Lysterfield turned on its wild side for this weekend’s Women Only Adventure race, throwing in plenty of wind, cold and mud to test every team’s grit and spirit.
Despite the harsh conditions, the energy on the course was just as it always is at this event — a true showcase of what adventure racing is all about: smiles, laughs and encouragement!
Teams faced an exciting challenge with 23 checkpoints scattered across Lysterfield’s scenic tracks, trails and a few sneaky off-road sections. Navigation skills were put to the test with two separate maps, requiring racers to stay sharp and work together to plan the most efficient routes.
The race kicked off in three starting waves, and in a twist that kept everyone on their toes, the overall winners came from the final wave — a remarkable mother-daughter duo, Kim Willock (one of Australia’s all-time adventure racing greats) and her daughter Jordan. They absolutely smashed the course, collecting every single bonus checkpoint and crossing the finish line with big smiles and unstoppable energy.
Taking second overall and first place in the Masters category were the experienced and ever-strong team Yolo Adventures (Leesa Riley and Jen Bradshaw), who also delivered an incredible performance in the challenging conditions.
The Open category was taken out by Sweat Sisters Claire Hartly and Laura Kasperszyk (they were also third overall).
The competition was fierce across all three categories, but what truly stood out was the spirit of the event — muddy faces, laughter echoing through the trails, and that unmistakable sense of accomplishment that only comes from pushing through nature’s toughest moods.
The Women Only Adventure Race is all about creating a special day just for women and girls — a chance to step into the outdoors, challenge themselves, and celebrate the spirit of adventure together. It’s not just about racing; it’s about fun, confidence, and connection. Whether teaming up with friends, daughters, or new adventure buddies, participants get to explore beautiful trails, try something new, and share the excitement of finding checkpoints and crossing the finish line. The day is filled with laughter, encouragement, and that incredible feeling of achievement — proving that adventure truly is for everyone.
Despite the weather, or maybe because of it, this day was filled with inspiration, teamwork and pure adventure joy. Every single team that crossed the finish line earned their place as true champions.
Full results are now live on the website>> and the whole photo gallery is on the Facebook page>>. Check out the 2026 year line up, pencil in the dates, maybe even book in early and get excited for the next adventure.
The next race on the calendar is Adrenalin Quest and for those who would like to step up and do a 3-day adventure it is a perfect opportunity.
Prepare for an exhilarating line-up as we proudly announce the Women Only Adventure Race events lineup for 2024, featuring four action-packed events that promise to redefine adventure for women nationwide.
The Women Only Adventure Race prides itself on offering a course designed to accommodate women of all fitness levels, making it an inclusive and accessible experience for participants at various stages of their fitness journey. Whether you're returning to the sport after a break or just embarking on your fitness adventure, our carefully crafted distances ensure everyone can participate and thrive. The courses, which include trail running, mountain biking, and paddling, are meticulously tailored to provide a dynamic and engaging challenge. With the run under 5 km, mountain bike leg under 12 km, and paddling under 2 km, the race strikes a balance, allowing newcomers to comfortably embrace the multi-discipline adventure while still offering the speed and excitement that elite athletes seek. It's a unique blend that guarantees a thrilling and empowering experience for all participants, regardless of their fitness background or aspirations.
1. New South Wales, April 7, 2024>>
Location: Glenrock Scout Camp, Newcastle
Highlights: Nestled in the scenic Glenrock Scout Camp, meters from the ocean beach, this race kicks off the series, inviting women to conquer trails, paddle serene waters, and cycle through picturesque coastal landscapes.
2. Queensland, May 26, 2024>>
Location: Hinze Dam, Gold Coast
Highlights: Set against the stunning backdrop of Hinze Dam, this event combines the thrill of adventure with the beauty of Queensland's natural landscapes. Enjoy the stunning views of the Dam, lush greenery, and the nearby mountains.
3. Australian Capital Territory, September 22, 2024>>
Location: Canberra,
Highlights: Explore the nation's capital in a race that blends urban excitement with the challenge of navigating Canberra's scenic mountain bike trails and waterways.
4. Victoria, November 10, 2024>>
Location: Lysterfield Lake
Highlights: Conclude the series surrounded by the natural beauty of Lysterfield Lake, where women can showcase their adventurous spirit in this grand finale.
Why Women Should Join:
It is much more than just a race.
Unleash the Inner Adventurer: Engage in the thrill of adventure, exploring new terrains and conquering challenges.
Set a new personal horizon: Push personal boundaries, enhance fitness, and achieve new heights in a supportive environment.
Team Bonding and Camaraderie: Build lasting bonds with friends, family, and colleagues while navigating challenges together.
Connecting with Nature: Immerse in scenic landscapes and the great outdoors during each event.
Empowerment and Confidence Boost: Overcome challenges, boost confidence, and foster a sense of accomplishment.
Inclusive and Supportive Atmosphere: Experience inclusivity, encouragement, and support from a community of like-minded women.
Stress Relief and Refreshing Escape: Break from routine, relieve stress, and immerse in the present moment.
Goal-Driven Achievements: Set, pursue, and achieve fitness and adventure-related goals in a structured and fulfilling way.
Skill Development in a Fun Environment: Develop or enhance skills in trail running, mountain biking, paddling, and navigation within a fun and engaging environment.
Celebration of Friendship and Family: Create shared memories and reinforce bonds by racing with daughters (minimum age 8) or forming teams with friends and family.
The Women Only Adventure Race promises an unforgettable blend of adventure, camaraderie, and self-discovery at each location. Adventure awaits!
