When Hugh Stodart, the team captain of Thunderbolt, was asked how he felt before the race, his response captured the intensity of the challenge ahead: "So many decisions to make—choosing the right checkpoints, finding the best routes. Some are far from obvious, and we’ve got a lot of planning to do. I thought we’d get some sleep, but now, I’m not so sure."
the beginning
And so began a race that tested every bit of brainpower and endurance, a true ‘thinker’s race.’ Teams had to master navigation and strategy, pushing their limits to maximize the 26-hour cutoff, making every moment and every ounce of energy count.
The course was fierce yet attainable, with plenty of bonus checkpoints that teams could bypass if needed. But the real challenge came in the night, where teams found themselves lost in the darkness, navigating the suburbs of Lake Macquarie, tangled in the woods of Lantana, and weaving through a labyrinth of trails. Despite the struggles, the finish line brought a shared feeling of triumph—a moment made even sweeter by medals, pizza, and cold beer.
The field
The lineup for this year’s race was the strongest since 2014, when Avaya joined Geocentric’s Geoquest, when Serge and Maria raced themselves. The X-Marathon’24 by all accounts, lived up to expectations with gruelling terrain, intricate maps, endless navigational choices, and flawless logistics.
For those not quite ready for the full adventure, a Mini-course offered a taste of the thrill. Teams two, with many family teams, paddled to the remote Wolstencroft Peninsula, trekked from their kayaks, and cycled through the single-track maze of Sunshine Peninsula, savouring their hard-earned medals at the finish line.
The Full and Half event kicked off on Friday night at the warm and welcoming South Lake Macquarie Amateur Sailing Club. The atmosphere was electric, with the promise of a perfect weekend ahead, team photos, and heartfelt reunions with old friends.
The start
Saturday morning the race began with a high-speed kayaking leg across Lake Macquarie to Pulbah Island. As teams approached the first checkpoint, they faced their first strategic decision: paddle around the island from the west or the east?
Peak Adventure’s powerhouse paddlers took the lead but soon found themselves tangled in the dense NSW coastal vegetation, allowing Thunderbolt and Alpine Avengers to surge ahead with a 2 km advantage into the first transition area.
The rogaine
Next came the foot rogaine through the stunning coastal landscapes of Wallarah National Park. With thanks to the NSW Rogaining Association for their expertly crafted map, teams ventured through iconic landmarks like the Shark Tooth Hole, picturesque quarries, and lush rainforests. Multiple route options gave teams a chance to gain bonus time, or for the less experienced, conserve their energy by skipping checkpoints.
The paddle back
The third leg was a breathtaking paddle into the sunset, with a bonus checkpoint that Thunderbolt seized to gain a 20-minute lead, knowing they had an edge as they pursued Alpine Avengers.
While the leading teams escaped the darkness of Lake Macquarie, rookie teams battled the night, struggling to find the transition area as the lake’s dark waters mirrored the night sky.
The MTB 1
The mountain bike leg proved to be the final challenge for the Half course teams, but it was far from easy. Thanks to the Newcastle Orienteering Club, a detailed MTBO map revealed a maze of flooded tracks and overgrown trails. Tiger Adventure Racing Maniacs, led by Monika and Andrew, dominated with sharp navigation, securing first place in the Half category.
Meanwhile, Full course teams climbed through the Olney State Forest, navigating hidden tunnels, tricky trails, and an old jail. Alpine Avengers led the charge, arriving at TA3 and taking on an additional orienteering trekking map.
The Orienteering
The orienteering leg was short and sweet but still challenging, set against spectacular terrain. The map was provided by Central Coast Orienteers, massive thank you to them. With precisely marked gullies and creeks, the course was a dream for experienced navigators and a thrilling addition for all teams. Many of the checkpoints were bonuses, rewarding those who dared to push further.
The final push
The final bike leg was the toughest yet, taking teams on a treacherous descent with unpredictable routes. Some teams ventured into thick vegetation and cliffs, while Thunderbolt took the wiser, longer path, catching up with Alpine Avengers and securing their Oceania Champions title, with their 20-minute lead safely in hand.
The finish
The finish line was full of excitement and relief as the first three teams came together to celebrate their hard-earned victories. Despite being tired, everyone was smiling and sharing their stories of the race—talking about the tough parts, the funny moments, and the triumphs. With beers in hand and pizza on their plates, the racers laughed and enjoyed the moment, forgetting their exhaustion for a while. It was more than just finishing the race; it was about celebrating the journey together, making every slice of pizza and every sip of beer taste even better.
But the race wasn’t just about athletic prowess. In an extraordinary twist, an 82-year-old local farmer, Barry Webster, became the hero of the day. When Tim Domain’s bike frame broke in a critical section of the course, it seemed like the end for Wildflow Tiger Adventure. But fate intervened when they found Barry’s farmhouse. Despite his age, Barry’s quick thinking and craftsmanship saved the team, allowing them to finish the race and place an impressive fourth overall and first in the all-male category. "This experience embodies the adventure racing spirit of teamwork, resourcefulness, and perseverance," said team member Anthony Pohlner.
As the X-Marathon adventure race came to a close, one thing was certain: this was more than a race—it was a journey.
The gruelling days of pushing boundaries, navigating unforgiving terrain, and battling exhaustion brought out a profound resilience in every competitor.
Adventure racing offers an unfiltered glimpse into our true potential. The challenges faced at Lake Macquarie, from paddling vast waters to scaling rugged hills, strip away the superficial and reveal a deeper understanding of ourselves—our limits and our strengths. The struggles and victories etch themselves into our hearts, reminding us that we are stronger than we ever imagined.
Crossing the finish line isn’t just about completing the race; it’s about realizing that these adventures change us forever. We leave not just with medals, but with stories to share for years to come, lessons that will shape our futures, and a deep appreciation for the incredible power of the human spirit. The X-Marathon may be over, but its impact will last, leaving each of us transformed by the adventure.
