2026 Series Launch: Adventure Awaits!

With just two races to go for the 2025 season we're looking at 2026 and have a truely adventurous line-up of events around the country.

We start out with the Terra Nova 24 in March, Legend Expedition Race in April in South Australia, GeoQuest in June, Hells Bells in August, Top Dog 24 in Canberra in October before finishing with Buckley's in Victoria in early December.

To celebrate the launch we're running a 10% discount across all Wild&Co events currently on sale until midnight Friday 12 September – use code LAUNCH2026 – and lock in your place at Terra Nova 24, Legend, GeoQuest or Hells Bells in 2025. That's an extra 10% off on top of Super Early Bird, Early Bird or regular rates and you don't need your final team so lock it in!

And if you can't wait for 2026 then entries are still open for Top Dog 24 in Canberra in October and Buckley's in December this year!

 

Suuuuuper Early Bird Entries End Midnight 30 Sept 2025

After an epic event in 2025 with a fantastic coastal location we're excited to head back to another coastal town for 2026...but which one? The location announcement is coming soon, but we've left a clue or two on the website. And with entries selling the way they are, it's set to be bigger than ever.

KEY DETAILS

Date: 7-8 March 2026
Location: Shoalhaven, NSW, Australia
Duration: 24 hour event, full and half course
Entries: Open Now
Super Early Bird: Ends 30 Sept 2025
Early Bird: Ends 31 Dec 2025
Team size: 2 person, 4 person

For more information or to register visit: www.terranova24.com.au

 

Another Legendary Location.

After three spectacular editions of the Legend Expedition we're back with a new location and a spectacular new course. This event will be a big highlight of our 2026 calendar and one not to be missed. There's already a great lineup of teams and we've got the local experts out on the trails now exploring and developing an incredible adventure.

KEY DETAILS

Date: 18-25 April 2026
Location: Murray Bridge, SA, Australia
Duration: 6 day event, full and half course
Entries: Open Now
Team size: 2 person, 4 person

For more information or to register visit: www.legendexpd.com.au

 

Mountain Designs GeoQuest heading to another spectacular mid-north coast location. 

Teams said 2024 was one of the best GeoQuest courses yet – we're confident for 2026 Mountain Designs GeoQuest will live up to its reputation as Australia's premier adventure race. We're looking forward to seeing the familiar faces and new recruits step up and take on this epic 48hr challenge. The event was re-scheduled from 2025 so with the extra time we've been working hard to make it extra special. And stay tuned, we've got a big announcement coming up!

KEY DETAILS

Date: 6-9 June 2026
Location: Forster, NSW, Australia
Duration: 48 hour event, full and half course
Entries: Open Now!
Super Early Bird: Ends 30 Nov 2025
Early Bird: Ends 28 Feb 2026
Team size: 4 person, Supported + Un-Supported Options

For more information or to register visit: www.geoquest.com.au

 

Mountain Designs Hells Bells is back for 2026 and set to be baddest event on the Aussie calendar.

After an epic central Sunny Coast location we're turning our eyes to the coast for an epic start location for the baddest 24hr adventure on the Australian calendar. We're currently exploring options in the heart of the coast – there's un-finished business with a few trails and secret spots and we can't wait to build them into a course.

KEY DETAILS

Date: 8-9 August 2026
Location: Sunshine Coast, Qld, Australia
Duration: 24 hour event, full and half course
Entries: Open Now!
Super Early Bird: Ends 31 Jan 2026
Early Bird: Ends 30 April 2026
Team size: 2 person, 4 person

For more information or to register visit: www.hellsbells.com.au

 

We can't wait to show off ANOTHER epic Top Dog 24 course for 2026! 

We've been dreaming about this one for ages and it was exciting to see the 2024 event so popular. Top Dog 24 will be back for 2026 and will be just as awesome in 2025 with an entirely new course but still based out of the Stromlo MTB park location. This is definitely an event to travel for.

KEY DETAILS

Date: 3-4 October 2026
Location: Canberra, ACT, Australia
Duration: 24 hour event, full and half course
Entries: Enter the 2025 event Now!
Team size: 2 person, 4 person

For more information or to register visit: www.topdog24.com.au

 

Buckley's 24 – Back for 2026 and as awesome as ever

After spending so much time on the Surf Coast with the Legend Expedition Race we fell in love with Victoria – we knew we had to return to the region and what better way than with a 24hr Adventure Race. Will Buckley's 24 be based permanently on the Surf Coast or will it travel around Victoria? You'll have to wait for 2026 to find out, but either way it's going to be cool.

KEY DETAILS

Date: 5-6 December 2026
Location: VIC, Australia
Duration: 24 hour event, full and half course
Entries: Enter the 2025 Event Now!
Team size: 2 person, 4 person

For more information or to register visit: www.buckleys24.com.au

Brisbane 6hr 2025 Information Kit

Not long now...make sure you're properly equipped and ready to go!

With just under one week to go the event is shaping up to be an exciting one. The course is set, we're setting up HQ, placing CPs and packing the race packs. This email contains a few important reminders so please read carefully.

