ADVENTURE RACING WORLD SERIES ANNOUNCES 2026 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

34 Honourees Across 12 Nations Celebrated for Extraordinary Dedication to Global Adventure Racing, Including a Posthumous Tribute to Jorge Diego Llano

The Adventure Racing World Series (ARWS) has officially unveiled its Hall of Fame Class of 2026, recognising 34 inductees representing 12 nations who have shaped the sport across decades of expedition racing.

The 2026 awards span four core pillars of the adventure racing community: 25 racers, 7 volunteers, 1 team, and 1 media organisation. The racer category includes five athletes who also serve as ARWS Race Directors, as well as a poignant posthumous honour presented to the late Colombian competitor and organiser Jorge Diego Llano.

The awards were made at the closing ceremony of the 2026 Adventure Racing World Championship in Corsica by ARWS CEO Heidi Muller. Speaking to all of the teams who had just completed the race she said, "The ARWS Hall of Fame exists to honour the extraordinary individuals whose passion, endurance, and selflessness define the very spirit of adventure racing. This 2026 class represents the heart of our community across the globe—from athletes who have pushed the limits on the world’s toughest expedition courses for over twenty years, to the tireless volunteers who work behind the scenes through many sleepless nights to support our races in so many ways.

We are especially privileged this year to present a posthumous induction to Jorge Diego Llano through Team Tributo a Jorge. Jorge’s spirit, sportsmanship, and pioneering leadership in South American adventure racing left an indelible mark on everyone who had the honour of crossing paths with him. To all of our new inductees: thank you for inspiring generations of adventurers and for building the legacy of this sport."

The presentations began with the emotional posthumous award for Jorge Diego Llano, presented to the team racing in his memory, and ended with a tearful retirement speech by veteran French racer Romy Viale, who called up on stage all those he had raced with over 20 years.

The awards included many French racers and volunteers from the Raid in France community. Since its foundation in 2007 the race has been pivotal to the growth of French adventure racing and to creating a group of the strongest international racers in the world. It has also built a unique race family, with over 100 volunteers supporting the racers and returning to Raid in France year after year.

ARWC2026 - Corsica is Magic will be the last event organised by Race Directors Nancy and Pascal Bahuaud (who are already in the Hall of Fame) and their historic third World Championship was the perfect opportunity to recognise the racers and volunteers of Raid in France.

The 2026 ARWS Hall of Fame Inductees

1. Racers (25 Inductees Across 12 Countries)
The athlete roster honours veteran expedition racers who have competed in ARWS Qualifier expeditions and Adventure Racing World Championships (ARWC) around the world for a decade or more, and who have inspired others to race.

Artur Kurek (Poland)
Nathalie Long (Canada)
Jorge Diego Llano (Colombia, Tributo a Jorge) – Posthumous award
Romuald Viale (France)
Brent Freedland (USA)
Abigail Perkiss (USA)
Xavi Rodriguez Verdez (Spain)
Luis Fernando Becdach (Ecuador)
Fanny Fréchinet (France)
Jonas Junckes (Brazil)
Chiara Casari (France)
Lionel Villeneuve (France)
Johann Thomas (France)
Pierre Francois (France)
Stephanie Blockx (Belgium)
Frederic Bovy (Belgium)
Charles Triponez (USA)
Juan Jose Sancosmed Vazquez (Spain)
Marco Ponteri (Italy)
Marcos Varela Yañez (Spain)
Angus Rodwell (Australia)
Mikael Halberg Martinsen (Denmark)
Christophe Aubonnet (France)
Justyna Frączek (Poland)
Anne Simon (France)

2. Volunteer Category (7 Inductees)
Recognising exceptional service as volunteers and organisers with Raid in France over many years. Without their selfless dedication the race could not happen.

Gérard Caprini (France)
Monique Caprini (France)
Béatrice Lambert (France)
Dominique Chaize (France)
Jean-Paul Treve (France)
Jacques Zenesini (France)
Brice Rassineux (France)