The course

The X-Marathon Adventure Race is a classic navigation event that will push you to the limit, both physically and mentally, and this year’s course is no exception! Each year, the course is different and may consist of kayaking, mountain biking, trekking, pack rafting, and a few surprises!

The logistics planner will be released two weeks prior to the race leaving you with time to plan your strategy, while the exact course will only be revealed on the night prior to the event. That should get your adrenaline pumping! All teams will receive the course map at the same time and will have just a few hours to plan their route. You’ll need to embrace a spirit of adventure and be prepared for anything!

The course itself is determined by control points. Teams will use topographical maps and satellite images to navigate their way between checkpoints. Race organizers will transport your gear between checkpoints as you swap from one discipline to another.  The first team to successfully navigate all of the checkpoints and cross the finish line with all team members will be the winner.

This course will certainly test your durability, both physically and mentally. You will have to plan your own sleeping strategy as there are no provisions given for sleeping. Teams will need to carefully plan their water usage, how much to carry and where to refill, if possible. You’ll need to carefully research weather and climate conditions and make sure you’re properly prepared.

 

2021 9th edition 

The 2021 race will be an epic journey on Gippsland Lakes. This time we're offering a 36-hour course with an anticipated winning time of 24 hours both for Full and Half courses. The course will be based on the following core disciplines: trekking, mountain biking, kayaking, packrafting (Full course only). Expect remote and spectacular landscapes, white-water packrafting (Full course only), hills and flats, and the Big Lake paddling.

 

two courses: Full and Half.

Full Course – As the names suggest, the Full Course is an intense expedition race that is approximately 200 km. This will truly push your team to the edge. With great planning, preparation and organisation, the leading time for a fast team is expected to be around 20 hours while the cut off time is 36 hours.

Half Course – The Half Course will suit those who prefer a shorter (under 150km) version with more time to relish in the experience. In this variant, the leading time is also expected to be 20 hours, while other teams can stay on a course for up to 36 hours.  The Half Course starts at the same point as the Full Course before then branching off to different sections. The Half Course will suit teams with less experience and who are not ready for the high-intensity racing. Don’t worry, this is still a grueling experience, and not to be underestimated!

If you’re a novice team, we suggest you start on the half course, but for the truly adventurous, you can still join the full course if you wish! It will test and push you possibly to limits you didn’t know existed. Some first time teams don’t manage to finish the course but plenty of first time teams have managed it. Are you up for the ultimate challenge?

 

Previous editions, or how it could be

Check out 2018 wrap up video>>

Check out a couple of videos from 2016 edition, this is how it might be:

 

Approximate 2017 EDITION 36 hours distances were

  • MTB 120 km
  • Trekkng 30 km
  • Kayaking 55 km
  • Packrafting 12 km

 

maps

The best sample maps are used in our online trekking. If you had not seen 2016 edition live tracking, it is worth to check it out. In 2017 edition maps similar to 2016 edition will be used (VicMap 2012 version). Another good sample is a collection of maps from 2013 edition can be found here>> (courtesy of Liam Team Rogue Adventure). Please note, 2013 sample maps are VicMap 2000 version and tend to be less accurate then the ones will be used.    

 

LOGISTICS PLANNER for 2017 course

2017 Logistics planner is released. Download printable PDF verion.

XM Logistics Planner 17