South Fork Sampler

Celebrating it's 5th Anniversary, the South Fork Sampler, once again, highlights the incredible natural resources of the South Fork River corridor, challenge you physically and mentally and bring the Human Powered Movement vibe to your adventurous spirit!

This scavenger hunt style adventure race features 3 different beginner friendly options ... Solo, Teams and Family Categories. Each will task participants to paddle, bike, and run to various checkpoints and stamp their passport while sampling the endless natural beauty throughout the historic South Fork River in Gaston County, just minutes west of Charlotte, NC.
HIGHLIGHTS:
  • Beginner Friendly Adventure Race 
    • Participants are given a map with checkpoints pre-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.
  • 3 options to choose from
    • 5Hr General Public - Perfect for the weekend warrior (Team of 2 or Solo)
    • 3Hr Family Category - Perfect for Parent/Kiddo (ages 6-16) Teams of 2
  • 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
  • Custom South Fork Sampler souvenir race bib​
  • HPM x Sierra Nevada Steel Pint 
  • Giveaways, raffle prizes and discounts from our partners
  • Option to add a deeply discounted HPM shirt during registration​
  • 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, May 31​
-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, May 31​​
-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 are HIGHLY encourage to read the Race Document HERE
  • Centennial Park (open green space) is part of Race HQ and is where participants can set up their gear as a "transition zone" throughout the day
  • All participants/teams are responsible for their own safety at all times, without exception
  • All HPM Events are Safety Pin Free (Read THIS) and Single Use Cup Free (Sampler participants get THIS at Check-In) 
  • Participants who rent kayaks from Catawba Riverkeeper must pick them up BEFORE the start of the event (We will not have rental staff during the event)
  • 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?

  • 100% of additional donations during registration go directly to Catawba Riverkeeper who preserving and protecting clean and plentiful drinking water for the 4million people within the Catawba-Wateree River Basin
  • We collect your old shirts (cotton/poly/blends) to be recycled in Recover's 360 Closed Loop Apparel Recycling Program
  • We collect old sneakers to be recycled/repurposed with GotSneakers
  • We collect old race medals to be recycled with Sports Medal Recycling
  • As of 2024, HPM events are proudly "Cup Free" to reduce our environmental impact
  • As of 2025, HPM events are proudly "Safety Pin Free". Read more about this initiative HERE.​​
Additional questions ... email us HERE​ 
Want to sponsor, support or volunteer? ... email us HERE​ 

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