Entries open for Anaconda Adventure Race National Series

It's time to dust off the trail shoes, service the mountain bike and leave the chlorine behind. Entries have opened for the 2007 National Anaconda Adventure Race Series and the first race is less than five months away! Australia's biggest and richest adventure racing series is truly national this year with races in four states - Queensland, NSW, WA and Victoria.

If you enter during the early bird period, you'll get a free $20 Anaconda voucher and go into the draw for an additional $500 voucher! We're also offering big discounts for Series Entries (plus you'll get a free 2XU race jersey.) Entries for each race are limited to 500, while Series Entries are limited to 100, so go on, enter today!

Anaconda Gold Coast, (QLD): August 5. Early-bird entries close June 1

You'll kick off 2007 with a 1.9km swim in Gold Coast surf beaches followed by a paddle that take you up Tallebudgerra Creek. The 12km Keen Run includes a 4km technical 'up-the-creek' section, a steady (ish) 5km climb high above the valley floor, then a chaotic 3km descent to Currumbin Valley. The MTB course climbs quickly for breathtaking views of the Gold Coast before a sharp descent along the NSW-QLD border track back to sea level for the final run that weaves through a new sanctuary loop on its way to the beach-front finish line.

Anaconda Forster, (NSW): September 22-23. Early-bird entries close July 20

Did you ever go to Forster and think how beautiful it is, but wonder how much nicer it would be to play off the roads rather than on them? We did, so the newest addition to the National Series is unique two-day event (with a one-day option) in the Great Lakes region of NSW. The ocean swim takes you among the dolphins, you'll run along white beaches and over huge sand dunes, paddle along a sweeping coastline circuit and through the eerily quiet corners of the Great Lakes. The mountain biking includes open sections with panoramic views, undulating riding through secluded trails and tight single track. This race will be a cracker!

Anaconda South West WA, (WA): November 4. Early-bird entries close September 7

We're putting the final touches on a spectacular new off-road course for 2007, including much improved mountain biking. Stay tuned for a big announcement in mid March.

Anaconda Lorne, (VIC): December 9. The Australian Sprint Championships. Early-bird entries close October 12

This classic course hasn't changed. You'll start with an ocean swim in the 'Pier To Pub' waters, followed by the spectacular 11.2km Keen Run including coasteering and a tough inland climb before emerging through the stunning Cumberland River valley. The 13km paddle in the Southern Ocean loops south to Artillery Rocks then north to Lorne's main beach, while the 23km MTB leg climbs hard before descending quickly to Stony Creek for the final 2.8km (team) run along the beach.

New to adventure racing ?

So was Nic Davies until she tried an Anaconda Adventure Race. Before her first adventure race (Lorne 05), Nic had never raced, 'unless you count Little Aths', so it was a steep learning curve. Nic's story gives beginners some great tips about getting involved in adventure racing, from learning new skills to training for four different disciplines, all while keeping sane (and employed). Click here for Nic's story, and while you're there, check out our other training and equipment tips.

Anaconda Corporate Teams Challenge

Want to enter an Anaconda race as part of a team? Then grab some work mates and enter the Anaconda Corporate Teams Challenge. Whether you work for a small business or a multinational, all employees of the one company are entitled to enter in one of the three corporate teams categories: corporate male team, corporate female team and corporate mixed team (at least one male or female). Prizes and trophies will be awarded for placings in all corporate categories. For more information about the Anaconda Corporate Teams Adventure Challenge, click here. Entry numbers are limited, so enter now!

Course Familiarisation Days

Course familiarisation days were a big hit in 2006, and they'll be bigger and better this year. On each familiarisation day we will guide competitors over the course, allowing you some recon under non-competitive conditions, while improving your fitness and skills. We'll announce the dates soon, so keep an eye on the race website.

Volunteers

The Anaconda Adventure Races wouldn't happen without the support of our volunteers, but we're often caught a little short. Volunteers ensure competitors stay on track, stay out of trouble and keep all action behind the scenes running smoothly (someone has to cut that beautiful post-race fruit!). By volunteering, you'll be helping put on a memorable race, you'll get a competitors' pack and we'll give you a yummy lunch. To register your interest in volunteering at an Anaconda Adventure Race, click here.

Race merchandise sale - 2XU knicks and jerseys for $49

We're clearing out last year's range of 2XU Anaconda Adventure Race gear at cost price. High performance 2XU cycling jerseys and knicks are only $49, while the warm winter fleeces are $59 (yeah it's hot now, but just think how snug they'll be come June!). That's half the price of the equivalent 2XU gear in the shops. We also have high performance Anaconda Adventure Race Tees available for $25 each - perfect as lightweight training tops. Stock is limited so get in quick. E-mail t-shirt orders only to info@rapidascent.com.au. For all other orders, click here.