A New Era Begins: The Inaugural Junior Adventure Racing World Championship to Revolutionize Youth Sports in 2026!

Published on November 21, 2025

In a groundbreaking announcement that has thrilled adventure racing enthusiasts around the world, the Adventure Racing World Series (ARWS) is set to launch the first-ever Junior Adventure Racing World Championship in July 2026, in the stunning Témiscamingue region of Quebec, Canada. This historic event will offer young athletes the chance to compete for the title of Junior World Champion, marking a new chapter in the sport and inspiring a new generation of adventure racers.

A Dream Realised: The Vision Behind the Junior World Championship

The idea for a Junior Adventure Racing World Championship has been in the works for many years. Heidi Muller, the CEO of the Adventure Racing World Series, has dreamed of creating a platform where young racers could compete on the world stage. Since taking over leadership at ARWS three years ago, Muller has worked tirelessly to bring this dream to life.

However, this ambitious project was not without its challenges. Finding the right partners who shared her passion for youth participation in adventure racing proved to be a difficult task. But with the support of the Raid International Témiscamingue, the International Adventure Racing Association (IARA), and Endurance Aventure, the perfect collaboration was formed. These organisations believe strongly in the power of youth and the value of outdoor sports.

Témiscamingue: The Ideal Venue for Adventure Racing

The Témiscamingue region, nestled in the province of Quebec, Canada, has been chosen as the venue for this historic championship. Known for its rugged landscapes, vast forests, and sparkling lakes, Témiscamingue provides the perfect backdrop for an adventure race. The area is renowned for its rich history and the vibrant Anishinaabe (Algonquin) First Nation culture, which will be showcased throughout the event.

The Raid Témiscamingue, a prestigious stage race in the Adventure Racing World Series, will host the new Junior World Championship event in 2026 and 2027. This established race has already earned a reputation for its exciting challenges, and now, the youth of the world will have the opportunity to compete in this unique environment.

Daniel Poirier, the founder of Endurance Aventure, expressed his excitement about the event. He said, “For us this is a dream project and we are proud to work with the ARWS to bring the first Junior AR World Championship to Quebec and Témiscamingue.” Poirier’s enthusiasm reflects the team’s dedication to providing an exceptional experience for both the athletes and the spectators.

The Format of the Championship: A Unique Race for Young Athletes

The Junior Adventure Racing World Championship will take place over four action-packed days from July 23rd to 26th, 2026. The race will include an opening ceremony, a prologue, and two full days of intense racing. This will be an unforgettable experience for young racers from around the world.

There will be two categories for competitors: Under 18 (ages 15-17) and Under 25. The first Junior World Championship will feature pairs racing. Teams will consist of two athletes, travelling with their managers and supporters, making this a team-oriented event.

The event is set to attract young adventurers from across the globe. With entry fees kept to a minimum—$250 CAD for international teams and $500 for open entries—the race is designed to be accessible, ensuring that financial constraints don’t prevent talented young athletes from competing. The entry process will open on December 1st, 2025, with the final selection of teams taking place after entries close on February 28th, 2026.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Adventure Racers

This new world championship marks a significant milestone in the growth of adventure racing as a global sport. Over the years, the ARWS has worked hard to increase youth participation, and we are now seeing more young athletes entering the world of adventure racing. According to Muller, the race will give young racers the chance to compete on a global stage and inspire the next generation.

The positive impact of the event will be far-reaching, not just in terms of competition but also in terms of inspiring youth to engage in outdoor activities and embrace the challenges of adventure racing.

A Focus on Youth, Adventure, and Nature

One of the most unique aspects of the Junior Adventure Racing World Championship is its emphasis on youth involvement and its focus on the great outdoors. The Témiscamingue region offers a pristine natural environment that will challenge competitors physically and mentally. With thousands of lakes and rivers spread across boreal forests, the race will include a variety of activities, including water challenges, ropes courses, and climbing stages, all of which are signature features of Endurance Aventure’s events.

Teams will camp overnight in a remote location during the race, giving them the chance to bond as a team and experience the beauty of nature under the stars. This unique aspect of the event encourages participants to embrace adventure, work together, and celebrate their love for the outdoors.

The event will also partner closely with local First Nation communities, particularly the Kebaowek First Nation, to showcase their culture and ancestral traditions. This collaboration highlights the importance of respecting and honouring indigenous communities and their connection to the land.

A Step Towards Building National Junior Programs Worldwide

The International Adventure Racing Association (IARA) is also playing a pivotal role in the development of the Junior Adventure Racing World Championship. IARA has already started assessing the level of development in junior racing among its member countries. The association will oversee the selection of the 30 available international team places.

Some countries may not yet have their own national junior championship programs, but the goal is for all nations to work towards this before the 2027 race. IARA Chairman Cormac MacDonnell emphasised the importance of supporting national junior racing programs.

A Global Celebration of Youth and Adventure

This event is set to be a global celebration of youth and adventure racing. It is more than just a race—it is an opportunity for young athletes to be in the spotlight, competing with some of the best in the world, and to inspire others to take up the sport. Heidi Muller, who will attend the race in July 2026, expressed her pride in seeing her vision come to life.

The Future of Adventure Racing Starts Here

The Junior Adventure Racing World Championship in Témiscamingue, Canada will undoubtedly be a landmark event for the sport of adventure racing. It will provide a platform for young athletes to showcase their skills, forge lasting friendships, and inspire others to embrace the adventure racing lifestyle. With the support of passionate organisers, local communities, and international organisations, this event promises to be the start of something truly special.

For those who dream of adventure, challenge, and global recognition, the Junior World Championship is an opportunity to take their passion for racing to the next level. And for the world of adventure racing, it marks the dawn of a new era, one that will shape the future of the sport for generations to come.