March is one of my kiddo's favorite times of year! Why, you ask? It is the month that registration opens for the Kids Adventure Games (KAG) in Vail. Considered one of the most challenging races around for kids ages 6-14, KAG is adventure racing at its best due to the focus on teamwork and sportsmanship. The 2017 KAG event will be held August 9th-13th.
This year will be my son’s third year competing. We came across this race years ago, while on vacation in Vail over the summer. We saw kids running through Betty Ford park and asked spectators what was going on. We were told that Billy Mattison, a local dad and international adventure racer, had developed this race for local kids to challenge themselves like he did in his races.
The story goes that he was developing fun, challenging obstacles courses for his kids' birthday parties which became well known in the local area. One race led to another, connections were made, and a kid’s race was born. Fast forward a few years, and now my Parkour-loving and American Ninja Warrior fan kiddo is racing with his buddies.
The course, tackled by teams of two, consists of mountain biking, trekking, rappelling, ropes courses, cargo nets, slick walls, slack lines, zip lines, water obstacles, a giant Slip ‘N Slide, and more. There are three course options — beginner, intermediate and expert — that vary in length by age and experience. Optional skills courses are available two days before the races begin so participants can become more familiar with how the obstacles work.
Spectators/parents are welcome to follow their kids (if they can keep up) but are asked not to assist or help. My husband and I staked out specific spots along the course for some photo ops but stayed in the background, allowing the kids to just run the race. There are check points at every obstacle and along the route. The number of volunteers is amazing and we felt like our kids were in good hands should they need any serious assistance.
After all the heats of the day are completed, there is an award ceremony and fun after-party for the participants and families. It is a great way to wrap up a physically and mentally challenging race and celebrate the teams’ accomplishments!
The race is not the only game in town. There are a lot of fun activities in the Solaris Plaza at the Family Adventure Expo each race day that offer fun activities and games for racers, non-competing siblings, and spectators.
Last year, KAG welcomed a Family Race in Copper Mountain so the adults can enjoy the adventure too! There is also a Keen Family Mud Run in Vail on August 12th.
Registration is underway at www.kidsadventuregames.com/register. Race rates start at $160 for a team of two. The skills clinics are $60 per participant. Last year, 750 kids raced. KAG in Vail did sell out so be sure to register early. Registration includes a cool shirt, event backpack with samples, and an event medal at the end of the race. Kids Adventure Games is an event that your kids will never forget!
