Undoubtedly the flagship adventure race of northern Australia, the Katherine Ultra Challenge is a one day multisport event encompassing six different legs covering 100km’s around the Katherine region.

Competitors will undertake an open water swim, cross country, mountain bike ride, kayak, road bike ride and road run.

Race organiser Mark Desailly said the challenge is about getting involved, having fun and spending a lovely dry season day doing something healthy with a group of mates. 

Mr Desailly has competed in the Katherine Ultra Challenge since 2003 both in a team and as an individual.

“It is a challenge, a big mental and physical challenge and you get fit while you are training. But for most people it is a really fun day to participate in a big community event,” Mr Desailly said. 

“A really fast team will take about 6 and a half to seven hours to finish, a really fast individual is around that time as well. In the past individuals have beaten everyone including teams. But is varies most people will finish in 7-9 hours. 

“Thank you to all the people who make it happen, Nitmiluk Tours, land owners, the museum and the support crew are a massive part of the Ultra Challenge, we could not do it without their support,” he said.

Competitors can enter as individuals or in teams of two to six people.

This year will be the 19th running of the event.

A presentation evening and dinner is held after the race in the surrounds of the Katherine Museum

Crowds are expected to converge at points along the course, including the Katherine Museum, the High Level Bridge and Railway Bridge.

Registration closes on Monday July 31 click here to register. 

What are competitors up against?

Stage 1: 3.2km swim up and down the second gorge, doing two laps finishing at the start of the second Gorge

Stage 2: 11km Cross Country run through the bush from the Second Gorge to Maud Creek

Stage 3: 25km mountain bike from Maud Creek to Knott’s Crossing

Stage 4: 11km kayak from Knott’s Crossing to low level then return to High level bridge

Stage 5: 40km road bike from the high level bridge,  out towards the Gorge, turn around just before Maud Creek and back to the Museum

Stage 6: 10km road run from the museum across the road, along the bike path over the high level bridge and left past until 5km is reached, turn around and back to then finish at the museum