I remember the moment I signed up for my first adventure race as if it were yesterday. It wasn’t just about ticking off another challenge from my bucket list—it was about starting a new chapter in my life. I was at a crossroads, looking for something that could shake me out of my routine, reignite my sense of purpose, and remind me what it meant to feel truly alive. That’s when I discovered adventure racing.

At first, the idea of competing in an adventure race seemed intimidating. After all, I wasn’t an ultra-endurance athlete, and I wasn’t training for hours a day. But the more I learned about the sport, the more I realised that adventure racing isn’t about winning or keeping up with the fastest racers—it’s about the journey. It’s about pushing yourself at your own pace, navigating through nature, and relishing every moment.

Training: The Journey, Not the Destination

Training for an adventure race was unlike anything I had ever done before. Unlike traditional sports, where you focus on one skill, adventure racing is a beautiful mix of disciplines—mountain biking, running, paddling, and navigating through unknown terrains. The beauty of it? You get to decide how you train. If I felt like biking, I’d head for the trails. On days when I craved a slower pace, I’d go for a run or practice some navigation. The freedom to mix it up made every session exciting.

That’s the magic of adventure racing: you don’t need to be an expert in any single sport. You can train for 30 minutes or dedicate up to 12 hours a week. Some days, I’d fit in a quick 5K trail run, while on weekends, I’d spend hours cycling through the countryside, letting the wind carry away the stresses of everyday life. It felt like a reset, a way to reconnect with nature and, more importantly, with myself.

The Importance of Navigation and Pacing

While the journey was exhilarating, I knew there were a few key skills I couldn’t ignore—navigation, for one. Sure, I could run or cycle for hours, but being able to read a map and understand where I was going was just as critical. I spent afternoons practicing with a compass, familiarizing myself with basic navigation techniques. The feeling of locating a checkpoint, of knowing you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be, was a thrill in itself. It became a metaphor for life: sometimes you’re unsure where you’re heading, but once you figure it out, it’s a victory.

Paddling was another skill I would take a bit more seriously. Even if kayaking wasn’t my strongest suit, I learned to love the tranquillity of being out on the water, the feeling of my paddle cutting through the surface as I glided through the stillness. Off-road biking was another adventure I eagerly embraced. Tackling rocky trails and steep inclines taught me to trust my instincts, lean into challenges, and embrace the unknown.

However, perhaps the most important lesson I learned while training was that it didn’t matter how fast or slow I went. Adventure racing is about pacing yourself and enjoying the process. Whether you’re out there sprinting toward the finish line or taking it slow and steady, you’re racing against no one but yourself. The journey is what counts.

The Day of the Race

The day of my first adventure race arrived sooner than I expected, and with it came a flood of emotions—excitement, nervousness, anticipation. But as I stood at the start line, I reminded myself that this wasn’t just a race; it was a celebration of all the hours, sweat, and effort I had put into training. It was a culmination of everything I had learned and all the moments I had spent in nature, reconnecting with my own strength and resilience.

I navigated the course at my own pace, feeling the rush of pushing myself through different terrains and disciplines. I wasn’t the fastest, nor did I try to be. Instead, I relished every checkpoint, every challenge, every high and low. Crossing the finish line wasn’t just about completing the race; it was about realising how far I had come on this journey, both physically and emotionally.

The Beauty of Adventure Racing

The beauty of adventure racing is that it meets you where you are. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or simply looking to start a new chapter in life, the race is yours to shape. You can train as much or as little as you like, with people training anywhere from 30 minutes to 12 hours a week. It’s not about perfection—it’s about showing up on the day of the race, giving it your all, and embracing the journey.

Adventure racing has taught me that life, like the race, is an adventure. It’s unpredictable, challenging, and sometimes even daunting. But when you approach it with an open heart, ready to learn, adapt, and grow, the experience becomes more than just a competition. It becomes a path to self-discovery, strength, and the joy of living fully.

Joining that first adventure race was the beginning of a new chapter in my life—one filled with challenges, growth, and a newfound passion for pushing my limits. And the best part? I wasn’t racing to win. I was racing to live.

The Crash course

Kayaking and Navigation crash course training sessions

From our experience, Navigation and Kayaking are the main daunting parts for first-time adventure racers.

We understand how busy you are, so we have designed a fully packed session right at the race HQ. This session will allow you to familiarise yourself with the kayaking equipment and get a quick 'how to use a map' guide. 

• What: Kayaking and Navigation sessions, 20 and 40 minutes, respectively, you can book during registration. 
• When: Friday before the event. From 4 till 5 PM. 
• Where: Race HQ's exact location will be shared in the event information pack approximately ten days before.
• Who: Designed for first-time racers.

Cost: $49 per team. Please book your spot during registration.