Important Documents

It's essential that you carefully read the information pack (click the image above or the link below) which includes all the important information you need, including the mandatory gear list. If you have questions please ask.

How Many Calories Do You Need in Adventure Racing?

120 athletes x 3,000 = 360,000 calories about to be burnt in the Sunny Coast 6hr

One of the most common questions in adventure racing is: how many calories should I be eating? Unlike a road marathon or triathlon, adventure racing throws athletes into long hours of varied intensity — running, paddling, biking, trekking — often with minimal chances to stop and eat properly.

The truth is, you’ll burn thousands of calories in any race, but the real challenge is how much you can comfortably take in while moving. Here’s a breakdown of what to aim for in different race lengths.

6-Hour Adventure Races

In a short race you’ll burn 3,000–4,000 calories total, but you don’t need to replace it all during the event. The goal is to eat enough to keep energy stable and avoid hitting the wall.

  • Target intake: 200–250 calories per hour

  • Total to pack: ~1,200–1,500 calories

  • Best options: energy gels, chews, muesli bars, fruit, small sandwiches

  • Tips: eat every 30–45 minutes; hydrate steadily with electrolytes in hot weather

This is the easiest distance nutritionally — keep it simple and consistent.

24-Hour Adventure Races

Here, nutrition is one of the biggest performance factors. You’ll burn 8,000–12,000 calories across the day. You can’t replace it all, but eating steadily will prevent fatigue and mental crashes.

  • Target intake: 200–300 calories per hour

  • Total to pack: 5,000–7,000 calories (plus meals in TAs)

  • Best options: sandwiches, muesli bars, dried fruit, gels, trail mix, jerky

  • Tips: pack food into 4-hour bags with 800–1,000 calories each; rotate flavors and textures to avoid palate fatigue

Transition Areas (TAs) are a great chance for hot food, potatoes, noodles, fruit, and soup. Use them as resets.

Expedition Races (5–7 Days)

These multi-day epics burn 20,000+ calories, and the challenge shifts from energy to sustainability. Fueling well is as much about comfort and morale as it is about performance.

  • Target intake: 200–300 calories per hour while moving

  • Carried food: gels, chews, sandwiches, bars, dried fruit, trail mix, jerky

  • TA & Camp meals: freeze-dried dinners and breakfasts, wraps, noodles, hearty snacks

  • Tips:

    • Use freeze-dried meals for breakfast and dinner — lightweight but filling

    • Pack substantial meals into TA boxes — sandwiches, pasta, soup

    • Look out for shops and cafés on course: a hot meal, coffee, or pastry can be a huge physical and mental boost

    • Always carry a little extra in case a leg takes longer than expected

Takeaway

  • Eat early and often: don’t wait until you’re hungry

  • Use structure: 4-hour bags work brilliantly for 24hr+ races

  • Mix it up: variety keeps you eating when your appetite dips

  • Think beyond calories: warm meals, comfort snacks, and even a café stop can keep you racing strong

👉 Want full food plans? Check out our detailed guides for 6-hour, 24-hour, and expedition races.

Why Your First Adventure Race with Friends Is More Than Just a Physical Challenge

Signing up for your first adventure race with friends isn’t just about testing your legs and lungs—it’s an adventure in every sense of the word. Sure, you’ll be running, biking, paddling, and maybe even scrambling through the mud, but the real rewards go way beyond the workout. Training and racing as a team means you’ll build resilience, stay motivated, and strengthen friendships in ways a gym session never could.

Here are three research-backed reasons why adventure race training (and racing!) is so beneficial:

1. Nature Gives Your Mind a Boost 🌿

Exercising outdoors isn’t just refreshing—it’s scientifically proven to make you feel better. Studies show that being active in natural environments reduces stress, improves mood, and helps restore focus compared to indoor exercise. That means every trail run, paddle, or bike ride is not only building your endurance but also strengthening your mental resilience.

When race day comes and you’re navigating through unfamiliar terrain or tackling that last brutal climb, it’s this outdoor training that helps keep your head clear and your spirits high.

2. Friends Keep You Motivated 💪

We’ve all had days where motivation dips. The secret weapon? Training with friends. Research shows people are more consistent and stick with exercise longer when they do it in groups. Why? Because there’s accountability, encouragement, and—let’s be honest—a bit of healthy peer pressure.

Adventure races take this to the next level: you literally can’t finish without your teammates. Training in a group means you’ll push harder, laugh more, and turn tough sessions into stories worth telling.

3. Fitness Meets Friendship 🤝

Adventure race training is about way more than physical fitness. Sure, you’ll get stronger, fitter, and faster—but you’ll also be building something deeper. Group exercise has been shown to improve social well-being and connection. Adventure training sessions—whether it’s a long mountain bike ride, a navigation practice, or a muddy trail run—are shared experiences that build trust, communication, and memories that stick long after the finish line.

It’s not just about crossing the line—it’s about crossing it together.

The Bottom Line

Training for your first adventure race with friends isn’t just about the physical challenge. It’s about nature therapy, built-in motivation, and the kind of friendships that come from doing something epic together. You’ll get fitter, feel better, and walk away with stories that beat any gym session.

