The race has been confirmed as the ARWS Oceania Adventure Racing Championship 2026 and will be set on the stunning Central Coast of New South Wales
Adventure racers mark your calendars for the X-Marathon Adventure Race from September 4-6th! The race has been confirmed as the ARWS Oceania Adventure Racing Championship 2026 and will be set on the stunning Central Coast of New South Wales. Just 1.5 hours north of Sydney, the event promises world-class terrain, from rugged bushland and dramatic sandstone cliffs to tranquil waterways and sweeping coastal vistas.
Last year’s X-Marathon was also held on the Central Coast, and racers praised the easy logistics, detailed maps, and the perfect balance of convenience and wild terrain. This year, the race promises a totally new course, offering fresh challenges and unseen sections of the region for both returning and new participants.
The 2026 edition will feature two courses to challenge a range of athletes: a Full 24-hour course for seasoned teams seeking the ultimate endurance test and a Half distance 12-hour course for those looking for a shorter, yet still demanding adventure. The Full course is the ARWS Championship course, and both categories are open to teams of 2 and 4.
Racers will explore iconic landmarks including the Bouddi Coastal Walk, celebrated for its stunning ocean views and secluded beaches, and the Brisbane Water inlet, a network of tidal channels and hidden bays offering both beauty and technical navigation challenges. The race also highlights the region’s rich Aboriginal heritage, with ancient rock carvings and sacred sites scattered throughout the course.
The X-Marathon is designed by experienced adventure racers who live on the Central Coast and bring deep local knowledge to the event. Race directors Maria Plyashechko and Sergey Kurov of Adventure Junkie shared their excitement:
"We’ve designed the 2026 courses to showcase the Central Coast at its best — challenging, beautiful, and full of variety," said Maria Plyashechko. "Whether you’re tackling the full 24-hour course or the 12-hour option, every part of the race tests teamwork, navigation, and endurance while rewarding you with some of the most spectacular scenery in NSW."
Sergey Kurov added, "Having lived here for years, we know these trails, waterways, and hidden spots intimately. Our goal is to create a race that is fair, safe, and memorable — one that celebrates adventure racing while connecting participants to the history and culture of this amazing region."
The event’s ethos emphasizes safety, sustainability, and inclusivity, creating a professional yet community-driven experience for both elite teams chasing championship glory and newcomers tackling their first multi-discipline race.
With its combination of natural beauty, cultural significance, and expertly crafted course design, the X-Marathon Adventure Race – Oceania Championship 2026 is the highlight of the Australian adventure racing calendar, offering both a familiar location and an entirely new adventure.
About Adventure Junkie
Adventure Junkie is one of Australia’s premier outdoor events companies and organise adventure races year round, including stage, sprint and women’s races. The company is run by Sergey Kurov and Maria Plyashechko who bring decades of international adventure racing experience to their races. This is the second time X-Marathon has been chosen to host the ARWS Oceania Championship.
For information on Adventure Junkie races visit www.adventurejunkie.com.au
For more information and to enter X-Marathon visit https://adventurejunkie.com.au/events/expedition-adventure-race/x-marathon-adventure-race-2026
About the ARWS Oceania Series
The Adventure Racing World Series has regional series of accessible weekend races on 6 continents and in 2026 the Oceania Series includes 5 races in Australia and New Zealand.
The winning 4 person, mixed gender team at X-Marathon will receive a free place at the Adventure Racing World Championship in Croatia in 2027 as Oceania Champions.
For information on the ARWS Oceania Series visit https://arworldseries.com/series/oceania-series.
