Walkabout Outfitter Wild Gear Chase 2026

This may be a Wild Gear Chase but don't worry, even if you're slow you'll catch some sweet stuff. From water bottles and hats to bigger prizes like kayaks, fly rods and coolers, and everything in between, everyone walks away with a piece of gear in this unique "treasure hunt".

Using a map, a corresponding "cue sheet", and your brains, participants have two hours to race to as many checkpoints (both urban and wilderness locations) scattered throughout a two-mile radius of GO Fest. Hit as many checkpoints as you can, then head back to the finish within the two-hour time limit. Racers are then ranked based on points and time, and lined up in front of the gear tent. Every 15 seconds a person enters the gear tent; you can stay in the tent as long as you want but you can only leave the tent with one piece of gear, so choose wisely.

This Year there will be a Woman's and Men's Division!

Timeline and schedule:

8:00am – 9:00am Racer check in and number pickup

9:30am - Mandatory pre-race meeting

9:45am - Maps and clue sheets distributed - Racers will have 10 minutes to plan their route

10:00am – Race start

12:00pm – Race ends (5-point penalty for EACH minute late)

3:15pm – Results announced and Gear Tent entry

Community event in Roanoke, Roanoke city County, VA 24011.