South Fork Sampler

The "Sampler" is back in multisport action on June 1, 2025!

This scavenger hunt style adventure race features 2 different beginner friendly options to choose from. Each course will task individuals and teams to paddle, bike, and run to various checkpoints while sampling the endless natural beauty throughout the historic South Fork River corridor in Gaston County just minutes from Charlotte, NC.
HIGHLIGHTS:
  • Beginner Friendly Adventure Race 
    • Participants are given a map with checkpoints already plotted
    • No orientation/navigation skills required
  • Choose your own route and pace to make it as challenging or casual as you'd like
  • All courses feature natural and built recreational amenities including flatwater paddling, greenways, trails, sidewalks/roads, etc.
  • 2 options to choose from
    • 5Hr General Public - Perfect for the weekend warrior (Team or Solo)
    • 3Hr Family Category - Perfect for Parent/Kiddo (ages 6-16) Teams
  • Race HQ at Confluence with bathrooms, taproom, kayak rentals, etc.
  • After Party at Confluence (Beer, food, merch discounts, etc.)
  • Event Beneficiary: Catawba Riverkeeper​
WHAT DO I GET FOR MY REGISTRATION?
  • Professionally designed and planned course
  • ​Chance to experience the South Fork river corridor from a new perspective
  • Sampler Tank Tops made from 100% recycled materials by Recover
  • Custom South Fork Sampler souvenir race bib​
  • Giveaways, raffle prizes and discounts from our partners​
  • Prizes to Top 3 Overall in the follow:​
    • 5Hr Solo (M/F) and Teams (M/F & Co-ed)
    • 3Hr Family Edition (Male/Female/Co-ed Teams)
  • Post race party at Confluence with Sierra Nevada beer specials
  • Financial support for environmental non-profits
*Your Sampler reg proudly includes $5 donation to Catawba Riverkeeper!
5Hr GENERAL PUBLIC
​-Date: Sunday, June 1​
-Start Time: 9:00am 
-Reg Fee: Solo/Team of 2​
  • Regular (thru 5/1) = $40/$60
  • Last Call (thru 5/29) = $50/$70
  • Race Day (if available) = $60/$80​​​​
3Hr FAMILY CATEGORY
-Date: Sunday, June 1​​
-Start Time: 10:00am
-Reg Fees: Teams of 2​
  • Regular (thru 5/1) = $50
  • Last Call (thrum 5/29) = $60
  • Race Day (if available) = $70​​​​

EVENT PHOTOS

EVENT RESULTS

PARTICIPANT RESOURCES

Partners

Big ups to each of these amazing brands and organizations for supporting this and other human powered experiences.
Join us in showing them love with our collective buying power and support.

South Fork Sampler - FAQs

I'm new to this ... what is an adventure Race?
Think of a kid's scavenger or treasure hunt! A map is used to identify checkpoints (buried treasure) throughout the area. Participants decide what order and route to use to get from one location to the next via foot, paddle or bike. The goal is to collect as many checkpoints as possible in the shortest amount of time.
What if I don't know how to use a compass and map?
Don't worry, we aren't requiring true orientation/navigation for the South Fork Sampler
Do the times listed mean i need to be racing that long?
No. The time listed for each option is the time window you have to collect checkpoints. Participants can choose to race as long (or as short) as they would like within that time window.
More Info can be found in the race docs (above)
How old do I have to be to compete?
What is the schedule for the day?
What are the rules and how to the standings/rankings work?
How many miles should I expect to cover throughout the race?
Gear ... requirements, recommendations, suggestions?
Where can i learn more?
We've created a number of opportunities to learn more about Adventure Racing and the South Fork Sampler. Check the video recap below to gain the tools, knowledge, and understanding to crush it!

What else do I need to know for Event Day?

  • All participants/teams are responsible for their own safety at all times, without exception
  • Participants are responsible to bring all of their own gear
    • ​Kayak rentals are first come first serve during registration
  • Participants/teams are responsible for their own nutrition and hydration while on course (IE: no aid stations on the course)​
  • There is no set course or route or course markings
  • Participants/teams will cross live roads and streets and must abide by all, local, state, and federal traffic laws at all times
  • Participants/teams must be back to the Race HQ before the end time or you will be disqualified ... plan accordingly
  • Soak it all in ... primary goal is the challenge and an opportunity to experience the South Fork River corridor in a new way​​

How does this event support our environment and non-profits?

  • $5 per participant, and 100% of donations go to the Catawba Riverkeeper in their efforts to ensure clean and plentiful water for nearly 4 million people in the river basin.
  • We're collecting your old shirts (cotton, polyester, blended) to be recycled in Recover's 360 Closed Loop Program and old sneakers to be recycled/repurposed with GotSneakers
  • Human Powered Movement is also a proud 1% For the Planet member, a portion of all of our revenue goes directly to supporting environmental non-profits in the greater Charlotte, NC.​
Additional questions ... email us HERE​ 
Want to sponsor, support or volunteer? ... email us HERE​ 

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