Eagle Bay Epic
Energy Maximised at Eagle Bay Epic Adventure Race
Press Release / 07.11.2023
The Eagle Bay Epic Adventure Race eluded maximum energy and enthusiasm over the weekend as 1,000 competitors too part in the off-road adventure race in south-west Western Australia.
Competitors were treated to a non-stop off-road race that featured the natural wilderness synonymous with the areas of Eagle Bay, Dunsborough, Meelup Regional Park and Geographe Bay.
Starting and finishing at the Eagle Bay Brewing Co, the event saw participants take on a 9km trail run, 1.5km ocean swim, 7.5km ocean paddle, and finish with a 18km mountain bike ride.
120 individuals raced the entire course solo, whilst the remainder raced as part of relay teams of 2 to 4 members, all brimming with epic energy and enthusiasm!
Talented off-road competitor Matt Coutts showed his mighty adventuring racing energy and skills to take line honours ten minutes ahead of his nearest rivals in a total course time of 03:08:23. Andrew Mowlem was in second place (03:18:40) and Owen McKenna third (03:22:41).
Coutts showcased his skill-based strength on the epic course.
“I’m super stoked with the win,” said Couts. “It’s a really skills-based adventure race course; and having my skills up to date was a huge advantage out there.”
Kristen Gardner, a multiple champion at Eagle Bay was in a class of her own, once again putting on an impressive performance across all four disciplines, clocking a time of 03:24:17 to win the women’s race ahead of Phip Hughes (03:35:02) and Nicola Hayes (03:40:43) – both also previous winners.
In the relay teams category, Team ‘Duncan Siblings’ powered through the challenging course, crossing the line in a show of grit in 3:05:37. Team members included just three – Matthew Duncan, James Duncan and Claire Forrest, with James doubling it up with the ocean swim and paddle legs.
Event Director John Jacoby of Rapid Ascent was in awe of athlete performances and team support.
“Tackling this formidable course through one of nature’s wonderlands is a mighty accomplishment for any athlete to tick off and we congratulate all who succeeded,” said Jacoby.
“The energy and enthusiasm on and off the course created a welcoming atmosphere for everyone and we really enjoyed seeing the team camaraderie and good humour shine through, all while experiencing the thrill of adventure racing,” added Jacoby.
The Kids Adventure challenge on Saturday afternoon saw 250 super-energised kids tackle the 4km running and obstacle course, complete with spiders webs, hay-bale jumping, hurdles, crawling and slippery dip obstacles along the way.
Competitors and supporters finished their races with celebrations and entertainment within the grounds of the Eagle Bay Brewery – the perfect backdrop for the epic adventure!
“All in all, it has been another epic day of action in the beautiful landscapes surrounding Dunsborough,” said Jacoby.
The event is made possible through the continued support of Tourism WA, and the Busselton Dunsborough Shire who’ve helped organisers Rapid Ascent deliver such an epic event for all.
Further event information can be found at www.eaglebayepic.com.au .
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