Sprint Series Adventure Race

Adventure Racers had a Blast in Eurobodalla at the Sprint Series Adventure Race

Press Release / 09.03.2023

One of the biggest NSW Sprint Series adventure races was hosted by Eurobodalla last weekend. Almost 300 adventure enthusiasts and their supported crews gathered in Tomakin to reconnect, have an adventure, and get inspired by each other to stay fit and healthy.

The fastest team in the long (Classic course) was NSW team David's Excellent Centre for Multisport Excellence Team A with Oliver Grist and George Gardiner; while the winners of the Novice course were Victorian team ATEO.COM.AU with Scott and Evan Gavens (dad and son). Evan was very excited to do his first adventure race. While Scott is an accomplished adventure racer and orienteer, he said it was great to be racing with his son, and they both, of course, are very excited to come first in a competitive field of 50 Novice teams.

It was an actual community event with all different teams participating; some were retired elite orienteers with many years of international experience, others – were elite adventure racers taking their kids for their first adventure race; a lot of teams were absolute novices only found out recently about adventure races and decided to give it a go.

Marina Iskhakova, four times World champion in orienteering, who raced with her daughter, mentioned after the finish: "Could I think that 23 years after the first ever Adventure race of my life - Eco-Challenge covered with jungles - Borneo island, I'll be racing in a female team with my daughter, who just turned 13, seems wanted to try her adventure race for some time? While we were racing a beautiful course designed by AJ experts - Maria and Serge, AJ Team, it was a special joy to watch my daughter's delight, but also her fear and also sometimes stress and tiredness, but also her incredible happiness of reaching magnificent points, from where you can see 270o ocean view and astonishing landscapes. The complete trust, support, and joy briefly describe what race with your kid can give you. And learning what Adventure racing is about.".

The course took teams for a scenic adventure journey on the outskirts of Tomakin, a small seaside village located at the mouth of the Tomaga river near beautiful beaches, which attract visitors from around the region.

The teams have enjoyed the Mogo State forest with its trails throughout the woods that are suitable for hiking and mountain biking. These trails range in difficulty from easy to challenging, so there is something for everyone.

The exciting challenge consisted of kayaking, mountain biking and hiking. The course was determined by control points only marked on a map; each team received the course maps on the morning of the event and had only a few hours to prepare. Until then, it was a secret where the teams were travelling. Just as in Amazing Race, the winner was the first team across the finish line that collected all or almost all checkpoints. Organisers added a strategic challenge with bonus checkpoints for teams to decide whether the additional optional checkpoints were worth the allocated bonus time. While most competitors were in for the experienced, some were very competitive teams who put all into their race from start to finish.

With its abundant natural attractions, Eurobodalla is a perfect playground for all sorts of adventures, with easy access to fantastic waterways, a spectacular coastline and thrilling forest trails.

Adventure races have gained significant popularity with the release of the world's toughest race show, Eco-Challenge. More and more people are willing to challenge themselves and get a taste of what it's like to be out there in the wilderness, experience all elements and finish as a team. Sprint Series events are allowing teams to get a feel of an adventure race in an accessible format.

The race was sponsored by NSW Government, Eurobodalla Shire and Forestry NSW and would only happen with their support.

The full results can be found on the event website adventuresprint.com.au