ABOUT
History of MAD Decathlon:
June 2013: Both on temporary assignment to the country of Jordan, Jack and James meet and realize the surplus of time on their hands. Soon bonds begin to form the love of scotch whisky.
February 2014: Unforgettable yet legally dubious winter trip to Scotland’s distilleries leads the pair of friends to scheme about the first MAD adventure. The buttery-smooth, quixotic flavor of Lagavulin aided them in event design (... according to them.).
May 2014: The first MAD adventure is held as James's bachelor party, a five-day camping trip through Three Sisters Wilderness marked with a helo-drop and “game-changers”.
May 2015 – May 2016: Calls for a 2nd MAD adventure grow amongst the participants. Jack and James sit down virtually one night a week – Wednesday 9 PM Eastern – and divides up a multi day decathlon testing all aspects of manhood. The wild, strange, and nutty aspects a product of the banter of two great friends, Isla, whiskey, and
Ethos
MAD Decathlon is more than just a challenge; it’s a call to reimagine what being a strong, capable man really means. Crafted for the modern man willing to test every facet of himself, this experience goes far beyond physical endurance. Each event is built to push your boundaries and unlock qualities that might not be obvious on the surface—resilience, adaptability, teamwork, and grit. It’s a proving ground where strength isn’t just measured by muscles, but by how you show up for others, persevere through discomfort, and rise to unexpected challenges.
MAD is also about the thrill of the unknown. We keep you on your toes, purposefully leaving the challenges under wraps until the last minute. This unpredictability fuels a unique test of your mental and physical capacity—where just as you think you’ve got it figured out, the game shifts. It’s a true departure from the everyday, and when the weekend’s over, you’ll leave with stories, a new perspective on yourself, and possibly bonds that last a lifetime. MAD Decathlon isn’t just an event; it’s a rite of passage, a chance to uncover new strengths, and an invitation to grow alongside a group of solid guys seeking something beyond the ordinary.
MAD Decathlon was created as an answer to the narrow definitions the world often hands us. In a society obsessed with status, fitness metrics, and one-dimensional success, we believe manhood is far deeper and more complex. A true badass isn’t defined by superficial standards; it’s about how you connect, how you stand up when things get hard, and what you bring to the table when it matters most. Every night, we gather around the campfire, sharing stories, forging bonds, and discovering that real strength lies in the connections we make and the limits we’re willing to push together.
Timeline
The Founders
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James is an international social worker by training and a self-proclaimed “poor man’s reality TV star” by experience. He co-founded MAD Adventures as an alternative to the traditional bachelor parties. Having worked a kaleidoscope of jobs—snowboard instructor, suit salesman, Alaskan fisherman, and pretzel boy— ultimately it was James’s belief in manhood and a knack for creating memorable adventures led him to develop MAD Adventures. While acknowledging the value of existing physical challenges like triathlons and mud races, James saw a gap for something more comprehensive, emphasizing camaraderie over competition. His vision for MAD Adventures includes being litigation-free, building a strong participant community, and fostering growth through shared risk and adventure.
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Jack is a seasoned “Jack Of All Trades” , Jack’s life has seen three careers in firefighting, law, and international development. He brought his guitar and scotch drinking proclivities to Amman Jordan, where he found a MAD adventure counterpart in James. Bringing all the qualities of a great dad and granddad, Jack saw the benefit in experiences which overcome adversity and the memories that they make. Jack and his “up for anything” attitude is interwoven throughout the events.
Ten Unique Events
Multi-day Experience
Self Assessment
Natural Setting
Campfire Camaraderie
Venue
MAD Decathlons unfold on 90 acres of pristine wilderness in Grantsville, Maryland. Our stunning venue features rivers, ponds, dense pine forests, open pastures, and even a few swamps, creating the perfect backdrop for our adrenaline-fueled challenges. While you’ll venture deep into nature to test your limits, comfort awaits at our main house, equipped with hot showers, electricity, Starlink internet, and all the essentials. Whether you’re wading through the wild or regrouping around a roaring campfire with a cold drink, MAD Decathlons combine rugged outdoor exploration with the support you need to go beyond yourself and discover what you’re truly capable of.
