Sunshine Coast to Play Host to 18hrs on the Dark Side In Support of Soldier On

News Release (in2adventure) / 02.10.2013

Starting at midnight on 15^th November the elite of Australia’s Adventure Racing Community will make their way through the Sunshine Coast Hinterland on a journey of up to 18 hours as they tackle the Mountain Designs Adventure Race Australia Dark Side Championships in Support of our Wounded Service Men & Women.

The 18hr Dark Side Championships is the culmination of a national series of adventure races hosted in five states throughout Australia.  Adventure Race Australia are proud to be supporting Soldier On, a charity providing support to our wounded soldiers returning from overseas conflicts.

Adventure racing takes physical and mental toughness, as well as highly-developed teamwork and communication skills – all of which have been shown to aid rehabilitation.  In 2 Adventure provides opportunities for veterans to take part in Adventure Race Australia as part of their rehabilitation and members of the public can also race alongside our war vets and fundraise for Soldier On.

The 18hr Dark Side Champs is a truly unique event and one of Australia’s toughest adventure races.  Starting at midnight adds a whole new dimension to the long distance endurance challenge with competitors having to cope with navigation in unfamiliar surroundings at night, sleep deprivation and managing nutrition and hydration as the body and mind tackle the atypical start time.

Based on Queensland’s spectacular Sunshine Coast the course takes in hinterland terrain, coastline vistas, rivers, creeks and Qld’s famous golden beaches.  Competitors will tackle up to:

·        70km Mountain Biking

·        40km Trail Running/Trekking

·        10km Paddling

·        Surprise Adventure Legs

·        While navigating with a map & compass from check point to check point

12hour Dawn Attack

But if you’re not a creature of the night, MD ARA also offers an event for those of us who prefer our adventure on the light side. The 18hr event is coupled with the 12 hour Dawn Attack which is designed for those who are a little newer to the sport to try their hand at a longer distance race during daylight hours with up to 12 hours to complete the course which includes up to:

·   40km XC MTB, 20km Trail Running / Trekking, 8km Paddling, Surprise Adventure Legs, with basic navigation with a map and compass

Beginners Course: GPS Navigation

The event also includes the Magellan Explore Course using GPS navigation to negotiate the 12 hour course.

Based at Novotel Twin Waters Resort with special accommodation packages and presentation breakfast, participants can combine this weekend of action with 4.5 star luxury.

Entries are open now and you can find out more at www.adventureraceaustralia.com.au

Where:             Novotel Twin Waters Resort, Sunshine Coast, Qld

Date:                15^th/16^th November, 2013

Entries:           On Line at http://www.adventureraceaustralia.com.au/enter.php

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