GutCheck Cape Cod
Date and time
Friday, September 18, 2026 · 7:00 PM
Location
Nickerson State Park, Brewster, MA
Date and time
Friday, September 18, 2026 · 7:00 PM
Location
Nickerson State Park, Brewster, MA
Date and time
Friday, September 18, 2026 · 7:00 PM
Location
Nickerson State Park, Brewster, MA
EVENT INFORMATION After five successful years as one of the most difficult sprint triathlons in the world, The GutCheck was reconfigured in 2019 as a point-to-point adventure race within Cape Cod’s 2000-acre DCR Nickerson State Park. Each year, the course will be different — and no one knows exactly what it will be until shortly before the race. Just know that it will be an endurance workout you won’t soon forget!
WARNING! This is a race for intermediate athletes. Expect cold water, steep hills and difficult cliffside running trails paved with tree roots. While there will be emergency medical support on-site, all participants race at their own risk.
HOW IT WILL WORK: Until shortly before the race, all you’ll know about this year’s GutCheck is that it will combine running, cycling, navigating and water crossing (paddleboard or swimming) in Nickerson State Park. You will present yourself at designated checkpoints along the way. Expect a finishing time of 1 to 2 hours. Whether you compete solo or with a group of your friends (2, 3 or 4 persons), the objective is to use your wits and fitness to scramble your way (including 92 steps built into a cliff) to the finish.
THE COURSE Athletes will receive laminated maps that have checkpoints pre-marked before the race. You will navigate between checkpoints using the map and compass. Teams must check in at all checkpoints and the finish line together. Segments will be categorized as either a run, bike, or swim/paddle discipline. Keep in mind that you may have multiple running, biking, and swim/paddling legs that alternate throughout the race. Also, unlike a relay, 2, 3 or 4-person teams compete together the entire race. This is a point-to-point race, there is no central transition area so plan accordingly.
HOW SHOULD I PREPARE? Prepare yourself for this event by training to be capable of trail running and biking for two-plus hours. There will be no more than four swim segments, and each swim segment will be 1/2 mile or less. Paddle segments will be longer. Biking elevations range from -5% to 8% grades, running elevations up to 18% grade. You can choose between swimming or paddleboarding. Bring your own, or a limited supply will be available to rent. Be prepared for a mile+ of total paddling or 3/4 of total swimming. Be prepared to read and follow the supplied trail map. There will be four race categories: solo, two-person, three-person and four-person. All members of a team race the entire course together, remain in close contact and finish at the same time.
DISTANCES
Be prepared to:
Paddle 1 - 1.5 miles or Swim .5 - 1.0 miles
Bike (steep hills) 5 - 10 miles
Run (technical trails) 4 - 6 miles
USA TRIATHLON
This is a USAT Sanctioned race! That means that we meet or exceed strict guidelines set by USA Triathlon. This benefits the athlete by providing additional insurance coverage in case of injury.
You are required to have either an annual or 1-day (Bronze) USA Triathlon membership in order to race in any USAT-sanctioned event. Non-USAT members will be required to purchase a one-day event insurance license from USA Triathlon for $14.99.
GEAR LIST
Road Bike Bike Helmet Paddle board w/ paddle or surf board Life vest or safe-swimmer buoy If swimming; dry bag for shoes, map etc. Running (or trail) shoes that don't mind getting wet We'll supply the laminated map
ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDED GEAR
Marker to be used on laminated map Long pants, tights or leg protection Sunglasses or hat Bug spray Sunscreen Compass Dry bag or safe swimmer buoy with inner compartment
RACING AS A TEAM
Each person registers as an individual, noting the name of your team during the registration process. This avoids the hassle of one person registering the team but then needing to gather info and collect money from everybody. Team members can also decide prior to the event to "race solo," or vice versa. On race day each member of the team must go through check points and finish line together. May the fastest... and smartest... teams win!
CAN TEAMS SHARE A PADDLEBOARD? Yes! Up to 2 team members can be on 1 paddleboard at a time.
TRANSFER/REFUND POLICY There will be no refunds , transfers or wait list.
TIMING Results are expected to be posted to the GutCheck website and the NEEE website with in one day.
TRAVEL For those traveling from afar, Cape Cod is awash with hotels, motor lodges, inns, bed and breakfasts, vacation cottages and AirBnB offerings.