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The Artemis Rally returns for its fourth edition from April 29-May 2, 2026, a women-only overland event designed for competitors who want a demanding combination of endurance, strategy and vehicle-based adventure. This year the organizers have simplified the program by removing canoe activities; attendees should note that watercraft components have been discontinued and the itinerary focuses on land-based navigation and outdoor skills. The rally begins with a pre-party reception the evening of April 28, 2026 at Ace Adventure Resort‘s Lost Paddle restaurant from 6:00pm to 8:00pm, where light hors d’oeuvres and cocktails will be available.
The route covers rough, scenic areas of West Virginia over four days and requires teams to live and operate from a centralized bivouac. The event basecamp will be equipped with roomy 4-person tents supplied, pitched and removed by the organizers, and each team is expected to share one tent between two people. The final day concludes with a social hour, a formal dinner (cocktail attire) and an awards ceremony. Competitors should arrive ready for communal camping and multi-day navigation challenges that combine physical effort with strategic decision-making.
Format, inclusions and team setup
Teams consist of exactly two people sharing one vehicle; registering more than one vehicle equals multiple team entries. The rally welcomes most street-legal 4×4 vehicles, including stock SUVs, pickups, slightly modified rigs, heavily modified vehicles and hybrid or electric vehicles, though there are no on-site provisions to charge EV models. SXS (side-by-side) vehicles are explicitly prohibited, whether street-legal or not. Each competitor will receive event kit items including four Artemis Rally t-shirts, one rally helmet, one rally vest, and a hydration supply. The per-person meal package includes 8 meals: four breakfasts and four dinners prepared on-site by Trail to Table with Chef Nathan Derstine, and vegetarian or vegan options are available when requested.
Meals, basecamp and personal gear
While breakfast and dinner are provided, teams must supply their own lunches and snacks. Organizers supply tents and hydration packets; teams must bring personal camping gear and basics such as sleeping bags, pads, pillows, toiletries, a headlamp and a small camp chair. Mandatory personal items include a first aid kit, matches or a lighter, gloves for winching and multitools. Vehicle owners must carry a functioning spare tire and the tools necessary to change it. Fuel costs are the responsibility of competitors; fuel stops are permitted throughout the rally.
Challenges, optional activities and safety
The rally’s core, mandatory test is navigation using GPS platforms such as Gaia, Garmin, Google Maps or other mapping apps. Optional point-scoring activities expand the experience and may include sporting clays (shared 12-gauge shotgun supplied by the event), archery, axe throwing, whitewater rafting (Class 3-4), ziplining, hiking and swimming. Mechanical and vehicle-handling tests include winching challenges, spare-tire/jack drills, traction board and Pull-Pal scenarios, plus surprise tasks announced during the event. All firearms or shooting challenges will be managed under tight safety rules; teams will use event-supplied firearms where specified.
Safety protocols and competition rules
Safety is enforced through equipment and conduct rules: vehicles must be street legal with a valid tag, drivers must carry a valid driver’s license and insurance, and OEM seatbelts or approved harnesses are required. Organizers install trackers on every rally vehicle; tampering with a tracker leads to immediate disqualification, and speeding beyond posted limits carries penalties. Navigation must be performed by team members only with no outside assistance. Event branding rules require placement of team numbers on both driver and passenger doors and a windshield banner area sized 6″ x 48″; helmets and vests must not display non-Artemis branding.
Registration, costs and media
Entry is priced at $3750.00 per team. To reserve a spot, teams pay a non-refundable commitment deposit of $150.00; the remaining balance is due no later than March 30, 2026. Manufacturer or sponsored teams are welcome. Overlander Project will provide mechanical assistance on-route and at the evening bivouac as needed. Media or support personnel are not permitted in competition vehicles: those who wish to bring media/support must register separately. A media/support pass costs $200.00 per person, and a media package is available for purchase at $245.00 per team.
Questions about sponsorship decks, registration or special requests can be sent to [email protected], or teams may call/text 828-322-6463 to reach John Eller. Artemis Rally positions itself as a rapid-growth, authentic female-only overland rally—spots are limited, so early registration is advised.