The format
Join the thrilling adventure of the X-Marathon, a non-stop race packed with excitement! Teams start together, progressing through each leg one after the other. Teams can swap out gear and replenish their food and water supplies from their gearboxes in Transition areas. Detailed logistics will be provided around ten days before the race, ensuring you're fully prepared for the challenge.
The course layout will put participants under a minimal logistical burden.
Join us in this epic adventure, where every moment is an opportunity to conquer new heights and embrace the spirit of exploration!
While on the course, team members must stay within 100 m of each other for the entire race. If one team member pulls out, that team will not receive an official finishing place but may still be allowed to continue unranked if two members are keen to keep going.
The winner will be the first team to navigate all the checkpoints and cross the finish line with all team members.
The course is determined by control points.
Teams will use topographical maps (and possibly orienteering) and satellite images to navigate between checkpoints. You receive course maps when you register at the race HQ.
Race organizers will transport your gear between transition areas where you swap from one discipline to another and can get access to extra equipment and food you packed up before the start.
Full (24h), Half (12h) or Mini (4h) course options
The Full course is designed for those who are up for an overnight challenge
Teams of two and four can travel for up to 24 hours to cover approximately 120 km. We expected the winning team to finish the course within 16 hours.
Approximate Full course distance:
- Trekking: 20 km
- Mountain biking: 65km
- Paddling: 25 km
The Half course is a little bit more accessible but still challenging
The Half Course will suit those who prefer a shorter (under 80km) version with less (or no) racing in the dark. In this variant, we expect the leaders to finish in around 6 hours, while other teams can stay on a course for up to 12 hours.
The Half Course will suit teams with less experience and who are not ready for overnight racing. Don’t worry; this is still a challenging experience. Do not underestimate it! As in the Full and Half courses, you can race in a team of four or two.
Approximate Half-course distance:
- Trekking: 15 km
- Mountain biking: 50 km
- Paddling: 15 km
The Mini-course is an introductory option, suitable for All
The navigation will be achievable for first-time comers, and the length is manageable for all levels, including family teams (a child over ten racing with an adult). The Mini course is only open for teams of two.
Approximate Mini course distance:
- Trekking: 6 km
- Mountain biking: 15 km
- Paddling: 4 km
The disciplines
The course will consist of a few legs of trekking, mountain biking and paddling. You will be trekking on trails, walking tracks and off-road.
Paddling legs will be on the lake and a river (flat water only), while mountain bike sections will incorporate rough 4wd trails, single tracks and minor bitumen sections. Our philosophy is to avoid traffic and bitumen.
The kayaks
Teams are provided with double kayaks. Half and Mini course teams are provided with paddles. Full course teams need to bring their own paddles.
The course planner
The logistics planner will be released two weeks before the race, leaving you time to plan your strategy and what to pack in what box (we will deliver the gearboxes to certain transition areas). You will only find out the exact course when you receive the maps. That should get your adrenaline pumping! All teams will receive the course map during the onsite check-in and will have just a few hours to plan their route. You’ll need to embrace a spirit of adventure, and you need to prepare for anything!
This race will undoubtedly test you physically and mentally.
This race will undoubtedly test your durability, both physically and mentally.
Previous editions, or how it could be
Check out 2018 wrap up video>>
Check out a couple of videos from 2016 edition, this is how it might be:
- Boggy Gorge trekking
- Finish of Snowy river kayak at Marlo
- Snowy river kayaking
- Colquhoun MTB stage
- Start of 2016 X-Marathon