IARA Adopts New Adventure Race Classification System at Successful AGM

Press Release / 05.02.2026

The International Adventure Racing Association (IARA) held its second Annual General Meeting (AGM) in late January, welcoming almost 50 participants from 20 countries.

The AGM opened with an interesting panel discussion hosted by Brian Gatens from The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing Podcast. The panelists included Molly Sparks (New Zealand), Lars Bukkehave (Greenland) and Warley Costa (Brazil) offering perspectives from young racer, race director and national organisation respectively on whether AR is thriving or surviving.  (Watch here.)

Two motions were presented to IARA membership for a vote. The first proposed the global adoption of a common, International Race Classification System; the second proposed the concept of implementing membership fees to fund IARA as outlined in the budget proposal. Both motions were approved by the voting Members. 

Praising IARA’s project progression

In his Chairperson’s report, Cormac MacDonnell highlighted the progression of a number of important projects during the past year. These included:

• Researching, writing and publishing the strategy document ‘Navigating Forward: IARA Strategies & Priorities 2025-2027’. This strategy developed three pillars for the sport with high-level goals for developing a strong organisation, building a strong membership base, and supporting the development of a strong sport. 
• The development of a guidance document for countries wishing to establish national structures and to become members of IARA
• The investigation of adventure racing youth projects & initiatives from around the world.
• The development of an International Race Classification System.
• Support, validation and country liaison for the first Junior Adventure Racing World Championship, an event co-ordinated by AR World Series and hosted by Raid Temiscamingue for July 2026.

MacDonnell also highlighted the ongoing situation with World Obstacle, an organisation that still claims adventure racing as one of its sports despite having no support from national adventure racing associations or the adventure racing community. In March 2026, World Obstacle will dissolve as part of its integration with World Pentathlon. IARA has addressed their concerns to World Pentathlon, who continue to be non-committal and dismissive.

“Looking forward,” MacDonnell says, “there are some important areas for us to progress in 2026, including the continued expansion of our membership base, recognition of IARA by global sport entities and working to resolve our issue with WO and WP, fundraising for IARA to make it financially viable, and improving representation and engagement from member countries with IARA.”

2026 Steering Committee

For 2026, Cormac MacDonnell (Ireland) steps down as Chairperson and into a role specifically focused on projects and task groups. Ross Phillips (UK) moves from Treasurer into the position as IARA’s Chairperson for 2026.

Other committee members Lisa de Speville (General Secretary, South Africa), Wayne Leek (Media and PR, Canada), and Alen Pujol (General – Membership, Uruguay) stay on in their roles.

Mike Garrison (Finance, USA), Jose Rivas (General, Spain) and Pascal Bahuaud (General, France) join the team for 2026. 

The presentation slides, Meeting Minutes and various documents related to the 2025 AGM can be found on IARA’s website.