It’s hard to believe this is already the fourth edition of Top Dog 24. After three great races based at Stromlo, we knew Top Dog had found its place on the Australian adventure racing calendar, but for 2026 we decided it was time to explore a completely new part of Canberra.
Why Canberra? You only have to open a map of the ACT to see why we keep coming back. Outside the city streets there are mountains, open country, rivers, rocky ridgelines, fantastic trails and an incredible network of tracks and paths connecting it all together. For an adventure race course setter, there are almost too many options.
The race format for 2026 is a linear course designed around an 80+km course for the Half Course and 130+km for the Full Course. Our new location has opened up some epic navigation possibilities, with incredibly beautiful trails, rock hopping, plenty of route choice and some sections that feel like real adventure.
The race will kick off with some fun fast urban navigation before teams make their way out into the more adventurous parts of the course. From there, expect plenty of variety and some great navigation as the course moves through a very different part of Canberra to previous editions.
The field is shaping up to be a similar size to last year, with plenty of familiar faces returning and some new teams lining up for their first Top Dog. As always, both the Top Dog and Little Dog will reward smart navigation, good teamwork and consistent racing.
The team list is now live on the website, so jump on and see who you’ll be racing alongside.
We’re looking forward to seeing everyone in Canberra for Top Dog 4!
Chris Dixon
RACE DIRECTOR
