With a fully marked course consisting of 10 km of trail running, 10 km of paddling and 35km of mountain biking, it is designed to be achievable for all levels of athletes, including those just making a move to off-road racing.

“We are delighted to organize a race in such a stunning location”, said Maria Plyashechko, race coordinator, from Melbourne based events company Adventure Junkie.

Grampians national park is located 260 km west of Melbourne and 460 km east of Adelaide making it easily accessible for South Australian and Victorian athletes. The Grampians feature a striking series of sandstone mountain ranges and forests rich in wildlife and brilliant wildflowers. The magnificent panoramic views from atop of nearby ridges are worth the travel distance. 

“We are really excited by this course. It is a fast course, but showcases many of the highlights of the area. We know everyone will love racing it.” said Serge Kurov, race director.

The race starts with a Trail running leg along the spectacular Mackenzie River gorge trail. Some technical sections will make this run challenging and exciting. The first 4 km of the leg follow the trail beside the river before winding through several cascadingwaterfalls including the spectacular Mackenzie Falls followed by a gut wrenchingstaircase climb up and out of the valley. 

The next leg is a kayaking stage in the pristine waters of the mountain Lake Wartooksurrounded by rocky outcrops of the Northern Grampians range. Participants will paddle around Bear Island and then north to the end of the lake around a bouy enjoying magnificent views of the rocky ridges. 

The mountain bike leg consists of a large looparound the lake perimeter along a rough 4wd trail. It features the Lake Wartook dam wall, a steady climb to the famous Boroka lookout and a spectacular ride along the ridge line with a fast descent back to the Start/Finish area. 

The race logistics are made simple allowing for participants without a support crew by providing one transition area only 15 minutesdrive from the race HQ to allow droping of kayaking and mountain biking equipment on the morning of the race. Start and finish are both at Zumsteins picnic ground, one more historical highlight of the area.

The Grampians region has plenty on offer for the whole family. Including a number of spectacular hiking routes for different abilities, world famous climbing and abseiling spots, galleries, historical aboriginal rock art sites.

General entry is open until 17th of August,with solo, pairs and team categories are available. 

The race is supported by Horsham Council. 

In a snapshort:

What: classic multisport race 10 km run/11km paddle/32 km mtb

Where: Grampians, Victroria, Australia

Who: solo, pairs, relay teams.

When: 18th of September

Details: grampianschallenge.com.au