Bairnsdale will be a hive of adventure activity come the end of March.
The best of Australia’s adventure athletes will be converging on the town for the Adventurethon East Gippsland threestage race on March 30 and 31.
Competitors from across Victoria and interstate will compete in the two-day unique, multi-discipline off-road event.
Athletes aged from eight to 80 will enter across three amazing landscapes within East Gippsland, taking in the best paddling, mountain biking and adventure running in the region has to offer.
The Adventurethon off-road challenge is unique in that each race is standalone, but can also be tallied together in a stage race format to crown the fastest athlete over all disciplines.
This unique format also means that competitors can complete the event they most prefer or can dabble in multiple sports.
Adventurethon East Gippsland is part of a greater national Adventurethon Series of events, which holds challenges in the best landscapes for adventure activities.
Adventurethon has teamed up with local adventure advocates, Rob Preston, of Trail Running Gippsland, and Tim Boote, of East Gippsland Adventures, to develop the best possible courses that will appeal to visitors, but also throw in something a bit different for the locals to have a go at.
East Gippsland Shire Council mayor, Cr Natalie O’ Connell, said East Gippsland is the perfect place to hold this exciting event and council is delighted to sponsor the event’s first visit to the area through its regional events sponsorship program.
“We aim to be the number one adventure destination in Australia, offering unforgettable experiences for people of all interests, ages and abilities, and attracting events such as the Adventurethon will only enhance our appeal in this growing market,” Cr O’ Connell said.
“We promote healthy lifestyles, encourage visitors and residents to enjoy our unique and beautiful landscapes including our stunning coastal areas and mountain ranges, and experience the wonderful food, wine and beers crafted from fresh, local produce.”
The mountain bike stage will take place at Mt Taylor, which has been home to numerous MTBA events and has a wide variety of trails from flow trail, all mountain cross country and downhill.
A hybrid cross country/all mountain course in multi lap format will see riders take in 40, 20 or 10km riding options.
The paddle stage will cover the safe and meandering section of Mitchell River just upstream from Bairnsdale.
“This section of river offers lots of vegetation, creating a feeling of tranquillity in nature, with lots of tight bends in the river,” an event spokesperson said.
“It is a gorgeous piece of river that will suit a wider skill set than the Mitchells’ upper reaches.”
The Adventure Run will take place on the edge of the Mitchell River and will take in a mix of some popular trails used for the Mitchell River Trail Run, which takes place later this year.
In addition to some of these trails, a series of off-trail sections exist where runners must rock hop, cross-rivers and in some cases complete mystery adventure challenges as part of the run.
“This destination is perfect for boating, surfing, camping and fishing to itch the needs of outdoor adventure,” organisers said “East Gippsland is full of stunning scenic views and activities to keep the whole family entertained.
No other region of Victoria can offer such great coastal and mountain pursuits.”
Be sure to keep up-to-date with all event information by checking the Adventurethon website.
