Women Only Adventure Race
Racers At Women Only Adventure Race Beat The Heat
Press Release / 04.03.2019
With another record breaking heat wave sweeping across Victoria this weekend, the Women Only Adventure Race participants conquered, not only a challenging course, but also extreme heat conditions - similar to Abu Dhabi's adventure race desert run section.
Proving a theory made at recent Alpine Quest race, that women can handle hot conditions much better than the men, all of the ladies completed the full course. It took some up to 3.5 hours to complete, with more than 80% of the field visiting every checkpoint.
There was incredible competition amongst the girls, with just 30 seconds separating first two teams. The atmosphere was thrilling and there were laughs and jokes all around the course.
The race started with the run leg through a scenic region. The teams then divided into two groups, one group moving on to the mountain bike ride first and then the paddle, while the other group went paddling first and then the ride. The final leg was sprint orienteering, after which the winner was determined.
Most stages had tactical choices that the teams had to make to determine the most efficient order in which checkpoints should be collected and which route between the points was the quickest. The more experienced teams used their skills and knowledge to their advantage, while the less experienced teams were still able to find their way through.
The fastest team across the line was “She made me do it” Jen Bradshaw and Rachel Zacharakis. Last year they missed out the podium, coming in last on the final orienteering stage. This time they navigated the course impeccably and no one could stop them from taking out the win - not even Bern Dornom, who was fresh from finishing 10th at Coast to Coast. Bern and her colleague Catherine Brooks, an adventure race novice, made up team “TRG twisted arm” and came in 2nd to the finish line.
The Family team “Blond and Blonda” Ange Aldridge and her 11 year old daughter, surprised quite a few and came in 3rd overall, taking out their category. This will certainly inspire other mums thinking about getting into training with their kids.
“It was amazing to see some first-timer’s, who said they had not been on a bike for the last 20 years, pushing through and finishing with smiles on their faces.
The Women Only events create a distinctive vibe where a lot of women are getting out and taking on the challenge, even if it is only once a year, together with the more regular racers.
This is great motivation to get back in shape and also an excellent excuse to get out and active with your female friends, in a more relaxed and beginner-friendly environment.
The Women Only event is designed to introduce more women to the sport of adventure racing in a supported environment and to build a path for them into the challenging sport.
Next year we are planning to extend the event and include a few more exciting additions - watch this space”. Said event organisers, Adventure Junkie.
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