X-Marathon, 48 hour Expedition Race is Open for Registration

Race Release / 06.09.2016

After a year’s hiatus, the Adventure Junkie team brought X-Marathon back with a bang in 2016 by successfully reformatting the race in an expedition style package. In 2017 race organisers have made some adjustments to the event which they are sure will deliver even more close and exciting racing while still allowing less experienced teams to complete the course.

“This event is now the hottest not to be missed 24hr+ AR in Australia. Great terrain and course-setting, good value for money and no need for a support crew” said Rob Preston, team captain of team ThoughtSport/Shotz and winner of the 2016 edition.

The Boggy Gorge leg in 2016 was widely regarded as one of those one’s that sticks in racers memories as the epic X-Marathon stage, with the teams rock scrambling and swimming their way through while dodging water dragons and thick vegetation. It’s a given Serge and Maria will deliver another to those who sign up this year.

The race cut off will be extended to 48 hours to accommodate all level of racers. The exact course will be kept secret up to the evening prior the event as per tradition in expedition adventure racing, however, teams should be ready for about 200 km of almost linear course and a shuttle to the start line.

The sixth edition of X-Marathon will be held on Victorian Labour Day weekend 10-13th of March 2017 in the East Gippsland Shire. On-line registration will open from 8th of September. Only 25 spots are available for teams of four and based on the popularity of last year’s event, we expect them to sell out.

The East Gippsland Shire is rich in natural attractions and an adventurer’s playground, with major highlights of the 2017 event including grade 3 river paddling, Australia’s largest inland waterway, and some rarely visited national parks.

The Gippsland location makes it ideal for NSW and ACT teams to take on the strong Victorian contingent, but with the event being fully supported once again, with boats provided and all logistics arranged by race organisers it is also a viable option for Queensland, Western Australian and international teams to compete. The unique on-line tracking site was a highlight for dot watchers at home in 2016, allowing teams to be followed in real time and providing high quality maps as used by the racers.

All levels of teams are invited to embrace the challenge, push their limits and get a feeling of outstanding achievement of an accomplished mission at the finish line.

Key facts:

​Dates: 10-13th of March

Distance: around 200 km, 48 hours cut off.

Location: East Gippsland

Premier Mixed, Male and Female teams of 4.

Registration and more details: xmarathon.com.au

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