Adventure Junkie's Sprint Series is heading to Manly Dam on 29 March, and if you've ever ridden the trails up there, you already know why this one has people talking.

The venue needs little introduction to Sydney's outdoor community. Manly Dam has long been a rite of passage for mountain bikers — rocky climbs, tight singletrack threading through native bush, and the occasional harbour glimpse that makes you forget your legs are on fire. Bringing a multi-discipline adventure race to this setting is a natural fit, and race directors Serge and Maria clearly have a soft spot for it. "This is where so many of us fell in love with riding in Sydney," we write in the event program. It shows in the enthusiasm behind this event.

What's the race?

The Sprint Series format combines trail running, kayaking, and mountain biking into a single team race, with navigation woven throughout. The course is not pre-marked — teams use a map to locate control points, with clues provided at registration. It rewards athletes who can move fast and think clearly.

There are two courses on offer. The Classic course runs MTB first, followed by a trail run, kayak paddle, and a final run leg. The Novice course flips the order slightly, opening with a run before the paddle, then another run, and finishing on the bike. Both courses share the same venue and race-day energy; the Novice option is designed specifically for those newer to the sport or stepping up from single-discipline events.

Classic course competitors should also know about the bonus checkpoint system — a handful of optional checkpoints that, if visited, deduct time from your overall result. It adds a live tactical dimension to the race: push for the bonus and bank time, or play it safe and run clean.

THE FULL FINAL RACE INFORMATION>>

The logistics

Race HQ is Bantry Bay Oval at 13 Reserve St, Seaforth, where registration opens at 7:30am. This is also where your MTB transition area is set up. Kayak gear drops to a separate location — the Manly Dam Reserve boat ramp on Sir Roden Cutler VC Mem Dr, Allambie Heights — which opens from 8am. If you're bringing your own paddles, drop them before the race and collect them promptly afterwards; the crew is present but gear is left at your own risk. Importantly, don't park at the boat ramp itself — use the car park 50 metres above.

The race starts at 9:00am for all teams, with presentations scheduled for 1:30pm.

What teams need to bring

Kayaks, paddles, PFDs, timing tags, and race bibs are all supplied by the organisers. Teams need to bring their own mountain bike, helmet, and repair kit for the bike leg, plus a minimum of 700ml of water per person at the start of each leg. A first aid kit and mobile phone are mandatory per team. Gaiters, sun protection, electrolytes, and a spare layer are all strongly recommended — this is Sydney in late March, and conditions on the trail can change.

New to it?

Adventure Junkie are running a pre-race training session the evening before — Saturday 28 March, 5–6 pm at Manly Dam Reserve — for teams who want to get comfortable with the kayaking before race morning. It costs $69 per team and needs to be pre-booked. For anyone entering their first adventure race, it's worth doing.

What's on after

For those bitten by the adventure racing bug, there's plenty more on the calendar. The Women Only Adventure Race runs on 19 April 2026 in Patonga, NSW. Then in September, the X-Marathon AR Oceania Championship comes to the Central Coast — a full 24-hour and half 12-hour format for those ready to go longer. Details at xmarathon.com.au.

The Sprint Series at Manly Dam shapes up as a great event, whether you're chasing a podium or just chasing the experience. Either way, the trails will make it memorable.