So grab a friend, sign up, and start training—you’ll thank yourself (and each other) at the finish line.

References

  • Pretty, J., Peacock, J., Sellens, M., & Griffin, M. (2005). The mental and physical health outcomes of green exercise. International Journal of Environmental Health Research, 15(5), 319–337.

  • Barton, J., & Pretty, J. (2010). What is the best dose of nature and green exercise for improving mental health?Environmental Science & Technology, 44(10), 3947–3955.

  • Burke, S. M., Carron, A. V., Eys, M. A., Ntoumanis, N., & Estabrooks, P. A. (2006). Group versus individual approach? A meta-analysis of the effectiveness of interventions to promote physical activity. Sport and Exercise Psychology Review, 2(1), 19–35.

  • Estabrooks, P. A., Harden, S. M., & Burke, S. M. (2019). Group dynamics in physical activity promotion: What works? Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 13(3), e12425.

  • Beauchamp, M. R., Puterman, E., & Lubans, D. R. (2018). Group-based physical activity for older adults: A scoping review. American Journal of Health Behavior, 42(3), 286–303.

Gold Coast 6hr 2025 Information Kit

Not long now...make sure you're properly equipped and ready to go!

With just under one week to go the event is shaping up to be an exciting one. The course is set, we're setting up HQ, placing CPs and packing the race packs. This email contains a few important reminders so please read carefully.

Important Documents

It's essential that you carefully read the information pack (click the image above or the link below) which includes all the important information you need, including the mandatory gear list. If you have questions please ask.


Wild&Co Adventure Racing:
 Partnership Request for Tender

DOWNLOAD PARTNERS PROSPECTUS

Wild&Co is seeking partners to help deliver life changing experiences for people as they build their lives around outdoor adventure.

Wild&Co Adventure Racing events are a unique opportunity for brands to gain exposure to 2500+ adventurers over a full 12 month calendar of activity across 5 states.

Adventure Racing sees teams trail run, trek, kayak, mountain bike and navigate their way through some of the most beautiful and challenging landscapes across Australia.

Gear selection is critical to Adventure Racing success and sponsorship of Wild&Co’s events will place your products directly in the hands of people that will use and appreciate them most.

Sponsorship of the Wild&Co event calendar is an exciting opportunity to build authentic relationships with your market over a 12 month period in an environment where they will need you most.

WORKING WITH US ON:

  • Premium branded registration, start and finish line experience

  • Expert content advising gear selection for training and race day

  • Branded Bike, Trek, or Kayak legs and transitions

  • Nutrition advice for training and race day

  • Podium prizes, random draw prizes and gear samples for event packs

  • Testing and sampling gear as we travel the east coast developing courses

  • Race weekend video and photographic content featuring your brand and product being used in authentic ways

  • Technical support on race day with bike mechanic and wash down stations

  • Logistics support for races with 4x4 vehicles transporting gear

  • Search and rescue support for races with 4x4 vehicles for access, bike and gear racks and vehicle recovery gear

LIMITED PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

At Wild&Co we believe in doing things well for a small group of partners that love adventure.

That’s why we’re offering a very limited number of partnership opportunities with exclusivity in each category.

  • 1 x Presenting Partnership – $50,000 p/a

  • 4 x Category Partnerships – $10,000 p/a

  • Supporting Partnerships – $5,000 p/a

The partnership prospectus can be downloaded here: WILD&CO PARTNERSHIP PROSPECTUS 2025

For more details and to set up a discussion please contact Chris Dixon on 0497 417 195 or email at chris@wldnco.com

IMPORTANT: SUNSHINE COAST 6hr 2025 POSTPONED

We’ve spend the morning on the course and in consultation with various land managers and unfortunately due to excessive rain over the last week and with more predicted, the Sunshine Coast 6hr 2025 has been postponed.

If the event were to proceed it would do significant damage to race HQ, the nearby parking areas, the kayak launch area and to the trails in parklands. And while Adventure Racing is not a fair weather sport, we do want to be responsible for our environmental impact and maintain good relationships with the land holders and permitting bodies.

The event will be held on a new date in June or July this year and all teams registered will just need to turn up to this event - no need to do anything. If the new date does not work for teams, a full credit will be available on request for any upcoming Wild&Co 6hr event in the next 12 months.

We will be in touch soon with the new date, in the meantime, enjoy the weekend off and keep training!

Chris

Northern Beaches 6hr Info Kit

The adventure just doesn't stop! It was very cool to drop the trailer near Lake Narrabeen this week and be reminded just how beautiful the Northern Beaches are. We loved delivering the Manly Dam event late last year and while we were there made sure we checked out a few extra spots for the future.

After working with the local council we're pretty excited to take the event to Deep Creek Reserve near Lake Narrabeen for race HQ – it gives us good access to the lake as well as some cool trails for trekking and on the mountain bike. And there's a few surprises along the way too (just be prepared to get wet!).

KEY DETAILS

Date: 22 March 2025
Location: Deep Creek Reserve, North Narrabeen, NSW, Australia
Duration: 6 hour event, full and half course
Entries: Still Time to Enter!
Team size: 2 person

Important Documents

It's essential that you carefully read the information pack (click the image above or the link below) which includes all the important information you need, including the mandatory gear list. If you have questions please ask.

