Women Only Adventure Race

A Day of Adventure, Fun and Empowerment

Press Release / 01.10.2024

On 22 September, the heart of Canberra was alive with the spirit of adventure as 140 teams of women gathered for an unforgettable day at the Women Only Adventure Race.

This was the first ever Australian Capital Territory Women Only Adventure Race.

From paddling through the windy, cold waters of Lake Burley Griffin to navigating the scenic trails of the Lindsay Pryor National Arboretum, the event was a celebration of camaraderie, courage, and community.

For many of these women, this was more than just a race—it was a chance to step outside their comfort zones, push their limits, and embrace something new. As they tackled the maze-like Zoo Pines trails on their mountain bikes and worked together to find 26 checkpoints across the 18 km course, there was laughter, encouragement, and plenty of high-fives.

Families cheered from the sidelines, watching in awe as mothers, daughters, best friends, and colleagues teamed up to conquer the challenges. The atmosphere was electric as participants supported one another, proving that adventure racing is not just about physical endurance—it’s about the bonds you build, the connections you make, and the joy you share along the way.

From first-timers to seasoned racers, everyone had a blast. The event brought women from all walks of life together, showing that adventure can be for anyone, no matter their age or experience. The youngest participant, just 8 years old, raced alongside women over 60, all proving that the spirit of adventure knows no bounds.

As the day came to a close, the smiles on the faces of the women crossing the finish line said it all. They had faced the elements, conquered their fears, and, most importantly, had an incredible time doing it. The Women Only Adventure Race in Canberra wasn’t just about winning—it was about having fun, building confidence, and creating lifelong memories.

It was a day that reminded every woman that adventure is for everyone and the best moments often happen when we dare to step outside our routines and take on something extraordinary.

Maria Plyashechko, event director, said, “I am on a mission to make adventure racing a sport for everyone, especially for mums like myself. The Women Only Adventure Race allows all women to take part. It doesn’t matter if they want to walk the whole course or if the last time they rode a bike was ten years ago. This is an event for 14-year-old girls to give it a go, even without their parents, and we saw them—young warriors showing the world what they’re made of, who watched their dads and always thought it was too hard or too complicated.

This event is for those who want a fun day out with maybe not-so-fit, but adventurous, friends and to inspire them to step up their training and give it another go next year. It’s also for mums to bring their daughters, spend quality time together, and show them just how much fun there is outdoors. Serge and I are very proud of what we’ve achieved with this race, and our gratitude goes above and beyond to the volunteers, competitors, and their families who have made this event what it is today.”

The overall race winners were Debut Divas Claire Aubrey and Katherine Hosking, closely followed by Red Fox Juniors, ACT Orienteering team members Ariadna Iskhakova and Sandra Halpin. Tiger Beauty Queens Edith Chow and Monika Lee were third.

Full results are available online at https://womensadventurerace.com.au/

The next Women Only Adventure Race is on the 10th of November in Victoria, and limited entries are still available.