AFS Survival Race

The Akwesasne Freedom Schools Survival Race was originally begun in the early 1980’s as a chance to prove your strength and athleticism through traditional means such as canoeing, running, and pack basket carrying. Restarted in the 2010’s by former school manager and alumni Aronhiaies Herne, the Survival Race has continued to grow and be a measure of endurance and strength through our Haudenosaunee communities. We have had competitors as young as 16 and several elders nearing their 70’s. One of our long-term competitors, David Richmond, retired in 2024 at the age of 67. He was one of our original racers back in 1982. Today the race consists of a 6.2 mile run, 1.5 mile weighted back pack, .75 mile swim, 6 mile canoe (2 people required), 15 mile bike, fire starting, archery. The distances and race route are subject to change, particularly as our school prepares to move into our new building.