WOW! What a weekend – it ws certainly touch and go for the few days leading to the Terra Nova 24. We watched the forcasts hitting re-fresh every few minutes, had lengthy discussions with National Parks, the local council and emergency services and adjusted the course several times in the days leading up to the event.
We pushed the start time out to 12:30 and while we were quietly confident (hoped, prayed) the weather would clear, it certainly came down to the wire with the rain only just clearing as we started the race. All this combined to create a dramatic and nervous start for many – but in true adventure racing style – almost all the registed teams turned up at the start line to get the job done.
The Kioloa locals and officials were amazed to see these crazy people head out into the muddy trails and many acknowledged they were in the presence of some of Australia’s toughest people.
As the race unfolded it was awesome to see the comaradrie on course especially with many of the creeks very swollen as teams helped each other cross. Many teams commented afterwards that the sense of community out on the course was very unique and incredible to be part of.
Big highlights for many were the rogaine sections in South Durras with both a trek and paddle leg on the southern section of the course. Teams talked about turning off their lights on the paddle and being overwhelmed by the stars in the milky way and depending on the time the rise of the moon over the ocean.
An epic hike-a-bike climb on the final leg was rewarded by 10kms of downhill to the finish with plenty of smiles as teams crossed the finishline.
In the full course Line honours went to team Jungle Edge just narrowly beating the Bolting Ningas and It’s Been a While who crossed second and third.
On the half course it was Son on a Bung who won in a very tight three way contest with Transition Trolls and Tiger Adventure Racing Maniacs.
An extra special thanks goes out to the team of volunteers that helped make this event a reality – they set up and managed the transition areas and finish line in some pretty tough circumstances. And also to the local park ranges and emergency services who allowed the event to go ahead.
We’ve got a great lineup of events in 2024 with a few cool announcements on their way with location announcements and possible new event on the horizon.
Full results are available at www.terranova24.com/live
Check out the event images at www.facebook.com/wldnco
