Adventure challenges to put in your adventure diary (and possibly train for!)

APRIL

3–5 April
Dirt and Dust Festival
Julia Creek, Queensland
Triathlon (800m swim, 25km bike and 5km run) + Bog Snorkelling Champs
Beginner–Intermediate
dirtndust.com

5 April
6 Hour Enduro MTB
Kurwongbah, Queensland
10km course (do it as many times as you can!)
Beginner+
gar.com.au

5 April
Ironman Oz
Port Macquarie, New South Wales
Swim (3.8km), bike (180km), run (42.2km)
Advanced
ironmanoz.com

5-9 April
North Pole Marathon
Certified 26.2 mile (42.2km) marathon distance. Only certified marathon that is run entirely 'on' water, the frozen water of the Arctic Ocean. Recognised by Guinness World Records as the Northernmost Marathon on Earth
Advanced
npmarathon.com

17-26 April
Coast to Coast Challenge Costa Rica
Costa Rica
500km over six days. Unsupported expedition style race. Trek, MTB, ropes, paddle and navigation.
Advanced
ctocrace.com

18 April
Paddy Pallin Adventure Race
Lake Macquarie, New South Wales
Classic Course: kayaking (4km), bike (15-20km) run (7-10km) and navigation. Novice Course is half the Classic Course. Advanced Course will include a bonus leg for the top 30 teams or those finishing the Classic Course within a certain time.
Beginner+
arocsport.com.au

18 April
Caravan, Camping, 4WD and Holiday Supershow
Rosehill, Sydney, New South Wales
Caravans, camper trailers, 4WDs and accessories, camping equipment, fishing
All levels
supershow.com.au

18-19 April
Titus 24 Hour MTB Challenge
Canungra, Queensland
Solo or team MTB enduro
Intermediate+
twowheelpromotions.com.au

19 April
BMC 100km Classic
Woodend, Melbourne, Victoria
MTB (100km or 50km). There is an 18km course for under 16yo.
Intermediate+
maxadventure.com.au

19 April
Festival of Cycling
Albert Park, Victoria
Everything featuring two wheels and pedals.
Beginner+
mfoc.com.au

19 April
Mars Challenge
Ballarat to Barwon Heads, Victoria
Run (20km), bike (79km), paddle (32km)
Intermediate–Advanced
ballaratcanoeclub.org.au

26 April
Bribie Island Multisport
Bribie Island, Queensland
Mountain bike (55km), run (22km), kayak (23km) and swim (1.6 km)
Intermediate–Advanced
gar.com.au

28 April – 2 May
Keen Adventure Race/s
Wilsons Promontory, Victoria
5 day stage race + 1 day adventure race
Mountain biking, trekking, paddling, climbing, abseiling and navigation
Beginner (1-day)–Advanced (5-day)
rapidascent.com.au   

MAY

1-3 May
Wild Horse Games
Oregon, USA
Running, biking, hiking, geo-caching, swimming, climbing, zip-lining, blobbing and geocaching over 66,000 acres in a competitive ten member team tournament
Intermediate
wildhorsegames.org

2 May
Desert Winds 24 Hour plus Adventure Race
Lake Mead, Nevada, USA
Mountain Biking, Trekking/Running, Swimming, all with Map & Compass
Intermediate
DesertWindsAdventureSeries.com

2–3 May
Old Hidden Vale MTB Fiesta
including Merida 24 Hour
Old Hidden Vale near Grandchester, Queensland
Merida 24 Hour MTB Race, Indi Kids' MTB Race and Mulgowie Muster trail ride
Beginner–Advanced
merida24hr.com

2–3 May
Blue Mountains' WildEndurance 2009
Blue Mountains, New South Wales
100km trekking challenge for teams of 4-6 people in under 48hrs. Raises funds to protect the wilderness through The Wilderness Society projects. Oh, and you have to complete it in under 48 hours.
Intermediate
wildendurance.org.au/ or aroc.com.au

2-4 May
Great Lakeland 3-Day
Cumbiria, England
Solo mountain marathon, 80 miles over 3 days
Advanced
joefaulkner.com

