showcase their traditions and culture, welcoming everyone and making them feel ‘at home’. The people of Menchukha supported the participants as they cycled past the neighbourhood and kayaked in the Siyom river, a tributary of the Brahmaputra that carves through the landscape.
The natives also had something to cheer for as Team MCC, from Shi-Yomi district, placed second. At the close of the ceremony, Chief Minister Pema Khandu felicitated the winners, drawing the curtains on the eventful days in the otherwise quiet town. The incredible view and warm hospitality of Menchukha delivered an unforgettable experience, with the promise of more thrilling adventures in the future.
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