Volunteers Needed

We'd love a few extra volunteers for the day – it's to help with registration and managing a Transition Area. We guarantee it's lots of fun and best of all you get free entry to a future 6hr race if you help. Please email Chris at chris@wldnco.com

Sunshine Coast 6hr 2025 Information Kit

Sunshine Coast 6hr – Hidden Valley, Gro Mad Plantations – 17 May 2025

The adventure just doesn't stop! It was great to be in Bli Bli and Yandina over the last few months and be reminded just how beautiful the area is. We loved delivering the Caloundra event last year and are excited to bring the 6hr series back to the coast for a third year running.

After working with the local national parks and mountain bike club we're pretty excited to take the event to Hidden Valley, next to Parklands– it gives us good access to water as well as some cool trails for trekking and on the mountain bike. Be warned, it's going to be wet and muddy so maybe pack an extra towel or two for the finish line!

KEY DETAILS

Date: 17 May 2025
Location: Hidden Valley, Gro Mad Plantations, Yandina Bli Bli Rd
Duration: 6 hour event, full and half course
Entries: Still Time to Enter!
Team size: 2 person

Important Documents

It's essential that you carefully read the information pack (click the image above or the link below) which includes all the important information you need, including the mandatory gear list. If you have questions please ask.

Volunteers Needed

We'd love a few extra volunteers for the day – it's to help with registration and managing a Transition Area. We guarantee it's lots of fun and best of all you get free entry to a future 6hr race if you help. Please email Chris at chris@wldnco.com

Canberra 6hr 2025 Information Kit is Live

Not long now...make sure you're properly equipped and ready to go!

With just one day to go the event is shaping up to be an exciting one. The course is set, we're setting up HQ, placing CPs and packing the race packs. This email contains a few important reminders so please read carefully. 

Important Documents

It's essential that you carefully read the information pack (click the image above or the link below) which includes all the important information you need, including the mandatory gear list. If you have questions please ask.

Volunteers Needed

We'd love a few extra volunteers for the day – it's to help with registration and managing a Transition Area. We guarantee it's lots of fun and best of all you get free entry to a future 6hr race if you help. Please email Chris at chris@wldnco.com

Mountain Designs GeoQuest headed to the Barrington Coast for 2025!

Images courtesy NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service. Photographer Rob Mulally

Forster, on the Barrington Coast, has been announced as the official start and finish location for the 2025 edition of the Mountain Designs GeoQuest 48hr Adventure Race. 

Date: 6-9 June 2025
Location: Barrington Coast, NSW, Australia
Duration: 48 hour event
Entries: Enter Here
Early Bird Entries: 30 Nov 2024
Team size: 2 or 4 person

Over 300 people including competitors, support crews, family and friends from around the country will attend the Mountain Designs GeoQuest 48hr Adventure Race from 6 to 9 June 2025.

The race is held annually on the weekend of the King’s Birthday in June. The location of the course is moved each year to a different area to pose exciting new challenges for competitors. 

This year’s location of choice, Forster, is a 3hr drive from Sydney and located just 60 minutes south of Port Macquarie.

For many, a trip across the bridge which connects Forster and Tuncurry evokes memories of family holidays spent on the beach or lake. These memories often forge a connection with these twin towns by generations choosing Forster or Tuncurry as their yearly holiday escape.

The beaches and waterways of Forster and Tuncurry are its main drawcard with six beautiful beaches offering choice of salty experience and the clear waters of Wallis Lake posing endless water activities. This coupled with the exquisite dining experiences and accommodation offerings making Forster and Tuncurry one of the jewels of the Barrington Coast.

Chris Dixon, Wild & Co event director says, “We’re very excited to be heading to Forster 2025, there are exceptional paddling opportunities on both flat and moving water, amazing mountain bike trails and plenty of new and familiar trails to explore.

GeoQuest has been in the area in 2009, 2012 and for the combined Wildside - GeoQuest in 2018 so will be fun building a course that weaves it’s way through all three previous courses while adding a few new exciting challenges.”

Mountain Designs GeoQuest involves 48+hrs of non-stop endurance racing in the major sporting disciplines of trekking, mountain biking and kayaking. Mixed gender, Male and Female teams of four must navigate their way through an arduous 220+km course that is only revealed to them the evening before the race. 

The Geo-Half adventure race runs simultaneously with the Mountain Designs GeoQuest. The Geo-Half covers only half the distance but teams have the full 48hrs to complete it. The legs will be challenging but with the additional time available to complete the half course, teams have a greater chance to reach the finish line before time is up. 

Early bird entries are open until 30 November at www.geoquest.com.au. Accommodation can be booked through the Visit NSW website at https://barringtoncoast.com.au

For the latest information on the race please visit www.geoquest.com.au

The event is made possible thanks to major sponsor, Mountain Designs and additional support this year by the Mid Coast Council.

Northern Beaches 6hr Information Kit – 2024

Not long now...make sure you're properly equipped and ready to go!