9 May
Diamond Quest Ireland
Cooley and Mourne mountains, Ireland
Run, kayak bike 60km total
Beginner+
Diamondquestireland.com

10 May
ARea51 Series - One Night In Vegas / ARQ Round 1
Brisbane CBD
Trail Running/Walking, Navigation, Mystery Discipline
Beginner+
GeocentricOutdoors.com.au

12 May
Dirt Works Classic
St Albans, New South Wales
MTB (50 and 100km courses)
Intermediate–Advanced
maxadventure.com.au/dirtworksclassic/

16–17 May
Great Ocean Road Marathon
Great Ocean Road, Victoria
Road run (full + half marathon)
Intermediate–Advanced
greatoceanroadmarathon.com.au

16–17 May
The North Face 100 Ultramarathon
Blue Mountains, New South Wales
100km trail run open to solo and teams of two (50Km each relaying at mid-point)
Advanced
thenorthface.com.au/100 or aroc.com.au

16–23 May
Bimbache Extrem Castilla y Leon
Castilla y León, north of Madrid, Spain
Five days and 465 km covering trail running, mountain trek, ropework, zip wire/tyrolean, MTB, river kayak, canyoning, in-line skating, road biking
Advanced
meridianoraid.com

17 May
MTB Orienteering
Beerburrum, Queensland
Short 4km, Medium 7km, Long 9km
Beginner+
oq.asn.au

17 - 23 May
Racing The Planet
Namibia
7 day, 6 stage, 250km endurance foot race
Advanced
racingtheplanet.com

18–22 May
Gibb River Road MTB Challenge
Top End, Western Australia
MTB 700km+
Adequately fit beginner+
thegibbchallenge.net.au

23 May
Perth Urban Max
Perth CBD, Western Australia
Part adventure race, part scavenger hunt with a mix of the amazing race.
Beginner+
maxadventure.com.au

24 May
City Raid
Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Teams of two on foot and public transport race to collect Raid Points. 3–6 hour race
Beginner +
gar.com.au  

24 May
X-DuO
You Yangs, Victoria
Run (6km), bike (20km), run (6km)
Beginner–Intermediate
trixseries.com

25 May - 03 June
Yak Attack  - Showdown in the Annapurnas
7 days to climb to 5416m and then just 3 to descend back down to 800mover a 202 km distance. Possibly the highest and most extreme MTB race – you have to carry your bike over the snowbound pass!
Intermediate+
yak-attack.co.uk

25–29 May
The Anaconda MTB Enduro
Alice Springs, Northern Territory
Five days racing along the sweet single track and dusty 4WD trails.
Intermediate–advanced
rapidascent.com.au

21-29th May
Big Red Desert Challenge
Simpson Desert
long-distance team walking and running event 240km across the largest parallel sand dune desert on Earth over six days averaging 40km and over 100 dunes per day
Advanced
escalade.com.au

30 May
Capital Punishment
Canberra, ACT
Mountain bike extravaganza (100km and 50km)
Beginner–Advanced
arocsport.com.au

31 May
Boonah Marathon (MTB)
Boonah, Queensland
24hr MTB challenge
Intermediate+
twowheelpromotions.com.au

JUNE

4–7 June
Teva Mountain Games
Colorado, USA
Trail running, biking, kayaking, rafting, climbing, fly fishing, paragliding, and even a super pooch competition for your dog to get extreme. An Ultimate Mountain Challenge rounds out the main competitive events with combined time in the 10K trail run, XC Mountain Bike, Road Bike Hill Climb and Class II kayak races determining the winners. There’s also Gear Town and Green Light District for all the latest outdoors bits and bobs and enviro-friendly products. Fly, ride, run, swim…do whatever it takes, just get there.
Beginner+
tevamountaingames.com

5–8 June
Mountain Designs GeoQuest
Forster/Barrington Tops, New South Wales
48+hrs of trekking, mountain biking and kayaking
Advanced (Beginners can enter the GeoHalf)
gar.com.au

6 June
Full Moon in June Adventure Race
Alberta Canada
Two day, 165km, trekking, MTB, paddling, ropes - all connected with challenging backcountry navigation
fullmooninjune.net

