Adventure racing and active lifestyles

ABSTRACTAdventure racing, the combination of adventure sports in a competitive setting, has increased in popularity as part of growing adventurous leisure participation. This study reports results from a survey of 717 adventure racing participants in Australia examining sporting identity, motivations and contributions to physical activity. Participants were motivated to engage in the event by physical, nature and adventure elements, with social factors also being important for teams. Participants are unlikely to identify themselves as adventure racers, rather having a specific sport that they regularly participate in. Whilst adventure racing has limited tourism potential, it offers positive participation aspects to individuals, and a variety of commercial opportunities for sponsors and host destinations.