Adrenalin Quest 2026: A Defining Victory and an Unforgettable Showcase of Australian Adventure Racing

The 2026 edition of Adrenalin Quest will be remembered as a landmark year — not only for its spectacular course across the Eurobodalla region of New South Wales, but for the commanding and inspiring performance of Elizabeth Dornom and Shelley Bambrook, who dominated the Epic course from start to finish.

Set against the wild coastline and forested hinterland between Mogo and South Durras, this year’s race delivered three days of pure adventure racing: technical navigation, world-class mountain biking, open ocean paddling, and rugged coastal trekking.

Adrenalin Quest 2026 wasn’t just a race. It was an experience that tested endurance, decision-making, resilience and teamwork at every turn.

 

 

The Event Format

Adrenalin Quest featured three course options:

Epic Course – A multi-day challenge designed for experienced teams seeking a demanding test of endurance, navigation and strategy.

Classic Course- One-day epic linear adventure for experienced teams looking for a one-day challenge.
Novice Course – A shorter, accessible format that introduced newer teams to the spirit and structure of adventure racing while still delivering authentic challenge.

All courses required teams of two to navigate using a map and a compass, manage gear and transitions efficiently, and work cohesively across trekking, mountain biking and paddling disciplines.

From the outset, the emphasis was clear: this was real adventure racing — strategic, self-reliant and grounded in the landscape.

 

 

Day 1 – Coastline, Bush and Golden Light

The event opened with off-track bush trekking through coastal forest, flowing into golden beach running at sunset and a technical paddle through Durras Lake inlets.

Teams were immediately required to balance pace with precision. Early navigation decisions shaped the leaderboard, and it was here that Elizabeth Dornom and Shelley Bambrook began to assert control.

Calm and composed, they moved efficiently through checkpoints, building a steady lead without unnecessary risk. Their communication was seamless and their race strategy evident: consistent execution over three days.

By the close of Day 1, they had made a clear statement — they had returned to Adrenalin Quest with purpose.

 

 

Day 2 – World-Class Mountain Biking and an Iconic Ocean Crossing

Day 2 began in historic Mogo with a sharp prologue trek, after which teams launched into what many competitors described as the best mountain bike leg they have ever experienced in an adventure race.

The legendary Mogo MTB Trails provided flowing singletrack, technical features and relentless climbs that rewarded both skill and strength. This was not simply a transfer leg — it was a defining stage.

Dornom and Bambrook rode with control and efficiency, managing effort while maintaining speed. Their technical handling and pacing extended their lead and placed pressure on chasing teams.

From dirt to ocean, the course transitioned into a full crossing of Batemans Bay. Under the guidance and safety support of the Batemans Bay Surf Life Saving Club, teams paddled through rolling swell toward Maloneys Beach.

 

 

The visual impact was extraordinary — kayaks rising and falling against open water, framed by the South Coast headlands.

Landing on shore, competitors faced a demanding trek through Murramarang National Park. Steep climbs, rocky terrain and complex navigation sections pushed already fatigued teams to their limits.

There were navigational challenges across the field, but every team demonstrated resilience and made it back safely — many with exhausted legs and wide smiles.

At the front, Dornom and Bambrook remained steady and focused, refusing to give up ground.

 

 

Day 3 – Coastal Drama and a Final Test

The final day served as both the closing chapter for Epic teams and the main arena for Novice competitors.

Two coastal trekking legs showcased sweeping ocean views, hidden rocky crevasses and technical navigation through exposed terrain. The highlight, however, was a spectacular open ocean paddle that many described as the defining moment of the event.

Launching into dynamic conditions, teams experienced the raw beauty and power of the South Coast. It was bold. It was challenging. It was unforgettable.

A final mountain bike leg through Murramarang National Park demanded one last effort from tired bodies. Transitions became critical. Small decisions mattered.

Dornom and Bambrook demonstrated complete race management — protecting their lead with composure and clarity. When they crossed the finish line in South Durras, their victory was decisive.

 

 

The Podium Results

Epic Course

• Two Banana Day- Elizabeth Dornom & Shelley Bambrook
• JPRCA – Jason Rutkowski & Kel Rankin
• Team Unpredictable – Marine Prouvost & Daniell Kelly

Novice Course

• Durras Lloyd Jones Team - Dan Lloyd Jones & Michael Perry
• Superg - Gypsy Waterson & Josh Waterson
• Lost&Found -Stephanie Werner&Glenn Baker

Classic Course

• Are We There Yet - Jamie Rossiter &Clive Rossiter
• Punch -Lisa Brydon, Blari Brydon
• Harry and Em - Emily Prout& Harry Dorna

The full results are on the event website>>

While podiums highlight performance, Adrenalin Quest celebrates every team that commits to the challenge. Each finisher navigated wild terrain, managed fatigue and demonstrated true teamwork.

 

 

A Defining Performance

Elizabeth Dornom and Shelley Bambrook’s victory carries particular significance.

After narrowly missing the win in the previous edition by only minutes, they returned stronger and more refined. Their preparation was evident in every discipline — from technical riding to disciplined navigation and powerful paddling.

Their performance reaffirms a powerful truth about modern adventure racing: success is defined by partnership, preparation and mental strength.

They did not rely on a single breakout stage. They executed consistently across all three days.

They raced intelligently.
They raced bravely.
They raced together.

Their dominance at Adrenalin Quest 2026 sets a benchmark for future competitors and reinforces the event’s reputation as a proving ground for elite teams.

Community, Landscape and Legacy

Adrenalin Quest continues to highlight the extraordinary landscapes of the Eurobodalla region. From forested trail networks to pristine beaches and protected national parks, the event blends challenge with environmental respect.

The involvement of local volunteers, safety teams and community organisations — including the Batemans Bay Surf Life Saving Club — underscores the collaborative spirit that underpins the race.

Every checkpoint placed, every transition zone established, and every safety briefing delivered reflects a commitment to professionalism and athlete care.

 

 

Looking Ahead

As teams packed bikes, dried paddles and reflected on three demanding days, one thing was clear: Adrenalin Quest has cemented its place as one of Australia’s premier adventure racing experiences.

It offers more than distance and discipline.
It offers a journey.
It offers growth.
It offers stories that last long after the finish line.

And in 2026, it delivered a defining chapter — the year Elizabeth Dornom and Shelley Bambrook rose to the top and claimed the title with authority.

We congratulate all competitors and thank the wider community for making Adrenalin Quest 2026 an extraordinary success.

We look forward to welcoming teams back to the Victorian Surf Coast for the Coastal Quest adventure race on the 1-3 May.