With just a few days to go the event is shaping up to be an exciting one. The course is set, we're setting up HQ, placing CPs and packing the race packs. This email contains a few important reminders so please read carefully.

Important Documents

It's essential that you carefully read the information pack (click the image above or the link below) which includes all the important information you need, including the mandatory gear list. If you have questions please ask.

Volunteers Needed

We'd love a few extra volunteers for the day – it's to help with registration and managing the bike drop Transition Area. We guaranteer it's lots of fun and best of all you get free entry to a future 6hr race if you help. Please email Chris at chris@wldnco.com

2025 Series Launch: Adventure Awaits!

With just two races to go for the 2024 season we're looking at 2025 and have a truely adventurous line-up of events around the country

We start out with the Legend Expedition Race in March in Tasmania, Terra Nova 24 in April, GeoQuest in June, Hells Bells in August, Top Dog 24 in Canberra in October before finishing with Buckley's in Victoria in early December.

To celebrate the launch we're running a 10% discount across all Wild&Co events currently on sale until midnight Wednesday 18 September – use code LAUNCH2025 – and lock in your place at Legend, Terra Nova 24, GeoQuest or Hells Bells in 2025. That's an extra 10% off on top of Super Early Bird, Early Bird or regular rates and you don't need your final team so lock it in!

And if you can't wait for 2025 then entries are still open for Buckley's in October and Top Dog 24 in Canberra in November this year!

Another Legendary Location.

After two spectacular editions of the Legend Expedition we're back with a new location and a spectacular new course. This event will be a big highlight of our 2025 calendar and one not to be missed. There's already a great lineup of teams and we've got the local experts out on the trails now exploring and developing an incredible adventure.

KEY DETAILS

Date: 1-8 March 2025
Location: Huonville, TAS, Australia
Duration: 6 day event, full and half course
Entries: Open Now
Team size: 2 person, 4 person

For more information or to register visit: www.legendexpd.com.au

Suuuuuper Early Bird Entries End Midnight 30 Sept 2024

After an epic event in 2024 with a fantastic coastal location we're excited to head back to another coastal town for 2025...but which one? The location announcement is coming soon, but we've left a clue or two on the website. And with entries selling the way they are, it's set to be bigger than ever.

KEY DETAILS

Date: 5-6 April 2025
Location: Shoalhaven, NSW, Australia
Duration: 24 hour event, full and half course
Entries: Open Now
Super Early Bird: Ends 30 Sept 2024
Early Bird: Ends 31 Dec 2025
Team size: 2 person, 4 person

For more information or to register visit: www.terranova24.com.au

Mountain Designs GeoQuest heading to another spectacular mid-north coast location. 

Teams said 2024 was one of the best GeoQuest courses yet – we're confident for 2025 Mountain Designs GeoQuest will live up to its reputation as Australia's premier adventure race. We're looking forward to seeing the familiar faces and new recruits step up and take on this epic 48hr challenge. The location announcement is coming soon, but somewhere south of the 2024 course.

KEY DETAILS

Date: 6-9 June 2025
Location: Mid-north Coast NSW, Australia
Duration: 48 hour event, full and half course
Entries: Open Now!
Super Early Bird: Ends 31 Nov 2024
Early Bird: Ends 28 Feb 2025
Team size: 4 person, Supported + Un-Supported Options

For more information or to register visit: www.geoquest.com.au 

Mountain Designs Hells Bells is back for 2025 and set to be baddest event on the Aussie calendar.

After an epic southern Sunny Coast location we're turning our eyes north for an epic location for the baddest 24hr adventure on the Australian calendar. We're currently exploring options in the heart of the coast – there's un-finished business with a few trails and secret spots and we can't wait to build them into a course.

KEY DETAILS

Date: 2-3 August 2025
Location: Sunshine Coast, Qld, Australia
Duration: 24 hour event, full and half course
Entries: Open Now!
Super Early Bird: Ends 31 Jan 2024
Early Bird: Ends 30 April 2025
Team size: 2 person, 4 person

For more information or to register visit: www.hellsbells.com.au

We can't wait to show off ANOTHER epic Top Dog 24 course for 2025! 

We've been dreaming about this one for ages and it was exciting to see the 2023 event so popular. Top Dog 24 will be back for 2024 and will be just as awesome in 2025 with an entirely new course but still based out of the Stromlo MTB park location. This is definitely an event to travel for.

KEY DETAILS

Date: 11-12 Oct 2025
Location: Stromlo MTB Park, Canberra, ACT, Australia
Duration: 24 hour event, full and half course
Entries: Open Now!
Super Early Bird: Ends 31 March 2025
Early Bird: Ends 30 June 2025
Team size: 2 person, 4 person

For more information or to register visit: www.topdog24.com.au

Buckley's 24 – an exciting new event for 2025 in Victoria!

After spending so much time on the Surf Coast with the Legend Expedition Race we fell in love – we knew we had to return to the region and what better way than with a 24hr Adventure Race. Introducing the Buckleys, the next addition to the Wild&Co 24hr lineup. Will Buckley's 24 be based permanently on the Surf Coast or will it travel around Victoria? You'll have to wait for 2025 to find out, but either way it's going to be cool.

