Are you ready to push your limits, test your navigation skills, and discover what you're truly capable of? The legendary X-Marathon is back on 30–31 August 2025, set in the wild and breathtaking terrain of New South Wales’ Central Coast. This year’s edition brings fresh challenges, high quality course design, and the same heart-pounding adventure that has made X-Marathon one of Australia’s most respected expedition-style races.
Whether you’re an elite athlete or just stepping into the world of adventure racing, X-Marathon 2025 offers a course tailored for you, with three options to choose from, each packed with excitement, discovery, and unforgettable moments.
3 Courses, One Epic Weekend
1. MINI COURSE (4 HOURS)
Perfect for families, first-timers, and those new to adventure racing, the Mini course delivers all the elements of a classic adventure race—kayaking, mountain biking, trekking, and navigation—condensed into an achievable 4-hour format. Expect to be challenged, but not overwhelmed. The fastest teams will likely complete the course in just over 2 hours, while others can take it at their own pace and enjoy a great day out in nature. We just call it 4-hour and expect majority of teams to complete this course within this timeframe. Rest assured, you can take as much time as you need.
2. HALF COURSE (12 HOURS)
The Half course is designed for teams who are ready to step up from shorter events (like the Sprint Series) but aren’t quite ready to race through the night. With a projected winning time of 6–8 hours, the 12-hour format will challenge your strategy, stamina, and teamwork, while still allowing you to complete the course before dark. It’s a rewarding progression for intermediate racers or those seeking a significant new challenge.
3. FULL COURSE (24 HOURS)
The pinnacle of the X-Marathon experience, the Full course is back with a new twist: a linear, point-to-point journey through diverse and rugged wilderness. Teams will be bussed to a remote, secret starting location, where the adventure begins. Over the next 24 hours, you’ll paddle, trek, and ride your way back to the finish line—using only your map, compass, and teamwork.
This year’s Full course will re- introduces bike boxes, adding an extra element of expedition logistics. You’ll assemble your bikes before the race begins and once again mid-race, challenging both your practical skills and your time management. With estimated winning times around 16–18 hours.
Bonus Checkpoints: Your Race, Your Strategy
To make the race as inclusive—and competitive—as possible, optional bonus checkpoints will be available on all courses. These are perfect for experienced or fast teams looking to test themselves even further, while giving newer or less experienced racers the freedom to skip them without penalty. It's a strategic choice: push for more, or conserve for the finish?
Wild Terrain, Real Navigation, True Adventure
X-Marathon is not your average trail race. There are no flags, no tapes, no course markings. Navigation is at the heart of every course. You’ll be given a detailed map, a list of checkpoints, and a compass—what you do next is up to you and your team. Every decision counts. Every mistake teaches. Every success feels earned.
The terrain is as spectacular as it is varied: dense bushland, rugged ridgelines, tidal waterways, remote tracks, and hidden coves. The Central Coast is a natural playground, and you’ll get to experience parts of it that few people ever see.
Adventure Racing: More Than Just Endurance
Adventure racing isn’t just a sport—it’s a mindset. It’s about pushing through when things get hard, laughing when your feet are wet, and discovering just how strong you can be when you’re far from comfort and deep in nature. It’s about teamwork, resilience, and the kind of memories that stay with you for a lifetime.
Whether you’re racing with lifelong friends, your partner, or a brand new teammate, you’ll face every challenge together. It’s not just about who’s the fastest—it’s about who can think clearly, move smartly, and support each other when it counts.
Why Enter X-Marathon 2025?
✅ Courses for all levels – Choose from 4, 12, or 24 hours.
✅ Navigation-based racing – No markers, no shortcuts—real strategy required.
✅ Epic terrain – Kayak, ride, and run through some of NSW’s most stunning wilderness.
✅ Linear course logistics – An old new challenge for 24h teams, adding expedition authenticity A bus trip to the start and bike boxes are required.
✅ Bonus checkpoints – Race your own race, push for more, or keep it manageable.
✅ Personal growth – Discover new limits, new confidence, and new skills.
✅ Unmatched camaraderie – Shared adventure builds lasting bonds.
Your Next Big Goal Awaits
If you’ve ever wanted to experience a race that combines the best of outdoor sport, mental challenge, and true exploration—this is it. There’s nothing quite like crossing the finish line of an adventure race, especially one as thoughtfully designed and professionally run as X-Marathon.
Serge and Maria, the event founders and seasoned racers themselves, have competed in the world’s toughest events—from Eco Challenge Fiji to the Patagonia Expedition Race. They pour that global experience and their deep passion for the sport into every detail of X-Marathon. Their mission is to make adventure racing accessible, meaningful, and absolutely unforgettable.
“We design every course to inspire,” says Maria. “It’s about giving people a real adventure—something raw, challenging, and beautiful. We want racers to walk away with a story they’ll tell for years.”
Save the Date: 30–31 August 2025
Race HQ: Patonga, Central Coast, NSW
Registrations is open till the 20th of August – Team spots are limited to 25 boats in the сourse (or 50 people), and this event is expected to fill fast. Don’t miss your chance to be part of one of the most exciting adventure races in Australia. However, the early bird is open till the 5th of June, then there is a cut off on the 1st of July for the named bibs and a late fee will be applied after the 1st of August.
No matter which course you choose, X-Marathon 2025 promises to be an unforgettable journey—across land, water, and deep into your own sense of possibility.
Choose your course and enter here>>
Adventure is calling. Will you answer?