6 June
XTerra Northwest Cup Off Road triathlon
Idaho, USA
MTB, swim, trail run
Intermediate
Bigblueadventure.com

6-7 June
Lowe Alpine Mountain Marathon
Scottish Highlands, UK
Two-day mountain run orienteering challenge
Advanced
lamm.co.uk

6–7 June   
Australian Rogaining Championships
near Wandering, Western Australia
Orienteering on the run
Advanced
rogaine.asn.au

6–8 June
Australian MTB-Orienteering Championships
South east of Mt Gambier, South Australia
Orienteering on wheels
Advanced
orienteering.asn.au/mountainbike/

12-14 June
Equinox Traverse
Virginia, USA
Two days, 265km, mountain trek/run, ropework, navigation, MTB, river kayak, canadian canoe, rappelling
Intermediate+
americanadventuresports.com/traverse.htm

12-15 June
Red Fox Adventure Race
Karelia, 120 km from St. Petersburg, Russia
3 days and 350km taking in paddling, navigation, trekking, orienteering, mountain biking, rock-climbing, fixed ropes and swimming
Advanced
Adventure-race.redfox.ru/en/

13 June
RBS Caledonian Challenge
Scottish Highlands, UK
Walk 54 miles (87km) in 24 hours
Intermediate
caledonianchallenge.com

June 13
70 Wild Miles
Northern Ireland
Bike (47 miles), canoe (10 miles), run (13 miles)
Intermediate
70wildmiles.org

14–20 June
Gobi March
Gobi Desert, China
7 day, 6 stage, 250km endurance foot race
Advanced
racingtheplanet.com

14 June
Old Hidden Vale Cyclocross
Old Hidden Vale near Grandchester, Queensland
3km course
Beginner+
tailwindpromotions.com.au

20 June
Kathmandu Adventure Series
Sydney, New South Wales
MTB (5-25km), trail running/trekking (5-10km), kayaking (2-4km)
Beginner+
maxadventure.com.au      

17-27 June
Race Across America
California, USA
One of the toughest endurance events in the world – 3000 miles (4828km) riding across the States
raceacrossamerica.org

19–21 June
Adventure Race Slovenia
Šaleška Valley, Alps, Gorenjska region
Teams of two or four. Trekking (49-60km), mountain biking (72-164km), caving (500m), swimming (300m-1km), kayaking (15km), canyoning (1km), rollerblading (10-15km), ropework, orienteering. Total: 160-270km
Advanced
ars.adventurerace.si/

19–21 June
Adventure Trophy Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Bayern, Germany
100 km Master-Class and 50 km Challenger-Class, teams of two.
Orienteering, MTB and mountain running/trekking, rock climbing, high ropes course, rope activities (e.g. flying fox, abseiling, ropes bridges), raft building, via ferrata, bike & run, surprises
Intermediate+
adventure-trophy.com

24-28 June
Yukon River Quest Canoe & Kayak Race
Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada
World-class wilderness event – a paddle race covering 740 km to Dawson City
Intermediate+
yukonriverquest.com

27 June
Haglöfs Åre Extreme Challenge
Sweden
Kayaking (25km), running, mountainbike (35km)
Intermediate
areextremechallenge.se

27-28 June
24 Hours of Light Mountain Bike
Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada
Solo MTBers and teams of all ages race on the forested trails around Mt. McIntyre. The team that does the most laps in the time allotted wins.
Beginner+
24hoursoflight.com

27–28 June
Insomnia 24Hour Mountain Bike Festival
Kurwongbah, Queensland
24 hour mountain bike race supported by festivities including live music, food stalls, competitions etc. 17.5km trail.
Beginners + (there’s a First Timers’ category)
gar.com.au

27 June - 04 July
Best of the West 7-Day Expedition Adventure Race
Alberta, Canada
600km of trail Running/walking, mountain trek/run, winter mountaineering, ropework, zip wire/tyrolean, navigation, MTB, river kayak, whitewater rafting, caving
Intermediate+
j2adventures.ca

