About tanZ Navigation LLC
tanZ Navigation
is the umbrella company that I use to host rogaines, trail runs, and adventure races.
I also sell compasses and the book Squiggly Lines on the site.
I make (and print) maps for anyone in need, for races or personal use, and I give private instruction on map/compass navigation.
| Mark 2026 Race Schedule | Mark Past Races | Mark Race Stats |
Contact Info: Mark
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Mark Short Bio I stumbled upon adventure racing in the Spring of 2001 when I volunteered for a 30-hour event in North Carolina. After seeing all the fun the racers were having, I signed up for my first AR a few weeks later. Since then, I have raced all over the US and the world. I have volunteered at races, designed and vetted courses, learned to navigate (and wrote a book on it), helped start the Adventure Racing Cooperative, and organized many races with my wife Lora under the TanZ Navigation label. In addition, I am one of the founding members of the Blue Ridge Orienteering Club and a founding board member of the new United States Adventure Racing Association (USARA). Over the years, I have raced in many places (28 countries, 30 states) with about 138 different teammates. I've always enjoyed getting to know new racers, going to new places, and learning new things. These days, I live in the mountain town of Blacksburg, VA with Lora (who has convinced me that adventure travel is as fun as adventure racing) and our two dogs: Elle and Emma. |
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(Some of) Mark's Favorite Events
| Adventure Races | ||
| Event | Location | Description |
| Australia XPD | Australia | Most accessible expedition AR on Earth. 10 fun-filled days! |
| Itera series | UK | Open Adventure's 5 day ARs around the UK - all amazing! |
| Patagonia Expedition Race | Chile | Biggest, baddest, toughest AR out there. Windy. |
| Trail Runs | ||
| Event | Location | Description |
| Dragon's Back Run | Wales | 200 miles across Wales navigating knife-edged ridges. |
| Marathon Des Sables | Morocco | 6 days of running in the sun and sand. |
| Northern Traverse | England | 200 miles across England - lakes, peaks, dales, and moors. |
| Tor Des Geants | Italy | 200 miles, 25000 meters of ascent - in the Alps. |
| OMM Iceland | Iceland | 2 days of running and navigating in the lava. |
| OMM Scotland | Scotland | 2 days of running and navigating in the Highlands. |