KEY DETAILS

Date: 6-7 December 2025
Location: Announcement coming soon, VIC, Australia
Duration: 24 hour event, full and half course
Entries: Open Now!
Super Early Bird: Ends 31 May 2025
Early Bird: Ends 31 August 2025
Team size: 2 person, 4 person

For more information or to register visit: www.buckleys24.com.au

Sunshine Coast 6hr 2024 Information Kit

Not long now...make sure you're properly equipped and ready to go!

NOTE – This information is only available to those team members who have their name registered with Wild & Co and who appear on the team list. Team captains – you may need to forward this to your other team members.

With just under 24hrs to go the event is shaping up to be an exciting one. The course is set, we're setting up HQ, placing CPs and packing the race packs. This email contains a few important reminders so please read carefully.

 

Important Documents

It's essential that you carefully read the information pack (click the image above or the link below) which includes all the important information you need, including the mandatory gear list. If you have questions please ask.

 

Kayak TA Gear Drop

Teams that would like to use their own paddle gear are welcome to drop their gear to the kayak TA pre-race. We'll be there setting up from 6:30am (not before!)

Leach Park
21 Short St
Golden Beach QLD 4551

Gearing up for your first 6hr Adventure Race with Mountain Designs

Mountain Designs trail running gear and Salmon race vests are great options

We’re big fans of Aussie brands and Mountain Designs are one of the originals. Their founder Rick White was there at the first GeoQuest in 2002 to see what Adventure Racing was all about and he loved it!

Mountain Designs have been supporting adventure racing ever since so we’re very happy to recommend their gear. We’ve personally been using their gear since the 1990s and we love that they keep the costs down for really high quality gear made from great materials.

There are some absolute essentials when it comes to Adventure Racing, they’re on the gear list for safety reasons as much as comfort. And then there’s a few nice to have things that increase the fun and comfort on the day.

Thankfully with Mountain Designs expanding range you can fully kit yourself out for an awesome adventure no matter whether it’s 6 hours, 24 hours, 48 hours or longer!

It’s important to note that we are sponsored by Mountain Designs and that the links below are affiliate links so we get a small commission back on any sales. But if you’re wanting to buy gear or clothing, using these links helps us grow the business and keep delivering great adventure racing events!

Our PICK of MOUNTAIN DESIGNS GEAR FOR A 6hr Adventure RacE

Before we make recommendations, there’s a few essential concepts to understand when choosing what to wear on race day – the first is that your clothing must be made from fabric that is moisture wicking (moves the sweat away from your body) and dries quickly so you don’t have clingy cold wet clothes on all day. Synthetic fabrics like polyester or nylon do this well and natural fabrics like merino do too.

Cotton clothes are a big no-no for adventure based activities as they get wet and stay wet, becoming heavy and dangerously cold when the temperature drops. Mountain Designs trail running tops and pants are excellent choices and they look good too. It’s also worth checking out Mountain Designs Merino and synthetic socks – they’re all great quality in a range of thicknesses depending on how cold or wet the race will be. Try Merino for a bit of extra luxury!

It would be wrong of us not to mention sun safety – we’ve been eyeing off Mountain Designs Legionnaires hat for a while as a good fun option for racing – it’s a fun option that gives extra protection, especially on the kayak.

If the weather on race day is looking wet or cold, you may want to add a few layers. The best strategy is a long sleeve thermal top made of polypropylene or merino with a rain jacket over the top if it’s windy or wet. Mountain Designs make excellent thermals and their light weight Stratus rain jackets for both women and men are excellent choices. If the weather turns for the worst you’ll really appreciate having these with you.

We’ve finished off our clothing list with Salomon trail shoes – they’re very tough and can take a beating. Like everything this is a personal choice as everyone is different, but Salomon have been around for years and are a good choice.

Men’s clothing essentials:

If it gets cold or wet you could throw in these as extras:

What about bike pants and bike shoes?

As 6hr adventure races are quite short and you swap disciplines often, many racers skip the bike pants and bike shoes. They just wear their favourite running shorts and trail running shoes with flat pedals.

If you absolutely must wear bike pants (we understand) you should check out shorts made for triathletes. They have a thin pad that doesn’t chafe while running, adds a bit of extra comfort on the bike and doesn’t soak up water when youre kayaking.

Brands like 2XU make an excellent product in this space that has been a favourite of adventure racers for many years.

Mandatory Gear everyone needs

You don’t need to carry much gear on a 6hr adventure race, just your first aid kit, water and any food. The Mountain Designs 6L Hydration pack is a great entry level pack that is tough and has enough space for everything you need. It come with a 2.5 litre bladder which is essential on a 6hr race in the Aussie Bush.

There are more technical packs out there from brands Salomon that are lighter, but they’re also a lot more expensive so we’d recommend holding back on expensive gear until you know what you really want.

Ulladulla 6hr Adventure Race Information Kit

Not long now...make sure you're properly equipped and ready to go!

NOTE – This information is only available to those team members who have their name registered with Wild & Co and who appear on the team list. Team captains – you may need to forward this to your other team members.

