X-Marathon returns on August 30–31 with adventure, navigation, and raw endurance in an unforgettable race

Adventure racing enthusiasts from all corners of Australia and beyond are preparing for the long-awaited return of one of the most iconic events on the national calendar: the X-Marathon Adventure Race, happening over the weekend of August 30–31, 2025

Adventure racing enthusiasts from all corners of Australia and beyond are preparing for the long-awaited return of one of the most iconic events on the national calendar: the X-Marathon Adventure Race, happening over the weekend of August 30–31, 2025. This year's edition promises a bold new chapter in the event's legacy, with race headquarters set in the stunning coastal village of Patonga on the Central Coast of New South Wales.

An expedition-style adventure race renowned for its challenging navigation-based format, X-Marathon is much more than a competition—it is a personal journey through rugged wilderness, designed to test the limits of endurance, teamwork, and mental fortitude. This year’s event offers three race courses, tailored to various experience levels, and showcases some of the most spectacular terrain in the country.

A World-Class Event Designed by World-Class Racers

Behind the creation of this elite-level race are two of Australia’s most respected names in the sport, Sergey Kurov and Maria Plyashechko. Both have successfully participated in the world’s toughest adventure races, with finishes in legendary events such as the Eco-Challenge Fiji, the Patagonia Expedition Race, Godzone New Zealand and other adventure racing, rogaining and, multisport events around the globe. Their passion for the sport runs deep, not just in their own racing achievements but in their mission to grow the sport and inspire others to join the adventure racing community.

“We’ve lived and breathed this sport for decades,” says Maria. “What we love most is seeing people surprised by what they’re capable of when pushed outside their comfort zones. That’s the magic of adventure racing.”

For Serge and Maria, X-Marathon is more than an event—it’s a culmination of their global experience, local knowledge, and unwavering belief that adventure racing is a sport with the power to change lives.

Three Race Formats – One Shared Spirit of Adventure

One of the defining aspects of X-Marathon is its accessibility. Whether you're a complete beginner or an elite racer, there is a category suited to your experience level and goals:

Mini Course (4 hours)
Perfect for families, beginners, and anyone curious about what adventure racing has to offer. This course is approachable yet rewarding, with basic navigation, gentle terrain, and a strong emphasis on fun and teamwork. Family teams and youth participants are especially encouraged to give it a go. A child as young as 8 years old can participate, accompanied by an adult.

Half Course (12 hours)
Designed for intermediate-level racers, the Half Course offers a significant step up from short-format races. Ideal for participants who have completed the Sprint Series or other short races, this course introduces more advanced navigation and longer stages. It is an excellent stepping stone into the expedition-style format.

Full Course (24 hours)
For seasoned teams ready to face the ultimate challenge, the Full Course is a non-stop, 24-hour expedition that will push competitors to their limits. Teams will be transported by bus to a secret start location, from which their journey through remote wilderness will begin. Every checkpoint must be located using map and compass — no GPS, no markers, no hints. This category is part of the Adventure Racing World Series Oceania calendar.

Course Design: Navigation, Diversity, and Surprise

Every X-Marathon course is meticulously crafted to offer a rich, varied, and engaging experience. Participants can expect:
• Multiple stages across three core disciplines: kayaking, mountain biking, and trekking, each requiring navigation.
• Authentic navigation: No course markings. Teams must plot their own routes, interpret maps, and work together to stay on track.
• Route diversity: From river deltas and tidal estuaries to technical bike trails and ridgelines with sweeping views.
• Surprise elements: The Full Course will begin at an undisclosed remote location, with racers dropped off before sunrise to begin their epic adventure.

“The Central Coast has such a diverse geography, and we've explored every inch of it over the last few years,” says Sergey. “It has everything from hidden beaches to ancient rock platforms, and trails that barely appear on maps. That’s exactly what you want for an unforgettable adventure.”

Why Patonga?

Tucked away between the Brisbane Water National Park and the Hawkesbury River, Patonga offers the perfect blend of remoteness and access. The village is steeped in natural beauty, with bush-covered hills, tidal waterways, and quiet, sandy shores.
Adventure racing fans may remember the area from the early 2000s, when the legendary AROC Adventure Races brought hundreds of racers to the region. With the return of X-Marathon to this terrain, competitors can expect the same spirit of wild adventure, now reimagined with new routes, updated logistics, and the experienced touch of Serge and Maria.

About the Race Directors

Serge and Maria, both immigrants to Australia, found their sense of belonging through wild places and endurance sports. Their own journey into adventure racing began more than 20 years ago, and together they have competed in over a dozen international races, many of them considered the hardest in the world. Over the last 14 years their company, Adventure Junkie, has delivered more than 80 races across Australia, with a focus on high-quality experiences, inclusive participation, and environmental responsibility.

“We don’t just build courses—we build journeys,” says Serge. “That’s what makes it special. We put love and thought into every turn, every checkpoint.”

Who Should Enter?

One of X-Marathon’s greatest strengths is its inclusiveness. It welcomes:
• Families and youth participants (Mini Course)
• Runners, triathletes, and outdoor enthusiasts who are ready to try something new and different
• Orienteers, rogainers, and MTB riders seeking new challenges
• Adventure racing veterans looking for their next big hit of wilderness immersion

Whether you race to win or to finish, the event rewards grit, good planning, and team spirit over raw speed. Many past participants say that completing an X-Marathon was one of the most rewarding experiences of their lives.

For more details and to enter;
• Website: www.xmarathon.com.au
• Registration: Now open. Limited spots available.