The Hastings region has been thrust into the national spotlight after being selected to host the Wildside Adventure Race and likely the crowning of the 2021 Australian Adventure Racing Champions.
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Four or two-person teams will race in the Camden Haven over the long weekend from October 1 to 3 in the final race of the A1 national series.
Teams will navigate and traverse the course from checkpoint to checkpoint by foot, mountain bike and kayak in eight, 20 or 36 hour categories. Athletes can also race solo with a support crew in the eight hour course.
Race director Richard Old said the race has categories available for newcomer and professional teams.
"It's a navigation based event and all the teams will have detailed course maps, they will have checkpoints marked on there to guide their direction to the finish," he said.
"On the map there will also be transition areas for other disciplines and out-of-bounds areas to steer clear of. Usually teams stick to tracks and trails, but they have the option to make their own strategic decisions with shortcuts to save time.
"It is quite strategic and decisions during the race might be based on their strengths in that discipline and whether it's day or night.
"There is a high level of freedom in adventure racing which makes the sport quite unique, it's not just turn on the engine and go.
"This race is the final in the 2021 adventure racing series and teams will be competing for the top points to be named this year's Australian racing champions."
Thirty-five teams of four have so far signed on for the race from south-east Queensland, NSW and Victoria.
Mr Old said the race will be based in North Haven and Camden Haven, and organisers are seeking community groups to act as sponsored volunteers.
"The Camden Haven area has some great forests, some good high points and great waterways with a nice coastline. It's really attractive from an adventure racing point of view," he said.
"We are just starting to put out some notices to community groups to make them part of the experience.
"We offer donations to them in return for them running transition areas for us. Normally we connect with scout groups but we're keen for any help in this."
The event is organised by Fully Rad Adventures and kayaks, paddles and PFDs are provided for competitors.
Entries are now open for Wildside North Haven Edition, to nominate go to www.wildsideadventurerace.com.au
For more information contact Fully Rad Adventures richard@fullyradadventures.com.au
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