Frequently Asked Questions::
General
What is the Kathmandu Adventure Race?How long does a race go for?
Are there prizes for the winners?
Navigation and Equipment
How good do my navigation skills need to be?What equipment do I need to compete?
Are there any core competencies that I need to demonstrate before being able to race?
Do I need to bring my own Kayak and Mountain Bike?
What sort of Mountain Bike do I need?
Is the Mountain Biking very technical?
I have SPD peddles, should I swap my peddles?
Can our team use a bungy cord to assist each other while racing?
Training and Racing
What sort of training should I do before I compete?Is there a minimum or maximum age to be able to race?
Where can I find a team mate?
Event Specifics
Where are the events held?Can I enter an event on the day of the race?
Which event would be the best place to begin competing for a novice?
Where can I leave my belongings while racing & will they be safe?
Do you provide directions to the event?
Is there car parking close to the start/finish point of an event?
What do I need to do when I get to the event?
GENERAL
What is the Kathmandu Adventure Race?
The Kathmandu Adventure Race involves teams of two, racing a secret course by foot, bike and kayak. Teams navigate the linear course, collecting checkpoints to show they have completed each leg.Teams change disciplines at transition areas, putting them onto a different leg of the course. There are multiple legs of each disciplines that add up to the distances quoted.
How long does a race go for?
The Kathmandu Adventure races take 2 – 6 hours to complete depending on how competitive teams wish to be.
Are there prizes for winning?
Prizes are awarded to the top three teams in each category (Mixed, Male and Female).There are also a random draw prizes given away at the presentation.
Navigation and Equipment
How good do my navigation skills need to be?
A basic level of navigation is recommended, if you can read a street directory, you will be able to complete the course.
What equipment do I need to compete?
You will need a sense of adventure and:- Supplied Map (bring some contact paper to waterproof it with)
- Compass
- Mobile phone, in a waterproof bag
- Whistle per team member
- Drink, at least two litres per team is recommended
- Basic first aid kit (one crepe bandage, adhesive tape, wound dressing and six adhesive dressings
- Emergency blanket (space blanket)
- Pen (for marking map)
- Mountain bike
- Cycle helmet
A full gear list will be available to download from the event website approximately two weeks before the event.
Are there any core competencies that I need to demonstrate before being able to race?
The entry page lists the requirements for this type of event. There is no need to demonstrate these requirements to be able to participate, as part of your entry you declare that you agree to the entry requirements for the event.
Do I need to bring my own Kayak and Mountain Bike?
Kayaks, PFD ’s and paddles are supplied for all Kathmandu Adventure Races, which is covered in your entry costs. The Kayaks used are Toyboy Voyager II sit-on-top two person kayaks.Team members are required to provide their own Mountain Bike and Helmet for the event. If you do not have a bike, we can recommend a local bike shop to hire one from. Please contact us for details.
What sort of Mountain Bike do I need?
Any mountain bike will do, although a bike with front suspension makes for a smoother ride.You can use a hybrid bike, however you may need to walk some rougher sections of the course.
Is the Mountain Biking very Technical?
The Mountain Biking consists mostly of fire trails with single track included where available. There may be some technical sections depending on the layout of the course.If you are not comfortable riding any section of the course we recommend you dismount and walk your bike.
I have SPD peddles, should I swap my peddles?
Generally there is a running leg part way through the mountain bike leg, so people with SPD peddles will need to carry trainers for this leg or swap their peddles.The advantages of wearing SPD's are generally out weighed by the time lost in transition for these types of sprint races.
Can our team use a tether (bungy cord) to assist each other while racing?
Yes. There are no rules against using a bungy cord or tether between two team members. However there must be a quick release system in case of emergency.
Training and Racing
What sort of training should I do before I compete?
Most people with a basic level of fitness will be able to complete an adventure race of this nature.The Maximum Adventure training day will enable you to improve your skills for adventure racing, including practical advice on individual preparation, gear requirements and nutrition. The key emphasis will be on enhancing navigational skills with respect to mountain biking, trail running and kayaking during the day.
Click here for more information on our training days.
Is there a minimum or maximum age to be able to race?
The minimum age is 12, when accompanied by an adult. There is no maximum age for racing, just a basic level of fitness and a sense of adventure.
Where can I find a team mate?
Look for a race partner on our Partners Wanted page. We can help you find a partner - just enter your details into our "Find A Partner" form and we'll post your info.
Event Specifics
Where are the events held?
- Blue Mountains - NSW
- Melbourne - VIC
- Sunshine Coast - QLD
- Sydney - NSW
- Central Coast - NSW
Can I enter an event on the day of the race?
No. Entries for each race close 3 days before the race, so you will need to enter before the closing date. Once you have entered, you can update or change your entry details at registration, on race day or send us an email before hand.
Which event would be the best place to begin competing for a novice?
Any of the Kathmandu Adventure Sprint Races is an ideal starting place for novice. All events cater from the beginner through to the experienced athlete.
Where can I leave my belongings while racing & will they be safe?
Spare gear (towel, change of clothes etc), food and water can be left at the transition and registration area. Volunteers and race officials will be located around the course and at transition areas. Event organisers hold no responsibility for loss of personal items.
Do you provide directions to the event?
Yes, directions, gear list and rules for the event are available for download from the website approximately two weeks before the event.
Is there car parking close to start/finish point of event?
Yes, car parking is readily available and accessible to all competitors in the vicinity of the event area.
What do I need to do when I get to the event?
Once you arrive at the event you will need to visit the registration tent to register your team, collect maps, instructions, race card, bibs and goodies bag. You then have time to plan and prepare yourself for the race. Just before race start time, a briefing will be given on any information that competitors will require to complete the course.The teams are then called to the starting line and READY, SET, GO!!!
