Adventurethon National Challenge in Townsville kicked off this on Saturday July 4th with athletes from around the country headed to Townsville to see all that Adventurethon National Challenge had to offer.
Karen Masson from Coffs Harbour, a contingent from Melbourne, including Jarad Kohlar, Emma Francis, and James Pretto, competitors from Mackay, Moranbah, Whitsundays, Cairns (all Qld) and Albany, in WA were also present.
As the starter gun went, competitors headed out for their paddle, amidst some mildly cool, and comfortable conditions. The first part of this paddle is a short Spectators loop, enabling some spectacular photos and enjoyment by family and friends watching from the beach.
The BNG Sports Ultras then split off and headed the remainder of their 8km paddle towards Magnetic Island where they landed and did a 2.4km run up Hawkings Point, back to the kayak and 8km paddle back to Pallarenda and transition. A quick change of gear and grabbing their bikes, and the Ultras head out on a 29km bike ride through a lot of flowy, single mountain bike track.
The top 3 Elite men stayed within a stones throw of each other for much of the race with the final 14km trail run to the top of Mount Marlow and back to the finish line being where the real time was made and saw Jarad crossing the line in first position in a time of 4:24:52, second place Sam Stedman (4:35:11) and James Pretto (4:46:20).
For the women, Coffs Harbours Karen Masson and local Townsville woman, Jo Koy, stayed pretty close contact with each other for the first 3 legs, before Karen took a distinct lead on the bike leg, which she says was her favourite part of the Adventurethon National Challenge. Karen crossed the finish line in (5:41:26), Jo Koy in (5:59:11) and in third place was Jennifer North (6:07:15).
Adventurethon Townsville caters for all types of fitness levels with 5 courses to choose from depending on the preference of difficulty.
Next event on the Adventurethon calendar is Adventurethon Coffs Harbour October 10 & 11, and then Adventurethon Anglesea December 5 & 6. Head to the website for more details www.adventurethon.com.au