The race has nine legs this year. There are only 32 checkpoints (CPs). Last year there were 60-odd… so there are going to be bigger distances between CPs, which means that route choices should be quite interesting.
Leg 1 – Kayak
- Distance: 11km
- CPs: CP1
- Estimated time: 1h30
- Start from the Port Edward main beach. Finish on a river bank (T1).
Leg 2 – Trek
- Distance: 12km
- CPs: CP2, CP3, CP4, CP5, CP6
- Elevation gain (and loss): 603m
- Estimated time: 2h25
- Finish back at T1.
NOTES: Teams are instructed to stay on the hiking trails in the reserve and not to go cross country.
Leg 3 – Kayak
- Distance: 5km
- No CPs
- Estimated time: 45 minutes
- Finish at boat club (T2)
Leg 4 – Trek
- Distance: 80km (this is a whopper!)
- CPs: CP7 to CP14
- Elevation gain (1125m), elevation loss (758m)
- Estimated time: 16 hours
- Finish at CP15 – a path/river junction
NOTES: This section includes rope work. Teams will encounter river crossings. Long leg cover is recommended. Teams are warned to be careful on cliffs in the dark. CP15, the end of this section, has no facilities.
Leg 5 – Canyoning
- Distance: 10km
- CPs: only CP16
- Elevation gain (285m), elevation loss (691m)
- Estimated tim: 5 hours
- Finish at a resort (T3)
NOTES: Teams are instructed to stay in the canyon between CP15 and CP16. They can exit only after CP16. T3 has tents with mattresses as well as facilities, including a restaurant.
*** RECEIVE CPs FOR LEG 6 and LEG 7 ***
Leg 6 – Cycle
- Distance: 120km
- CPs: CP17 to CP21
- Elevation gain (3479m), elevation loss (3237m) – phew!
- Estimated time: 10 hours
- Finish at T4 on the side of a river.
Notes: Basic facilities. A marquee provided for shelter – no mattresses.
Leg 7 – Kayak
- Distance:16km (amended)
- No CPs. No darkzone.
- Estimated time: ?
- Finish at a resort/lodge (T5)
*** TEAMS RECEIVE NEW MAPS AND CPs FOR LEG 8 ***
Leg 8 – Trek
- Distance: 40km
- CPs: CP22 to CP24
- Elevation gain (1349m), elevation loss (1373m)
- Estimated time: 8 hours
- Finish at a resort (T6)
Notes: CP22 marks the entrance to a path – just outside the resort gate. Vegetation here is dense – bashing through it is not really an option. There are loads of cattle tracks that can be followed. Bike service available to teams at T6.
*** TEAMS RECEIVE NEW MAPS AND CPs FOR LEG 9 ***
Leg 9 – Cycle
- Distance: 230km (OMG!)
- CPs: CP25 to CP32
- Elevation gain (2945m), elevation loss (2921m)\
- Estimated time: 20 hours
- Finish at the Port Edward Holiday Resort. THE END.