An Unforgettable Day of Adventure and Empowerment: Women Only Adventure Race in Canberra
On 22 September, Canberra came alive as 140 teams of women gathered for the first-ever ACT Women Only Adventure Race. This incredible event celebrated not just competition but the spirit of community, courage, and adventure.
Participants paddled across the cool, windy waters of Lake Burley Griffin, navigated the beautiful trails of the Lindsay Pryor National Arboretum, and tackled the maze of the Pine Zoo on their mountain bikes. With 26 checkpoints to find across an 18 km course, the day was filled with challenges that brought laughter, encouragement, and teamwork at every turn.
For many of the women, this race was more than a physical test—it was an opportunity to step outside their everyday lives, challenge themselves, and embrace a new adventure. Families gathered on the sidelines, cheering on mothers, daughters, best friends, and coworkers as they worked together to overcome the course’s obstacles. It wasn’t just about the finish line; it was about the bonds that were formed, the support that flowed, and the memories that were made along the way.
From seasoned athletes to first-time adventurers, women of all ages came together. The youngest participant, only 8 years old, raced alongside women over 60, proving that adventure truly is for everyone. The atmosphere was full of excitement and positivity, showing that you don’t need to be a top athlete to find joy and success in an adventure race.
As participants crossed the finish line, their smiles told the story of a day well spent—one filled with fun, fearlessness, and personal triumph. This wasn’t just about winning but about discovering new strengths, building confidence, and creating moments that will last a lifetime.
Maria Plyashechko, the event director, shared her thoughts: "Adventure racing isn’t just for the elite—it’s for everyone, especially mums like myself. The Women Only Adventure Race invites women of all abilities to take part. Whether you walk the whole course or haven’t been on a bike in ten years, this race is for you. We even saw 14-year-old girls tackling the course on their own, showing us all what they’re made of. This event is about having fun, spending time with adventurous friends, and even sharing it with your daughters. I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved, and I want to thank all of the volunteers, competitors, and their families for making it such a special day."
The overall champions were Claire Aubrey and Katherine Hosking of team Debut Divas, with Red Fox Juniors, featuring ACT Orienteering team members Ariadna Iskhakova and Sandra Halpin, taking second. Tiger Beauty Queens, Edith Chow and Monika Lee, rounded out the top three.
Full race results are available online at womensadventurerace.com.au.
For those eager for the next adventure, the Women Only Adventure Race returns on 10 November in Victoria, and limited entries are still available!