With just under one week to go the event is shaping up to be an exciting one. The course is set, we're setting up HQ, placing CPs and packing the race packs. This email contains a few important reminders so please read carefully.

Important Documents

It's essential that you carefully read the information pack (click the image above or the link below) which includes all the important information you need, including the mandatory gear list. If you have questions please ask.

Mandatory Gear Lists for 24hr+ Events

There have been a few updates to the way that the ARWS - Adventure Racing World Series provides their mandatory gear lists.

All 24hr to 48hr race mandatory gear lists are now available for direct download on each event website and on the Wild&Co main website. This gear list should be familiar to teams and has not been updated and are available here:

www.terranova24.com.au

www.geoquest.com.au

www.hellsbells.com.au

www.topdog24.com.au

The expedition race mandatory gear list is available for download on the ARWS website. and includes a few minor updates. This is available here:

www.arworldseries.com

ADDITIONAL ITEMS

In addition to the ARWS mandatory gear lists, all Australian 24hr plus events now require teams to carry a 10cm x 10m snake bite bandage as a precaution. These are available here to purchase:

https://shop.stjohn.org.au

It is also recommended that teams familiarise themselves with what to do in the case of s snake bite. There is an excellent guide published by the St Johns Ambulance and available here for download: St Johns Snake Bite Fact Sheet

Historic Win for the Mountain Designs Wild Women Team at Legend Race in Australia

Their win was the first time in the history of the sport that an all women’s team has won a major international expedition adventure race.

When the Mountain Designs Wild Women team arrived at the finish line of the Legend Expedition Race at Apollo Bay on the Great Ocean Road in Australia it was a historic moment in the history of Adventure Racing. Their win was the first time in the history of the sport that an all women’s team has won a major international expedition adventure race.

The Legend race was the first Adventure Racing World Series Qualifier of the year and in the 23 years the global series has been running no women’s team has won an ARWS race, or any other major international race, such as Eco-Challenge or the Raid World Cup. Since the Raid Gauloises in 1989 in New Zealand, recognised as the first adventure race, the sport has prioritised mixed gender teams, there have been only a few competitive women’s teams and none has secured a win in the toughest of endurance sports, until now.

The Legend Race was a 450km non-stop race, with the course open for 6 days, including 13 endurance stages of mountain and coastal trekking, mountain biking, ocean, river and lake kayaking. Teams had to stay together at all times and collect all of the checkpoints on the route, navigating by map and compass, and only taking a few hours sleep during the whole race.

The Mountain Designs Wild Women team crossed the finish line after 73 hours and 9 minutes of racing led by team captain Kim Beckinsale. She was racing with Alina McMaster, Cass Kimlin and Del Lloyd and the team has a combined age of 197 years and between them, 78 years of adventure racing experience!

The Wild Women had a difficult start to the race when McMaster and Beckinsale were ill and the team had to rest for an hour, but after this they had an intense competition with ‘Team MMI-The Band’, swapping the lead almost stage by stage. The penultimate stage was to prove decisive when there was an unexpected change to the course.

This was a kayak stage in an estuarine river and lake system, with teams collecting 4 checkpoints in the order of their choosing. However, what was planned as a paddling stage turned into an epic mud-wade when an excavator dredged the mouth of the Aire River just before the teams arrived! Water levels fell and in the adjoining Lake Costin and Lake Craven there was almost no water, only a lake of mud teams would have to cross to reach two checkpoints!

Over 4 hours the Mountain Designs Wild Women team succeeded in reaching all checkpoints, but Team MMI-The Band failed to reach two, becoming stranded in the mud and losing shoes in the process. They turned back and the race was effectively decided as, although they crossed the line first, they were penalised 4 hours for missing the checkpoints.

Beckinsale said, “We were expecting a beautiful estuarine paddle before it got dark, then ran out of water and ran into stinking mud flats. We were above our knees in mud and reeds were over our heads, but we were determined to keep moving. Kim smashed through the reeds and Cas urged us to keep paddling.

“They were bold and tenacious and we had the experience to know you just have to keep on going, no matter how slowly. We paddled and pushed and levered ourselves out of the mud, and were so glad we took the kayak straps! We thought no one else would do it and I took photos to show we were at the checkpoints and had been there with the kayaks.”

Lloyd added, “We were fast, smart and used all our skills and experience, supported each other, carried each other’s gear and our navigation was accurate. We have masses of experience and heaps of bloody-mindedness, which meant we were damn well going to get through that mud, but we were strong for the whole race and worked hard for each other and for the win.”

McMaster raced at international events from the early days of adventure racing in the 1990’s and returned to the sport after a break for childcare. “I love expedition races,” she said, “they are hands-down the best kind of racing. They are always an amazing experience. You are on a journey, out in the bush with your mates and with no tech do distract you. It’s the sport and the community which makes you want to do it.

“For these races you need a team with no ego, and bucket loads of humility, who have a shared goal, that is put ahead of everyone else’s needs to look good. You have to give your whole self to the team, put everyone’s energy into one bucket and share it out. That team work is really special and keeps me coming back.”

