Legend Expedition Race returns in 2026 with a course that follows the spine of the Murray River corridor, delivering one of the most distinctive expedition routes we’ve set yet.
And this year there’s something extra on the line.
The winning team at Legend 2026 will receive a free entry to the Magnificent Expedition Race in New Zealand later this year.
For teams chasing the next level of expedition racing, this is a serious opportunity.
Thinking About Stepping Up To Legend?
Legend sits at the top of the Wild&Co progression pathway:
Explore Series → 24hr+ Series → Legend Expedition Race
Each year we see more teams make the move into expedition racing — and the Murray River course offers a unique entry point into multi-day racing while still delivering a true Legend challenge.
A River-Shaped Expedition
Legend 2026 remains true to its roots as a full expedition challenge:
• 500km+ over six days
• multiple major paddle legs forming the backbone of the course
• a very dry 150km bike leg linking key sections of the route
• extended trekking through classic inland terrain
• several swim sections with carried PFDs
• cooler nights and classic expedition movement under a truely dark sky
This is a different style of Legend.
Less alpine. Less coastal.
More river. More rhythm. Plenty of strategy.
The Murray River system creates a flowing expedition journey across one of Australia’s most iconic inland landscapes — and teams will need to manage pacing, navigation and water carefully across the long sections of the course.
Teams to Watch
The start list already includes a strong mix of returning expedition racers and teams stepping up from Geo-level racing.
We’re excited to welcome back (as well as all the others!):
MMI
E Dog and the JJs
Mountain Designs Wild Women
Vortex Divas
Goldfish
alongside emerging expedition teams including:
Out There Wandering
Losthogs
And one particularly interesting storyline:
Heard before Seen will be using Legend as preparation for their upcoming 1000km Yukon River paddle expeditionlater this year.
Legend continues to be a proving ground.
A New Style of Legend
After coastal, alpine and wilderness editions of the race, Legend 2026 introduces a course shaped by Australia’s inland river systems — a step toward the environments we’re building toward as the expedition journey continues west and then north in future editions.
The Half Course will follow the same backbone route as the full expedition course, sharing the major legs with only a small number of strategic shortcuts.
The Expedition Path Continues
Legend is now in its fourth edition and continues to grow as Australia’s premier expedition-format adventure race.
With 24 teams entered across pairs and fours — including experienced expedition racers, new teams stepping up, and strong local South Australian representation — the 2026 field is shaping into one of the most interesting yet.
We’ve been looking forward to bringing Legend to the Murray River region for a long time.
Now it’s nearly time.
Bring on Legend 2026.
— Chris Dixon
Race Director
