AR Panamá

AR Panama is Launched and Joins the AR World Series

Press Release / 08.07.2021

Adventure racing fans have a new international sporting event to look forward to in February 2022: the Adventure Race Panama (AR Panama). As part of the Adventure Racing World Series (ARWS), AR Panama is an endurance racing circuit where adventure teams will compete in a variety of disciplines including orienteering, trekking, mountain biking, kayaking, canyoning and climbing for a grand prize of $25,000.

A total of 30 teams consisting of both men and women will have the opportunity to trek through Panama, known for its rich history and unique biodiversity, with only the help of a map and compass. Taking place over eleven consecutive days from the 17th to the 28th of February, 2022, and with over 600 international visitors and a total distance of 500kms (310 miles), the members of each team must stay together in the competition until they reach the finish line, demonstrating their skills as adventurers and their capacity for teamwork, coordination and effort.

Introducing AR Panama to the popular ARWS calendar is not only a significant step for the continued visibility and growth of the sport, but is also an opportunity to further showcase the beauty of Panama to the world. As one of the best hidden treasures in Central America, (Panama offers exotic and wild natural environments, cultural diversity and breathtaking beaches) which is ideal to challenge the best adventure racers in the world, as well as some of whom have participated in ARWS’ events since the series creation in 2005.

With unique landscapes of coast, mangroves, mountains and jungles, the provinces of Chiriqui, Veraguas and Los Santos will now be the scenes of one of the most epic adventures on the planet. The race will begin in the Chiriquí Highlands in the town of Volcán, which is reachable by car (a 7-hour ride from Panama City) or a short (less than one-hour) domestic flight to David, Chiriquí, followed by a 45-minute car ride to the Tierras Altas district.

Participants will cross the finish line on the Pacific coast of Panama in the town of Pedasi, known for its pristine beaches, abundance of water activities and its proximity to several of Panama's national parks and wildlife refuges.

During the race, viewers can track the location of the teams participating in real time through the Track the Race live platform – taking in views of the unique Panamanian towns and checkpoints that the teams pass through. The event will also be filmed for a National Geographic documentary, which will be broadcasted in more than 70 countries around the world.

AR Panama, which is sponsored by PROMTUR Panama, Panama’s official destination marketing organization (DMO) that works in close collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Panama (ATP), will have a major impact on establishing Panama as a world-class adventure destination.

Participation in the event supports Panama’s Master Plan for Sustainable Tourism, which was recently recognized by UNESCO as an example of innovation and sustainability, highlighting Panama's unique tourism routes. The plan reactivates Panama's Tourism, Conservation and Research (TCI) strategy, and focuses on three core areas: Cultural Heritage (multifaceted culture), Green Heritage (extraordinary biodiversity), and Blue Heritage (ocean wonders).