There are two course options at the Legend Expedition Race – a full course and a half course.

Full Course is the ultimate test of physical and mental limits. It is the major focus of the event and the crown jewel for most teams. It is tough and may have you on the go for up to 6 days and we don’t expect that every team to complete the course. It wouldn’t be called the Legend Expedition Race if everyone could do it! With good teamwork and determination, finishing teams can expect to spend anywhere from 3 days to the full 6 days on the course. No specific provisions are made for sleeping, you will need to plan your own sleep strategy.

Half Course is approximately half the distance of the full course and ideal for those teams who want a bit less sleep deprivation and possibly a little more time to enjoy the experience. Competitors begin the race with those doing the full course and then branch off to their specific course. The course tends to be interwoven with the Full Course meaning you are often traveling the same sections covered in the full. Competitors in this category have the full 6 days to complete the half course.

Which course is for you? It is totally up to you however if you are a novice team we recommend firstly trying out the Half Course. The extra time and shorter distance will give your team a greater chance at being able to finish the race. You will have time to recover possibly from large navigational errors and you can spend longer in the transition areas warming up and eating.

Novice teams are welcome to enter the full course, however must realise that it will be hard, technical and that you may not finish. On saying this, plenty of novice teams have finished it in the past…. it’s up to you!

All teams carry tracking devices throughout and are visible to spectators through the live race website.

The course outline and logistic diagram will be released approximately two weeks before the race. This allows teams the opportunity to begin their equipment/food preparations and travel to the race with only the equipment they require.

Approximately 3-4 hours before the actual race start, teams enter a “Lock Down”. They are then given the detailed course maps and booklet revealing for the first time exactly where the expedition will take them. Teams must remain in the Lock Down area until the race start. They are prohibited access to the internet, phones, tablets, etc. The Lock Down area includes the inside of a hall with access to tables, chairs, power, food and drink and the immediate outside area where all the teams’ trunks and bike boxes are located (allowing any last minute adjustments). Any additional non-racing bags may be left at the Lock Down and will be stored while a team is racing and returned to them at the finish line.

Only race officials and accredited media are permitted into the Lock Down area. Family and friends are not permitted into the Lock Down area, however, are permitted at the race start line.

DISTANCES

In very general terms Full Course teams can expect approximate total distance of 500kms including trekking 125km, mountain biking 250km and kayaking 125km and other adventure disciplines.

Half Course teams in general can expect approximate total distance of 250kms including trekking 50km, mountain biking 130km and kayaking 50km and other adventure disciplines.

FORMAT

The Legend Expedition Race course is a linear race. All teams begin the adventure at the same point, then navigate their way through each leg consecutively. At the end of each leg is a Transition Area where you change from one discipline to another. At most Transition Areas you will be met by the transition team and any supporters that choose to come along.

We may need to transport you to the start line, but the race will always finish at Race HQ.

While on the course, team members must stay within 100m of each other for the entire race. If a team member pulls out, then that team will not receive an official finishing place. The team may be permitted to continue “Unranked” providing there is a minimum of 2 people on the course. The winning team in each category will be the first team across the finish line after successfully navigating all legs of the course, and having all the team members they started with.

CUT OFFS

Our aim is give teams the opportunity to challenge themselves non-stop for 6 days. This means that even if a team is going slow, they should still be able to race on the course for the full time, regardless of how far along it they get. Teams will however need to be back at race HQ for the official race finish on Sunday.

ENVIRONMENT

Environmental impact is a major concern and it is expected that competitors be aware of this. Generally adventure racers are responsible when it comes to looking after the environment in which they are racing, and we hope that this will continue with the Legend Expedition Race. The race rules detail some specific environmental requirements.

WATER

No specific provisions have been made for water re-supply on the course (it is an adventure race after all!). Teams will need to carefully consider their water needs. This includes how much to carry and whether it is likely that water will be found on the course.

WEATHER

Generally teams will need to be prepared for all weather conditions. It is a good idea when the location is announced to research the local weather and climate. This way your team can be better prepared for what may be in store.