29 June
Raid 74 Haute Savoie Mont Blanc
Haute Savoie, Mont Blanc, France
175-200km, multi discipline – bike, kayak, trek
Beginner+
raid74.org

JULY

4 July
The Sinister 7 Adventure Race
Alberta, Canada
135km trail run/walk ultra marathon
Advanced
sinister7.com

4 or 5 July
Tough Bloke Challenge
Appin, New South Wales
7km obstacle course
Beginner+
toughblokechallenge.com.au     

5-10 July
Hebridean Challenge
Hebridean Islands, Scotlans, UK
Six days, trail running, mountain trek, navigation, MTB, sea kayak, swim, road bike
Intermediate+
hebrideanchallenge.com

9-12 July
Untamed New England Adventure race
New Hampshire, USA
Three days, 322km, trail run and mountain trek, ropework, MTB, navigation, river kayak, Canadian canoe.
untamedne.com

12 July
Teva Adventure Series
Adelaide, South Australia
Teams of three competing across MTB (15-25km), trail running/trekking (8-12 km), basic navigation and team adventure challenges
Avdanced
untamedNE.com
Beginner+
tevaadventureseries.com

12-18 July
Al Andalus Ultra Trail
5 stage, 250km ultra trail run
Andalucia, Spain
Advanced
adventure-racing.org

26 July
Teva Adventure Series
Perth, Western Australia
Teams of three competing across MTB (15-25km), trail running/trekking (8-12 km), basic navigation and team adventure challenges
Beginner+
tevaadventureseries.com

30 July – 2 August
Adventure Trophy Bayerwald
Bayern, Germany
100 km Master-Class and 50 km Challenger-Class, teams of two.
Orienteering, MTB and mountain running/trekking, rock climbing, canoeing, run & bike, surprises
Intermediate+
adventure-trophy.com

AUGUST

1 August
Kathmandu Adventure Series
Central Coast, New South Wales
MTB (5-25km), trail running/trekking (5-10km), kayaking (2-4km)
Beginner+
maxadventure.com.au      

1 August
Lake Tahoe 24 Hour
Lake Tahoe, California and Nevada USA
Kayak, MTB, orienteering, run/walk
Intermediate
bigblueadventure.com

1-2 August
Weekend Warrior MTB Festival
Canungra, Queensland
Downhill, X-country and trials
Intermediate+
twowheelpromotions.com.au

1-2 August
Avon Descent
Northam to Bayswater, WA
Paddle and powerboat race
Intermediate+
avondescent.com.au

1-8 August
Australasian Safari
Begins in Perth, Western Australia
4WD, motorbike and quadbike race
Advanced
australasiansafari.com.au

8-9 August
Advance Dog Sled Challenge
Mt Hotham, Vic
Advanced
sleddogchallenge.com 

9 August
Teva Adventure Series
Melbourne, Victoria
Teams of three competing across MTB (15-25km), trail running/trekking (8-12 km), basic navigation and team adventure challenges
Beginner+
tevaadventureseries.com

14–15 August
Björkliden Arctic Mountain Marathon
Sweden
Two person marathon. Distances 30km, 50km and 70km spread over two days.
Advanced
bamm.nu

15 August
Go Natural Multi Sport    
Akuna Bay, Sydney, New South Wales
32km road cycle, 12km flatwater paddle and a 12km trail run
Intermediate+
maxadventure.com.au

22–23 August
09 Epic MTB Marathon
Old Hidden Vale near Grandchester, Queensland
100 kilometre course along the Bicentennial National Trail traversing the Lockyer Valley, crossing Laidley and Edwards Gaps and finishing at Hidden Vale
Intermediate+
cycleepic.com.au

23 August
Teva Adventure Series
Sydney New South Wales
Teams of three competing across MTB (15-25km), trail running/trekking (8-12 km), basic navigation and team adventure challenges
Beginner+
tevaadventureseries.com

23 August
The Winter Challenge
Franklin, Huon Valley, Tasmania
Run (10km), MTB (18km), road cycle (37km), kayak (11km)
Intermediate
endorfun.com.au

