X-Marathon Oceania ARWS Championship
Champion Performances at X-Marathon
Press Release / 02.09.2024
When asked about his pre-race feelings, Hugh Stodart, the captain of Thunderbolt AR, couldn’t have summed up the looming challenge better: "So many decisions to make—choosing the right checkpoints, finding the best routes. Some of them are about as clear as mud. I thought we'd get some sleep before the start, but now, I’m starting to think that was wishful thinking!"
And with that, the X-Marathon kicked off, a race that tested not only muscle and stamina but also brainpower—think of it as a Sudoku puzzle on steroids. Teams had to navigate tricky terrain and make split-second decisions, all while fighting sleep deprivation and their own inner monologues ("Why on earth did I sign up for this again?"). With a 26-hour cutoff, every second counted, and the margin for error was as thin as a kayak paddle.
The course? Brutal, yet somehow enticing enough that you didn’t want to bail. Bonus checkpoints were there to tempt the brave (or foolhardy), but the real fun started when the sun went down. Teams found themselves lost in the pitch-black suburbs of Lake Macquarie, tangling with the Lantana woods, and muttering some colourful language as they tried to decipher the labyrinth of trails. But all the navigational nightmares and thorny bushes were forgotten once they crossed that finish line and were greeted with medals, pizza, and—you guessed it—cold beer. Nothing like a post-race carb-fest to wash down the taste of humble pie.
This year’s lineup of competitors was the strongest since 2014, back when Avaya showed up to Geocentric’s Geoquest and legends like Serge and Maria (now Adventure Junkie Race Directors) threw down the gauntlet in a team with the captain of today’s Thunderbolt.
The 2024 X-Marathon didn’t disappoint, offering up a buffet of gruelling terrain, complex maps that had even the pros scratching their heads, and flawless logistics that made everything run smoother than a mountain biker’s chain after a fresh Squirt lube.
For those looking for a taster of adventure racing without the full buffet of suffering, the Mini-course offered just enough thrills to keep the adrenaline junkies happy.
Teams, including many family squads, paddled to the remote Wolstencroft Peninsula, trekked from their kayaks, and cycled through the single-track maze of Sunshine Peninsula. They arrived at the finish line with hard-earned medals and probably a few new stories to embarrass their kids with at future family gatherings.
The Full and Half events kicked off Friday night at the South Lake Macquarie Amateur Sailing Club, where the air was thick with excitement and just a hint of panic. As teams snapped photos and caught up with old friends, everyone seemed to be thinking the same thing: "This is going to be fun…right?"
Saturday morning, the race roared to life with a high-speed kayaking leg across Lake Macquarie to Pulbah Island. And as if kayaking wasn’t hard enough, teams then had to make their first big decision: paddle around the island from the west or the east? A coin toss probably would’ve felt like a better strategy.
Peak Adventure’s paddling pros took an early lead but soon found themselves getting up close and personal with the NSW coastal vegetation—a move that allowed Thunderbolt and Alpine Avengers to cruise ahead with a 2 km advantage into the first transition area.
Next came the foot rogaine through Wallarah National Park’s stunning coastal landscapes. With a map expertly crafted by the NSW Rogaining Association, teams ventured through landmarks like Shark Tooth Hole, famous beaches and lush rainforests. Along the way, they faced choices that felt more like a "choose your own adventure" book, with options to either gain bonus time or conserve energy by skipping checkpoints. Spoiler alert: both options came with a side of exhaustion.
The third leg was a sunset paddle that would’ve been Instagram-worthy—if anyone had the energy to snap a photo. Thunderbolt grabbed a bonus checkpoint to snag a 20-minute lead, making the rest of us wonder if they had secretly discovered some hidden turbo boost.
While the leading teams slipped away from Lake Macquarie’s dark waters, rookie teams spent the night battling both the elements and their own sense of direction. Finding the transition area felt like trying to locate a needle in a haystack—if the haystack was also moving and the needle kept taunting you.
The mountain bike leg was the last hurdle for Half course teams, and it was a doozy. Thanks to the Newcastle Orienteering Club’s detailed MTBO map, racers navigated flooded tracks and overgrown trails that seemed determined to give everyone a mud bath. Tiger Adventure Racing Maniacs, led by Monika and Andrew, dominated the Half course with navigation skills so sharp you’d think they had Google Maps installed in their brains.
Meanwhile, Full course teams took on Olney State Forest, navigating hidden tunnels, tricky trails, and even an old jail. Alpine Avengers charged ahead, reaching TA3 and taking on an extra orienteering map. Because, you know, why not throw in another challenge when you’re already running on fumes?
They lead until the final stage when Thunderbolt AR thundered by, already with that 20 minute bonus in hand, to take the win in 15 hours and 15 minutes, half an hour ahead of Alpine Avengers. The race was hosting this year’s Adventure Racing World Series Oceania Championship, and the new champions won a free place at the 2025 World Championship in Canada.
As the race wrapped up, the finish line was a mix of exhaustion and celebration. Teams laughed, shared war stories, and dug into pizza like they’d never seen food before. Beers were clinked, and everyone agreed: this was one for the memory books—especially the parts where they weren’t lost in the woods.
But the race wasn’t just about speed and navigation. In a plot twist that could’ve been ripped from a feel-good movie, 82-year-old local farmer Barry Webster became the hero of the day. When Tim Domain’s bike frame snapped in a crucial section, it seemed like the end of the road for Wildflow Tiger Adventure.
Enter Barry to save the day. Using his experience and ingenuity, he drilled holes in the damaged bike frame and secured it with a metal plate, allowing the team to continue. Thanks to Barry’s quick thinking and skilful repair, the team not only finished the race but achieved an incredible result—placing fourth overall and first in the all-male category.
As the X-Marathon came to a close, one thing was clear: this was more than just a race—it was an unforgettable adventure that tested limits, forged new friendships, and provided enough stories to last until next year’s start line.
Details and full results are on the event website xmarathon.com.au
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