Legend Expedition Race heads to the Murray River in 2026
Since launching in 2023, Legend has taken teams across some of Australia’s most iconic expedition racing landscapes.
From the alpine mountains, forests and lakes of the Snowy Mountains
to the rugged coastline and wild hinterland of the Great Ocean Road
to the remote wilderness of Southern Tasmania
In 2026, the journey continues.
Legend moves to South Australia.
And to the Murray River.
The third longest navigable river in the world.
This is terrain we’ve never used before — and it will shape the race in new ways.
Towering ochre cliffs rise above long moving waterways. Floodplains stretch across wide horizons. The river connects landscapes, communities and stories that reach back thousands of years.
You don’t race a river like this.
You experience it.
Legend Expedition Race 2026
Dates: 18–25 April 2026
Location: Murray River, South Australia
Format: 6 days non-stop
Distance: 500km full course / 250km half course
Teams: 4-person, fully self-supported
The classic Legend expedition format returns:
trekking
mountain biking
kayaking
navigation across an evolving course
The Half Course returns again in 2026, offering teams the same terrain and experience over a shorter distance.
The Murray will shape this race
Expect more paddling than previous Legend editions.
Not short sections.
Long moving water where efficiency matters.
Teams should be prepared to settle into sustained river travel and manage fatigue over extended paddling legs.
At least one leg will include up to 150km of riding without access to water.
Water planning, load management and pacing will be defining parts of this course.
Race HQ — Murray Bridge
Race HQ will be located on the Murray River foreshore at Sturt Reserve, Murray Bridge, approximately one hour from Adelaide Airport.
This will be the central hub for:
• registration
• gear checks
• map handout
• race start
• race finish
• gear storage during the event
Teams finishing overnight will be able to sleep at HQ. Nearby accommodation options are available, although pre- and post-race camping onsite is not permitted.
Airport transfers will be available from Adelaide Airport on Friday afternoon.
Equipment notes for 2026
Mission kayaks use a standard seat (Anaconda / BCF style). Teams wanting additional support should bring their own kayak seat.
Paddles and PFDs are available for hire but must be booked in advance.
Portage wheels are permitted, although their usefulness will depend on how and where teams choose to use them.
There is:
• no climbing gear required
• no mandatory kayaking helmets
• trekking pole tents permitted
Teams should review the full mandatory gear list early and pressure-test setups against this course.
The halfway point of the Legend journey
Legend was created to become the quintessential Australian expedition race.
Not one location.
All of them.
Snowy Mountains
Great Ocean Road
Tasmania
South Australia (2026)
This is the halfway point of that journey across the country.
If you’ve been considering Legend — this is a defining edition to be part of.
