MULTISPORT

Kiwis dominate the Act-Belong-Commit Augusta Adventure Fest

By Rapid Ascent

Braden Currie and Simone Maier from New Zealand stole the show at the largest race in the world, the Act-Belong-Commit Augusta Adventure Fest, on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 November in Augusta, Western Australia.

The Act-Belong-Commit Augusta Adventure Fest consists of three off-road events across the weekend and over 3,400 competitors took part in this year’s event, the 10^th anniversary edition.

Saturday morning saw 1,100 participants in the Mini Adventure Race, designed for less experienced and younger competitors. Following this was the Junior Survivor kids event which saw 900 young ones enjoy a 4km obstacle and running course.


Race start. Credit: Elements Margaret River

Then on Sunday was the 56km premier Act-Belong-Commit Augusta Adventure Race, with 1,400 competitors taking on a 12.5km coastal run, 1.9km ocean swim, 13km ocean paddle, 26km mountain bike and 2.5km beach run to the finish. 

The start line was truly spectacular with competitors lining up underneath the imposing Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse – positioned at the most south-westerly point of Australia - to take on the challenging coastal run course.

Currie continued his dominance of the Augusta Adventure Race, taking his fourth win in a row. He led the race from the outset and smashed the competition to finish in a time of 3hrs,49min.


Braden Currie on his way to his fourth Augusta Adventure Race title. Credit: Elements Margaret River

“It was a big race today and I didn’t want to give anyone else a chance so I just put my foot down and worked my way around,” said Currie.
 
“The run is hard and fast from the start and I really enjoyed getting out in front and setting the pace. This event is amazing for turnout; there are a lot of supporters out on course and at the transitions and I really enjoy the environment that surrounds it. I’ll be back next year for sure,” he said.

Coming in behind Currie was countryman Sam Clark, posting a great time of 3hrs,59min for his first experience of this iconic event. In third place was well-known Australian adventure racer Jarad Kohlar, in a time of 4hrs,7mins.


Sam Clark finished second in his first attempt at the event. Credit: Supersport Images

“This is an absolutely stunning part of the world and I definitely want to get back next year. I love that the crowds come out and the support this race, and to see the 900 kids doing the event yesterday shows that adventure racing is alive and well in Australia,” said Sam Clark.

It was tight racing in the women’s field however again New Zealand proved too strong. Simone Maier won the event in 4hrs,38mins ahead of compatriot Emily Wilson in 4hrs,51mins and then Jess Huston in 4hrs,53mins.

“It’s my first time here and I really enjoyed it. The ocean paddle was a really big challenge for me but the women’s race was really interesting, at the last transition there were 4 of us there at once and I thought ‘game on’. The atmosphere was great, the volunteers were amazing, the course was really well marked and everyone did a great job. I highly recommend the event,” said Simone Maier.


Simon Maier first woman. Credit: Elements Margaret River

The coveted Trans-Tasman Adventure Racing Trophy was held within the premier race and all eyes were on the competitors wearing the race bibs carrying the Australian and New Zealand flags. The Australian team of Jarad Kohlar, Mark Padgett and Elizabeth Dornom fought hard to defend the trophy however the Kiwis were just too fast around the course. The New Zealand Team of Sam Clark, Hayden Wilde and Simone Maier were very pleased to claim victory.

The Mini Adventure Race competitors on Saturday worked their way through their half-distance adventure race consisting of a 600m swim, 3km trail run, 11.6km mountain bike, 2.7km trail run and 6.4km inlet paddle. Spectators lined the course and gave them plenty of encouragement along the way.
 
One of the defining attributes of this event is the focus on everyday athletes and the Adventurous Women were testimony to that, with 4 relay teams in the main Adventure Race and 8 teams in the Mini Adventure Race.
 
“We all came first because we all finished,” said spokesperson Sue O’Connor.
 
“Our Adventurous Women group has grown over the years and now it’s just amazing with so many teams taking part. Everyone is challenging themselves and there’s plenty of support from within the group as well as the other competitors on the course. It’s all about having a go in a really run environment. We love it; we’ll definitely be back next year,” she said.
 
Here’s what some of the other participants said about their race experience:
 
“It’s our first time at the event and it all felt really good. It’s a great race, the atmosphere is just great and my kids loved the Junior Survivor yesterday,” said Charmaine, a member of the Bunbury Football Netball Club who competed with 4 friends in a relay team, Team Bulldogs.
 
“I had to push up a few hills in the mountain bike but the race was really good. The event is amazing with everyone supporting you and the course it is so majestic. Yes, it’s a little technical and challenging but it’s gorgeous scenery,” said Reuben Gregor who has done the event four times now and still loves it.
 
“It was hard but it was my first time doing it solo and I’m really happy with how I went. It’s a great atmosphere out there and I made it through, I’m really pleased,” said Sally Olver.
 
There were lots of smiling faces at the finish line across the weekend as personal bests were broken, first-timers achieved their goal and team members celebrated their efforts together. 
 
Act-Belong-Commit Augusta Adventure Race Results
 
Top 3 Overall:
 
Male
1.       Braden Currie: 3:49:08
2.       Sam Clark: 3:59:49
3.       Jarad Kohlar: 4:07:48
 
Female
1.       Simone Maier: 4:38:44
2.       Emily Wilson: 4:51:51
3.       Jess Huston: 4:53:41
 
Teams:
1.       Team U-FIT SOUTHWEST: 3:53:30
2.       Team SmartStyle: 3:59:14
3.       Team The Four Amigos: 4:06:38
 
Check out the full Augusta Adventure Race results here.
 
Act-Belong-Commit Augusta Mini Adventure Race Results
 
Top 3 Overall:
 
Male
1.       Eoghan McKenna: 2:05:20
2.       Dan Clausen: 2:05:28
3.       Samuel Maurice: 2:07:02
 
Female
1.       Rochelle McKee: 2:20:47
2.       Genene Berry: 2:23:37
3.       Shirley Erasmus: 2:28:29
 
Teams
1.       Team Lulu: 2:03:51
2.       Muddy Lake Multisport #3: 2:07:03
3.       The Groomers: 2:07:43
 
Check out the full Mini Adventure Race results here.

The Act-Belong-Commit Augusta Adventure Fest is proudly sponsored by Healthway to promote Act-Belong-Commit, a community-based health campaign encouraging people to take action to improve their mental health and wellbeing.

The event was also made possible thanks to the team of enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers who helped out over the weekend, even when the rain set in later in the afternoon.

For more information visit www.AugustaAdventureFest.com.au