2026 Leaderboard: Week 5

The 2026 Nomad Rally has officially reached the halfway point, and Week 5 has created a clear picture of how the competition is taking shape. While the podium remains locked in an intense three-way tactical battle, the biggest story this week is the growing depth throughout the field. Teams across the leaderboard are turning strong planning and consistent tracking into significant point gains, making every position increasingly competitive. At the front of the pack, Team 117 Lucas continues to deliver a masterclass in consistency, extending their lead to an impressive 4,342 points. Their disciplined strategy and steady execution remain the benchmark for the rest of the field. In second place, Team 101 Mercer continues to apply relentless pressure. Capitalizing on their strength in challenging terrain, they posted another outstanding week to reach 3,389 points, ensuring the leaders can’t afford even a small mistake. Holding firm in third, Team 112 Venrick has erased any doubts about their early-season surge. The rookie team has continued to build momentum, establishing a solid cushion with 2,861 points and proving they belong among the rally’s elite. Beyond the podium, the overall standings reveal just how competitive the rally has become. This week marks a major milestone, with ten teams now surpassing the 1,000-point mark and five teams breaking through the 2,000-point barrier. The leaderboard is becoming increasingly compressed, meaning a single exceptional week—or one costly mistake—could dramatically reshape the standings. With several teams still holding valuable Overland Stages in reserve, the second half of this ten-week game of backcountry chess promises plenty of strategic surprises. On the skills and knowledge-check side of the competition, teams turned in outstanding performances on Weekly Challenge #5. Faced with realistic wilderness medical scenarios, competitors demonstrated a strong understanding of Wilderness First Aid principles. In remote environments where professional help may be hours away, the ability to assess, stabilize, and manage a patient can transform a serious emergency into a survivable situation. Now the rally shifts gears once again. Weekly Challenge #6 focuses on Radios and Trail Communications, testing competitors on GMRS operation, amateur radio frequencies, repeater use, communication protocols, and emergency networks. In the backcountry, reliable communication is far more than a convenience—it’s a critical safety tool. As the second half of the rally begins, we’ll see which teams can keep the conversation clear when it matters most.