Why does The Dark Zone exist?

In adventure racing, a “dark zone” is a pause in the action—when darkness or safety concerns require teams to stop, regroup, and prepare for what lies ahead. It’s a time for swapping stories, building friendships, and renewing energy. Here at The Dark Zone, we aim to recreate that spirit through compelling stories and shared experiences. We’re thrilled to have you with us.

The Dark Zone Podcast exists to celebrate the sport and its community through three key goals:

  • Support new racers by connecting them with the wisdom of seasoned adventurers.
  • Preserve the sport’s history through conversations that capture its essence and evolution.
  • Showcase events by giving race directors a platform to share their stories with the world.

Dive in, enjoy the journey, and make the most of your time in The Dark Zone. We’re glad you’re here.

TDZ 155 – Adventure Racer Marina LeGree of Ascend Athletics and Her 134 Teammates

Episode Link Here Returning guest Marina LeGree, Executive Director of Ascend Athletics, is always a delight to have on The Dark Zone. In this episode, we discuss her introduction to adventure racing, the parallels between Ascend and AR, and how her family is again returning to The Maine Summer Adventure Race.  LeGree founded Ascend Athletics…

TDZ 154.5 – Remembering Shelley Johannesen, Race and Event Updates, and a Podcast Takeover in June

Episode Link Here Before we get into the race and event updates, we take a moment to remember TDZ Guest #2 Shelley Johannesson. Her loss has been a tremendous blow for our community, and TDZ wanted to join the community in honoring her and who she was. We then turn to Jason’s Adventure Bash, June 13th in Columbia, South Carolina, a race that Jason Schmidt designed himself before he passed away this past winter. His wife Liz made sure it’s happening. Two formats, beginner to advanced, and 50% of proceeds go directly to a college fund for Jason’s three kids. If you want a race that means something, this is the one. Ascend Athletics’ Hike For Her goes global May 30th, one day, one trail, one mission connecting women and girls from Afghanistan and Pakistan to wherever you’re lacing up. Get involved at the link below And come late June, the keys to this feed are getting handed over to Rootstock Racing while we’re out racing the 5-day Endless Mountains. Rootstock is producing an in-race podcast, dropping episodes right here while we’re still on course. We’re happy to give RR this platform, and this episode captures the spirit of The Endless Mountains Adventure Race. Thanks for being here for this unique episode of TDZ. Shownotes: Remembering Shelley Johannesen – https://www.usara.com/news/community-loss-1 Shelley’s Dark Zone Episode #2 – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dark-zone-2-shelley-mclaughlin/id1578529221?i=1000530189736 Jason’s Adventure Bash – https://www.gritadventureracing.com/races Ascend Athletics Hike for Her – https://www.ascendathletics.org/event Endless Mountains Adventure Race – https://www.endlessmountainsar.com/ Endless Mountains Lite – https://www.rootstockracing.com/endless-mountains-adventure-race-lite.html#/

Course Reveal: Back to the Berg — The 2026 Expedition Africa Course Reveal

Episode Link Here This episode of The Course Reveal Podcast drops on race morning — which means that as you listen, the teams are already moving. Expedition Africa: Back to the Berg is an expedition-length adventure race set in and around the Drakensberg of South Africa — one of the most dramatic and unforgiving landscapes…

TDZ & The 2026 Katie Cookie Ride to benefit St. Jude Children’s Hospital

Episode Link Here For almost 150 episodes, The Dark Zone has been free — stories of grit, uncertainty, partnership, and the long road through the unknown. Now we’re turning those miles into something bigger. From March 19-22, 2026, Bob Mina and Brian Gatens of TDZ will attempt to ride 400 miles from West Chester, Pennsylvania…

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