While many teams were still slugging it out on course, the duo of Attack from Above (Chris Laughren and Chad Spence) made quick work of each and every stage. Finishing in an astonishing 18 hours and 55 minutes, the team cleared the course several hours faster than their closest competitors, teams VERT and Rootstock.

Although Transition Area 4 was technically optional, if your team decided not to visit, you would be ranked behind every other team who did. So the incentive to get into and back out of the Boonville Gorge in time for the finish was high

Adventure Racing Insider can’t be everywhere at once so that’s why when fans send me photos from the course I’m always super excited to add them to the archive of media for the race. Here are some galleries from our volunteer photographers:

Transition Area 3 was situated at the top of the hill on a clearing that offered 180 degree views of the horizon

After stage 1 and 2, Attack from Aabove has built a massive lead approximately 54 minutes as they start the paddle. The premier co-ed teams are trailing behind VERT and Rootstock very close together

With no short prologue, the Tug Hill Extreme’s field of teams would need to separate themselves quickly on a fast road ride to the Sand Flats State Park for the first of several ROGAINE style treks

The 2026 Tug Hill Extreme Adventure Race started right on time at 10:00am sharp. These are the pre-race pics I caught while everyone was getting ready.