FORSTER will play host to a new adventure race this weekend which aims to test competitors’ physical and mental ability by taking them off the beaten track.
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The Wildside Adventure Race will base its headquarters in Forster at the Marine Rescue Tower and is expected to attract 12 teams from all over Australia to the region for five days starting on October 6.
Teams will have 120 hours to complete the race, using maps and compasses to navigate between checkpoints.
Athletes will race in several multi-sport disciplines including mountain biking, trekking and kayaking in all weather conditions, day and night.
Competitors will be briefed on the race on October 4 and 5 before it officially starts on October 6. The race will then finish up on Friday October 10.
Race director and Great Lakes Council’s former tourism manager Richard Old said while the sport is competitive it is also about helping each other along the way.
“Adventure racing is all about a team environment, working with other racers, problem solving and experiencing everything mother nature can throw at you,” he said.
“It’s quite a unique event in that while everyone’s pushing themselves really hard there’s also a lot of camaraderie
“It teaches you resilience and basically condenses life into a few days – you’ll have your good days and bad days – it’s a really good test of character.”
Mr Old said the new event has attracted competitors from all over Australia.
“We’ve got competitors coming from all over – Queensland, Victoria, ACT and different locations all over NSW,” he said.
“Unfortunately there are no locals in this event. I guess it’s a bit of a timing factor; you have to be able to take a week off work.
“I guess too because this event is so new that other racers will probably want to see how this one goes and enter the next one.”
Mr Old said staging the events in locations along the Mid North Coast was an easy choice for organisers.
“The Mid North Coast is familiar with this sport and has some of the best trekking and mountain bike riding as well as spectacular natural waterways and national parks,” he said.
“We only reveal the course to the participants the day before the race starts leaving them less than 24 hours to plan their race and equipment.”
Entries for the event have now closed. Another Wildside Adventure Race will be held in 2016. For more information visit: www.wildsideadventurerace.com.au