- $50 per participant (hiking or biking)
- Includes one custom jersey or T‑shirt
- Completion of the challenge is not required to receive your apparel
- 250 km – Single medal
- 500 km – Single medal
- 1000 km – Two‑piece medal All three connect to form one large commemorative coin.
- 25 km – Patch
- 50 km – Patch
- 100 km – Patch All three combine into a single scenic display.
- Earn your own jersey/T‑shirt and awards
- Track and submit only your personal distances
- Combine distances as a team
- One jersey/T‑shirt and one award set per registration
- Additional apparel may be purchased for $45 each
- Strava
- Map My Ride / Map My Hike
- Komoot
- CyclemeterGPS
- AllTrails
- Challenge Begins: 1 May 2026
- Challenge Ends: 30 September 2026
- Final Distance Submission Deadline: 8 October 2026
- Garrison Participation Reporting Deadline: 30 October 2026
- Earn exclusive medals or patches
- Receive a custom jersey or T‑shirt
- Build fitness and explore your local trails
- Join group rides/hikes and community events
- Help your garrison compete for the 2026 ODR Challenge Trophy
2026 Army Outdoor Recreation Hiking & Biking Challenge
Get Outside. Get Moving. Earn Your Achievement.
The 2026 Army Outdoor Recreation (ODR) Hiking & Biking Challenge is your chance to explore the outdoors, build fitness, and earn exclusive awards—all while representing your garrison in an Army MWR wide event. Whether you ride, hike, or do both, this five‑month challenge is designed for every skill level and every member of the MWR community.
What the Challenge Is
From 1 May – 30 September 2026, eligible MWR patrons can log their outdoor hiking and or cycling/biking distances to earn commemorative medals or patches. All participants receive a custom cycling jersey or custom hiking T‑shirt just for registering.
How to Join
1. Register with Your Local ODR
Sign up through your garrison’s Outdoor Recreation office using your RecTrac household account. Proof of eligibility is required.
2. Pay the Registration Fee
3. Start Logging Your Miles
You may begin logging distances starting 1 May 2026, or from your actual registration date if you join later. No backdated mileage is allowed.
Challenge Options & Awards
Biking Challenge
Complete cumulative outdoor rides to earn medals:
Hiking Challenge
Complete cumulative outdoor hikes to earn patches:
Eligible Participant with the Highest Mileage Wins a 3-Night Stay at an AFRC in Seoul or Germany!
Individual or Family Participation
You choose how to take on the challenge:
Individual
Family/Group
Note: You must choose either Individual or Family for the entire challenge period.
Tracking Your Distances
Participants are responsible for their own tracking. Electronic apps are encouraged, including:
Submit your total kilometers to ODR at least once per month (or as directed by your garrison). Final distances must be submitted by 8 October 2026.
Important Dates
Equipment & Safety
Participants are responsible for their own gear. Traditional road, mountain, commuter, and e‑bikes are allowed. Only outdoor hikes count toward hiking distances. ODR encourages use of their checkout center, maintenance services, and guided programs.
Sportsmanship is mandatory—unsafe or disrespectful behavior may result in disqualification.
Why Participate?
All distance tracker data must be submitted to Outdoor Recreation no later than 08 October 2026 to qualify for awards. Late submissions will not be accepted.
Cost
Registration is $50 per participant and includes a custom cycling jersey for cycling participants or a custom t-shirt for hiking participants. Apparel is provided upon registration and does not require challenge completion.