26-30 August
World Dragon Boat Racing Championships
Prague, Czech Republic
Dragon Boat rowing
Advanced
idbf.org

29 August
Brisbane Urban MAX
Brisbane CBD, Queensland
Part adventure race, part scavenger hunt with a mix of the amazing race.
Beginner+
maxadventure.com.au

30 August–6 September
UCI Mountain Bike & Trials World Champs
Mt Stromlo, Canberra ACT
Seriously fast MTB
Advanced
mtbworldscanberra.com.au 

SEPTEMBER

3–6 September
The Coastal Challenge Panama: Island Run
Costa Rica
Run. Three days, three races: 18/21/6km.
Intermediate
tccislandrun.com

5 September
Espresso 24 Hour Adventure race
Blackwood region, WA
Trek, run, kayak, MTB (80km total)
Intermediate+
caffeinated.com.au

6 September
Teva Adventure Series
Brisbane, Queensland
Teams of three competing across MTB (15-25km), trail running/trekking (8-12 km), basic navigation and team adventure challenges
Beginner+
tevaadventureseries.com

12-13 September
Quoll Adventurgaine AR race
Cairns, Queensland
Bike, hike, paddle
33 hour & 15 hour multi-stage events.
Nav skills and sleep deprivation training a must for this one
adventureracing.com.au

12–13 September
Netti MTB Enduro
Mogo, Eurobodalla Coast, New South Wales
100km loop. Close to 70km of single track. 50 & 11km versions.
Beginner+
arocsport.com.au

19–20  September
Adventure Race and Junior Survivor
Gold Coast, Queensland
Ocean swim (1.9km), ocean/river kayak (13km), run (12.5km), MTB (18km), team beach run (1.8km)
Beginner+
rapidascent.com.au

19–20 September
Kathmandu MAX 12hr/24hr
New South Wales
24 HOUR races are designed for teams of two. A typical course consist of 60-70km of mountain biking, 15-20km of trail running/trekking and 10-15km of kayaking. No support crews are necessary.24 HOUR SOLO for individuals requires a support crew.MAX 12 HOUR races are designed for teams of two and consist of a shortened version of the course above. No support crews are necessary. Running, MTB and kayak event with natural obstacles including rivers, lakes, hills, mountains, cliffs and caves.
Intermediate+
maxadventure.com.au

19-29 September
Namaste Adventure Race
Annapurna district, Nepal
Trek, MTB, kayak – high altitude
Intermediate
raideurs.org/

20 September
Dirty Duo
Old Hidden Vale near Grandchester, Queensland
Run 12 km, Ride 30km; individual or as teams
Or select one event: Trail Runs 5/12/21 km and XC MTB 30 km
Beginner+
xcduathlon.com.au

26 September – 4 October
Bushrangers 09 – Australian Orienteering Championships
Central Victoria (Castlemaine, Benalla-Wangaratta)
Short, Middle and Long distance, groups, relay and schools
Advanced
vicorienteering.asn.au

27 September
8 Hour/6 Hour Enduro MTB
Kurwongbah, Queensland
MTB enduro around a 10.8km track
Beginner+
gar.com.au

27-29 September
Boost Mobile Sno Sho
Perisher Blue, NSW
Technical snowboard wizardry on show
Part of TTR series featuring international boarders
Pro
perisher.com.au

29 September - 3 October
Simpson Desert Bike Challenge
Simpson Desert, South Australia
Nine timed stages over five days over 590 km
Intermediate+
sdcc.org

OCTOBER

3 October
Snowy Hydro Upper Murray Challenge
Khancoban to Corryong, New South Wales
MTB (38km), paddle (26km), run (25km)
Intermediate+
uppermurraychallenge.com.au

3 October
Tough Bloke Challenge
Melbourne, Victoria
7km obstacle course
Beginner+
toughblokechallenge.com.au     

4 October
Teva Champs
slightly longer than Teva Adventure Series races with the navigation slightly more challenging
Teams of three competing across MTB, trail running/trekking, navigation and team adventure challenges
Beginner+
tevaadventureseries.com

