“ I may be biased as a life long Queenslander, but North Queensland is a perfect location to showcase adventure racing in Australia. The variety of terrain, tough but beautiful weather conditions, wildlife, rainforest and welcoming communities will provide a unique experience to all coming, especially international competitors. I’ve just spent my summer holidays in the region but Red Bull Defiance will be no holiday; more like pain in paradise! ”
THE ROUTE
Red Bull Defiance is made up of eight key stages spread over 2 full days of racing, plus a short prologue to get the pulse going. There are also mystery disciplines that test the teams skills and courage. Each day has a run, bike and water-based activity, but the difficulty of each is different on each day. There is no doubt that day 2 is the most physically demanding in terms of endurance. How teams ‘race’ on day 2 will have a profound impact on how competitors feel for day 3. The course navigates through stunning and varied terrain, taking competitors through rainforest and coastal environments. Those teams that make it to the finish will be able to reflect on the challenge; the intensity and the reward of completing an epic multi day adventure race against the stunning backdrop of the Cassowary Coast of far North Queensland. Good luck!
Below are maps from the 2022 event to give you a taste of what to expect. The 2022 event course will feature new challenges and push athletes to their limits. Maps and plans will be shared once finalised.
Day 1 is designed to blow out the cobwebs and stretch out the travelling legs from your journey to Mission Beach. A fast and intense Prologue will determine the starting positions for each team for the following day. This will also give teams a chance to make themselves familiar with the kayaks they will be using on Day 3 as well as get a feel for running on the pristine beaches North Queensland has to offer.
A big day for a big race! Teams start with a wild raft down the Tully River Gorge. A succession of rapids will see adrenaline levels rising as teams make their way downstream to the first Transition. Next up is a classic run through the rainforest, with teams climbing 1100m on the way. Midway along the route teams will take on a mystery challenge. The final stage of Day 2 is an iconic mountain bike ride along then Gorrell Track. Technical, challenging terrain will test tired teams to the limit. Those who have taken their time will have to watch out for the cut off. Watch out for all sorts of interesting fauna and flora on this epic day of adventure.
The second full day of racing at Red Bull Defiance Australia has a coastal theme and will be fast and furious. All teams start together on the beach with their kayaks, the first paddle will take them around Thorpe Island and then to Dunk Island. The Trail Run on Dunk Island takes teams up to Mount Kootaloo and back down the other side. A fun, fast and flowy trail fulfilling every trail runners dream. A couple of mystery activities on the islands will add further spice to the day. Back on their kayaks the teams paddle straight to South Mission Beach to then jump on their mountain bikes to enjoy a mixture of beach, single trail and road. The final stage of day 3 is a scenic run along the coastline , followed by a run up the beach to the finish, bringing the event to a close for those mentally and physically strong enough to Defy the Odds.
- Friday Prologue to Kick things off
- Two days of amazing racing
- Eight unique stages
- MULTIPLE RACE DISCIPLINES
- HOW WILL YOU DEFY THE ODDS?
DAY 1
DAY 2
DAY 3
WATCH OUT FOR OTHER 'MYSTERY' DISCIPLINES TO TEST YOUR SKILLS AND STAMINA!
ROUTE STATS
| STAGE # | STAGE NAME | DISCIPLINE | DISTANCE | ALT GAIN/LOSS | EST FAST TIME | EST SLOW TIME |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Stage 1 |
Tully River |
Rafting |
10km |
+0m/-251m |
1hr 10m |
1hr 30m |
|
Stage 2 |
Coachable Creek Track |
Trail Run |
23km |
+1050m/-435m |
2hr 45m |
5hr 30m |
|
Stage 3 |
Gorrell Trail |
Mountain Bike |
53km |
+1186m/-1810m |
3hr 30m |
5hr 20m |
|
Stage 4 |
Thorpe Island |
Ocean Kayak |
14km |
+0m/-0m |
2hr 05m |
4hr 00m |
|
Stage 5 |
Dunk Island |
Trail Run |
11km |
+329m/-329m |
0hr 45m |
2hr 00m |
|
Stage 6 |
South Mission |
Ocean Kayak |
4km |
+0m/-0m |
0hr 30m |
1hr 15m |
|
Stage 7 |
Musgravea |
Mountain Bike |
24km |
+248m/-246m |
1hr 10m |
2hr 30m |
|
Stage 8 |
Kennedy Trail |
Trail Run |
10km |
+151m/-151m |
0hr 45m |
2hr 00m |
|
|
|
TOTAL |
149km |
+2964m/-3221m |
12hr 40m |
24hr 05m |
* Fast and slow times are estimates and exclude transition stops!