Kimlin only joined the team for this race 6 weeks ago and said, “There’s a strong bond in the team and you see everyone at their best and worst. With adventure racing it’s important you don’t let the “I can’t” mentality in or be afraid to give it a try just because it’s hard.”
Beckinsale, who organises a women’s only race with her company Tri-Adventure, added, “We want other women to have the opportunity to do this sport and change lives, to know they are more amazing than they thought they could be! It’s a sport where you can sign-up and have a go.”

There was a strong women’s representation in the race, in which all of the starting teams reached the finish line. The final team over the line was another all-female team, the Vortex Divas, who reached the finish after 120 hours of racing, and the highest ranked mixed gender team were Team Blunder Bus, comprised of 2 men and 2 women.

This team were delighted to win the prize of a place at the Adventure Racing World Championship, which will be staged by the Huairasinchi race in Ecuador in November and the prizes were presented by ARWS CEO, Heidi Muller, who was a surprise visitor to Apollo Bay for the finish of the race.

The Blunder Bus team of Rowan Brookes, Lisa Dominguez, Steve Owens and Simon Vandestaedt finished the course in just over 98 hours and for Domingues and Brookes it was their first expedition race. Dominguez said, “The Great Ocean Road region really showcased what expedition racing can offer and there was a strong sense of community during and after the race, when we heard the stories of other racers. We went into the race with the goals of completing it as a team and experiencing the beauty of the course, so the opportunity to race in Ecuador is an unexpected bonus!"

Beckinsale voiced the same feelings about the second Legend course; “Thanks to Chris Dixon and his team from Wild&Co for once again piecing together a spectacular but extremely challenging course for us crazy Wild Women to test ourselves on. The course had everything; ocean paddling, awesome mountain bike trails, stunning views and so much more!”

Dixon said, “The Great Ocean Road has been a fantastic location and so were the Snowy Mountains last year. The vision for Legend XPD is to take the race to the most iconic locations in every state and we can’t wait to take the race to Tasmania next year for the next chapter of the Legend!”

Heidi Muller added, “It’s such an exciting prospect for The Legend to take the Adventure Racing World Series back to Tasmania in 2025. The Adventure Racing World Championship was held there in 2011 and was an incredibly successful race with 90 teams taking part. Tasmania is a perfect location for the next Legend.”

For more information about the Legend XPD race visit https://www.legendexpd.com.au/
You can see the full programme of Wldnco races at https://www.wldnco.com/

Canberra 6hr Information Kit

Not long now...make sure you're properly equipped and ready to go!

NOTE – This information is only available to those team members who have their name registered with Wild & Co and who appear on the team list. Team captains – you may need to forward this to your other team members.

With just under 24hrs to go the event is shaping up to be an exciting one. The course is set, we're setting up HQ, placing CPs and packing the race packs. This email contains a few important reminders so please read carefully.

Important Documents

It's essential that you carefully read the information pack (click the image above or the link below) which includes all the important information you need, including the mandatory gear list. If you have questions please ask.

3 awesome 6hr events to start the year!

Wild&Co 6hr Adventure Race 2024 series kicks off on 3 Feb with an awesome event on the south side of Brisbane before heading to Canberra and then Ulladulla!

We've spent the holidays out and about on the trails and are certain these are going to be some of the funnest events ever. Read on for a few updates and race HQ location announcements.

Brisbane South – 3rd February 

The awesomeness starts with our Brisbane South event which will be based out of the park along the esplanade at Lota just south of Manly. The walking and cycling trails and kayak opportunities through the conservation areas, wetlands, onto Morton Bay and Tingalpa are going to make a great course. Teams can expect some good navigation options, fun paddling and beautiful tracks and trails to explore.

Race HQ: 710 Esplanade, Lota QLD 4179

To Enter: wldnco.com/3-6hr-events

Canberra – 17 February 

We're very excited about the Canberra course – after working on Top Dog 24 2023 we knew we had some great opportunities for a 6hr event! The course will feature lots of fun and easy single track on the mountain bikes and great navigation and trekking challenges. And of course the paddling options are going to be great on the lake. Race HQ will be in the park at the National Rock Garden just off Lady Denman drive which will give us easy access to some of the funnest trails around.

Race HQ: National Rock Garden, Lady Denman Dr, Canberra ACT 2601

To Enter: wldnco.com/3-6hr-events

Ulladulla – 16 March

It's no secret that we love the coast in the Shoalhaven region – the white sand and turquoise water and the super fun tracks and trails in the national parks and state forests make for an adventure playground. Race HQ will be in the Lion's park just south of Ulladulla on Burrill Lake. This gives us access to some great paddling opportunities and some great tracks and trails for both trekking and on the mountain bikes. 

Race HQ: National Rock Garden, Lady Denman Dr, Canberra ACT 2601

To Enter: wldnco.com/3-6hr-events 

Not sure how all this works?

We've updated the website to include links to past courses so you can see what to expect on the day. Don't forget, every course is unique but past maps and course notes will give you a good idea of what you're up for:

Past Courses: wldnco.com/past-event-maps-and-course-notes

Introduction to Adventure Racing: wldnco.com/what-is-adventure-racing