The Raid Gauloises is considered by many to be the first modern adventure race and was first held in 1989. It's creator, Gerald Fusil, took the existing concept of long distance endurance races, and focused on the team aspects, requiring each competitor to be part of a five person co-ed team. The Raid had no set course, with competitors being required to rely on their wits and judgment to reach the specified checkpoints. The Raid was named after its original sponsor, the Gauloises Cigarette Company.

In 1998, Fusil left the Raid to begin a new adventure race series, the Elf Authentic Adventure.

Raid Races

1989 New Zealand

1990 Costa Rica

1991 New Caledonia

1992 Gulf of Oman

1993 Madagascar

1994 Malaysia

1995 Argentina

1996 not held

1997 Lesotho

1998 Ecudaor

1999 not held

2000 Trans-Hymalayan

2001 not held

2002 Vietnam

2003 Kirgistan

2004 Argentina