10–11 October
Mountain Designs Great Southern Adventure Race
Great Southern Region, Western Australia
2 days of stage racing covering approx 200km running, mountain biking, ocean/river paddling, navigation and rope work
Intermediate+
rapidascent.com.au

17–18 October
Hells Bells 24 Hr / Fairy Bells 12 Hr
MTB
new location, Queensland
Intermediate+
gar.com.au

17 October
Paddy Pallin Adventure Race Series
run, ride, paddle
Sydney NSW
Beginner+
arocsport.com.au

22–27 October
Taj Mahal Marathon
Agra, India
Marathon ending at the Taj
Intermediate+
adventure-racing.org

25 October
Sahara Race
Egypt
7 day, 6 stage, 250km endurance foot race
Advanced
racingtheplanet.com

25 October
OnaMission MultiSport Race 
Mission Beach, Queensland
4/7 Hr Hike, Bike, Kayak
Intermediate+    
Adventureracing.com.au
 

NOVEMBER

8 November
Anaconda Adventure Race
Dunsborough, WA
Swim (1.8km), Paddle (12.5km), Coastal / Trail Run (14.2km), Mountain Bike (22km), Team Run (1.8km)
rapidascent.com.au 

8 November
Bikegaine
Southern Highlands, Queensland
2/4hr Bike
Beginner+
Adventureracing.com.au

21 November
Sydney Urban MAX
Sydney CBD, NSW
Part adventure race, part scavenger hunt with a mix of the amazing race.
Beginner+
maxadventure.com.au

22 November
The Cannondale Eildon Challenge
Lake Eildon National Park, VIC
MTB 25.8km, Run 2.6km, Paddle 18km, Run 9.8km
Beginner+
paddlevictoria.canoe.org.au

28 November
Paddy Pallin Adventure Race Series
run, ride, paddle
Canberra, ACT
Beginner+
arocsport.com.au

DECEMBER

1-8 December
Costa Rica 24HR Adventure race
Trekking, MTB, climbing and ropes, paddling, navigation (non-GPS) over 100–145km or 70–90 km events.
Intermediate+
adventure-racing.org

5 December
Anaconda Adventure Race
Lorne, Vic
Swim (1.9km), Paddle (12.5km), Coastal / Trail Run (14km), Mountain Bike (22km), Team Run (1.8km)
rapidascent.com.au

2010

13 February
Paddy Pallin Adventure Race Series
run, ride, paddle
Canberra, ACT
Beginner+
arocsport.com.au

13 March
Paddy Pallin Adventure Race Series Finale
run, ride, paddle
Sydney NSW
Beginner+
arocsport.com.au

28 March
Lifestart Kayak For Kids
17.5km paddle
Sydney NSW
Beginner+
arocsport.com.au

1-3 May
Wild Endurance
100km teams only trail trek
Blue Mountains, NSW
Beginner+
wildendurance.org.au

15-16 May
The North Face 100
100km trail race
Blue Mountains, NSW
Advanced
thenorthface.com.au/100/

17-23 May
Outback 4x4Challenge
near Broken Hill, NSW
eight days of hardcore 4WDing
Advanced
outback4x4challenge.com

29 May
Capital Punishment
100km MTB
Canberra ACT
Advanced
arocsport.com.au

18–20 July
Iceland Laugavegur Mountain Marathon
Iceland
55km ultra marathon
Advanced
adventure-racing.org

3-7 June
Spanish 24 Hour Ultra
Near Loja, Spain
126km in 24 hours
Advanced
alandalus-ut.com/

4-5 September
Netti MTB Enduro
Eurobodalla Coast, NSW
100 & 50km MTB
Intermediate+
nettimtbenduro.com.au

29 November
The Last Desert
Antarctica
7 day, 6 stage, 250km endurance foot race
Advanced
racingtheplanet.com


ADVENTURE RACING LINKS

sleepmonsters.com.au
sportzhub.com
aroc.com.au
rapidascent.com.au
maxadventure.com.au
gar.com.au
trixseries.com 
adventurerace.com.au
rogaine.asn.au
endorfun.com.au
tevaadventureseries.com
adventure-racing.org
coolrunnings.com.au
racingtheplanet.com