About Us
Discover Gold Rush Adventure Racing, a Modesto-based organization that has thrived in one of California's premier outdoor arenas for more than two decades. We're a small-but-mighty team of outdoor enthusiasts and athletes united by a love of adventure and the great outdoors in the mountains and foothills of California’s Sierras.
Our Story
Founded in 2000 in Modesto, California, Gold Rush Adventure Racing has remained a steadfast pioneer in the world of adventure racing. We're not just an organization — we’re a community united by a shared passion for pushing limits, embracing challenges and experiencing the thrill of outdoor exploration.
Our journey began with a small group of adventure racing enthusiasts who were committed to helping the sport of adventure racing thrive. With a combined team experience of more than 100 years, we've ventured through the most rugged terrains and embarked on countless expeditions, crafting our legacy as one of the most experienced adventure racing teams in the nation. We are known for spectacular courses set in the world class terrain of Northern California. Our past races have been part of the Adventure Racing World Series, USARA National Championship qualifiers and as the North American Championship event.
Gold Rush Team
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Adrian "Ados" Crane
FOUNDER
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Mark Richardson
COURSE DESIGNER
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Catherine Conrad-Saydah
RACE DIRECTOR
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Jameson Henkle
COURSE DIRECTOR
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Deborah Steinberg
GRAPHICS GURU
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Carey Gregg
LOGISTICS EXPERT
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Ray Kablanow
LOGISTICS EXPERT
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Greg Callas
WEB DEVELOPER
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Tom Proulx
BUSINESS ADVISOR
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Derek Castle
JACK-OF-ALL-VOLUNEERS
Our Mission
At Gold Rush Adventure Racing, our mission is to foster a culture of adventure, teamwork and inclusivity. We're not here just to promote and organize events — we’re here to inspire. Our commitment extends beyond the finish line as we strive to make adventure racing accessible to all, from newcomers stepping into the world of racing for the first time to seasoned racers seeking their next challenge. We believe that the outdoors is a playground meant for everyone who are stewards of our Mother Earth, and we work tirelessly (and without pay!) to create events and opportunities that reflect this belief.
Our Races
Our race courses are not just routes — they're narratives that unfold through the wilderness. Infused with our collective experience, each course is meticulously designed to provide an unforgettable adventure. From the iconic Gold Rush Mother Lode Adventure Race to our involvement in USARA national championships, our commitment to top-notch races is unwavering. Although circumstances like wildfires and the pandemic have posed challenges to putting on events, we are committed to continue our races in the traditional Gold Rush-style that racers have come to know and expect – and maybe even love to hate!
Gold Rush races are part of the United States Adventure Racing (USARA) and Adventure Racing World Series (ARWS).
USARA is the national governing body of adventure racing in the U.S., sanctioning adventure races across the country, culminating in the USARA National Championship every fall.
ARWS is a premier competition that brings together the world's top endurance athletes in adventure races around the globe. This includes 3- to 10-day Qualifier expeditions leading up to an annual World Championship, as well as 12- to 36-hour Regional races that provide an accessible pathway into the sport.
Join the Journey
We invite you to become a part of our adventure racing family. Whether you're an aspiring racer, a seasoned veteran or simply someone who seeks the thrill of exploration, there's a place for you here. Connect with us on Facebook/Instagram and join our mailing list so you can stay updated about our upcoming events and announcements.
Gold Rush Adventure Racing is more than just our races — we’re a community of outdoor enthusiasts bound by the love of adventure. Together, we can continue to explore the great outdoors while testing our physical and mental limits and mettle.