The Women Only Adventure Race is dedicated to providing women with empowering and inclusive adventure racing experiences. With a focus on teamwork, exploration, and personal growth, the series offers a range of events designed to cater to women of all fitness levels and backgrounds. Each race combines elements of trail running, mountain biking, paddling (all equipment is supplied), and navigation in scenic locations, creating a unique and enriching experience for participants.
At the heart of the Women Only Adventure Race events lies a passionate mission crafted by its creators to weave unforgettable, positive adventure experiences that resonate with every woman. With unwavering dedication, they are on a transformative journey to demystify adventure racing, making it more accessible to women from all walks of life. Their vision extends beyond the thrill of the race, seeking to break down barriers and introduce countless women to the exhilarating world of adventure sports. With each meticulously designed event, the creators aspire to nurture a supportive and empowering community that encourages camaraderie, celebrates accomplishments, and ultimately sparks a love for adventure in the hearts of all participants. Join us on this extraordinary journey as we redefine what's possible and inspire women to embrace the joy of adventure racing. Together, we embark on a path where empowerment and thrilling experiences intersect, forging memories that last a lifetime.
The Women Only Adventure Race 2023 has left an indelible mark on the landscape of female empowerment, camaraderie, and outdoor adventure. With over 200 women converging from different walks of life, the event celebrated strength, resilience, and the unbreakable bonds shared among participants.
With the invaluable support of the Victoria Government, the Women Only Adventure Race 2023 ascended to new heights, transforming into an even more remarkable and unforgettable experience. The government's commitment to fostering women's participation in outdoor adventures played a pivotal role in enhancing the scale and impact of the event.
A Tapestry of Relationships
What made this year's adventure race particularly special was the diverse tapestry of relationships woven into the fabric of the event. From mothers and daughters forging unforgettable memories to sisters conquering challenges side by side and friends embarking on this exhilarating journey together, the race became a platform for shared experiences and strengthened connections.
Breaking Boundaries
For many participants, the Women Only Adventure Race 2023 marked their inaugural foray into the world of adventure racing. The air buzzed with excitement as these trailblazers fearlessly embraced the unknown, breaking through personal boundaries and discovering new depths of strength within themselves.
Teams of two embarked on a multifaceted adventure, immersing themselves in the diverse terrain that the Women Only Adventure Race had to offer. The journey unfolded as participants paddled in synchrony across the tranquil expanse of Lysterfield Lake, their determination reflected in every stroke. Transitioning seamlessly, the teams embraced the challenge of trail running through the verdant park, where the whispering leaves and crunching gravel underfoot became the soundtrack of their perseverance. The excitement reached its zenith as the racers mounted their bikes, traversing thrilling mountain bike trails that winded through the landscape, demanding both skill and strategy. Navigating with precision between strategically placed checkpoints, each team carved their unique path, adding an element of strategy and teamwork to the physical demands of the race. The amalgamation of these activities created a dynamic, holistic adventure that tested both the physical prowess and navigational acumen of the participants, leaving them with a profound sense of accomplishment as they crossed the finish line.
Triumph of Team Lonedoggers
In the heart of this dynamic gathering, one team emerged victorious, epitomising the spirit of the race. Team Lonedoggers, hailing from Albury, stood tall as the winners of the 2023 edition across the two-day field. Comprising the formidable duo of Goele Schmitz and Belinda Daggett, they navigated the rugged terrain with grace, resilience, and an unwavering sense of teamwork.
Unforgettable Moments
Reflecting on the race, participants shared countless unforgettable moments. From overcoming challenges to navigating the picturesque landscapes of Lysterfield park, the Women Only Adventure Race 2023 was a kaleidoscope of experiences. The collective joy and sense of accomplishment reverberated through the finish line, creating an atmosphere of celebration and empowerment.
A Testimony to Women's Strength
This event stands as a powerful testimony to the strength, determination, and courage inherent in women. Each participant, whether a seasoned adventurer or a first-time racer, contributed to the vibrant tapestry of the race, leaving an imprint on the collective memory of the Women-Only Adventure Race community.
Looking Ahead
As we bask in the afterglow of the 2023 triumph, the anticipation for next year's adventure race is already building, with the date scheduled for the same weekend, 9 -10 November, and two more races planned in the scenic ACT and NSW locations.
The success of this event has ignited a flame within the hearts of participants, inspiring them to continue pushing boundaries and redefining what it means to be a woman in adventure sports.
The Women Only Adventure Race 2023 has etched its place in the annals of empowering events, leaving a legacy that will continue to inspire generations of women to come. Until we meet again on the trails, remember that adventure knows no bounds, and the journey is just as important as the destination. Here's to the thrill of the race and the camaraderie that fuels our collective spirit!
On the 6th of November 2023, for the seven’s time, the women will celebrate health, fitness, friendship, and the great outdoors at the Women Only adventure race.
This time the race will be in one of Melbourne’s best adventure playgrounds Lysterfield park.
Travelling together, teams of two women will navigate by foot, mountain bike, and kayak. To add to the challenge, course maps are only handed out in the morning of the race -a true adventure in the making!
Women Only Adventure Race is about women making time for themselves and supporting and empowering each other to step outside their comfort zone and have a go.
The event caters to all levels of fitness and experience. The course consists of approximately 4 km of running, 10 km of mountain biking and 2 km of paddling.
Participants will come away with life-long friendships and will reset their limits of what they can achieve when they cross the final finish line; it really is an amazing experience.
“Women Only Adventure Race is my favourite event; I love seeing women just giving it a go. This is what it’s all about. It is not about winning or losing, although there is a lot of competition happening. It is about an incredible atmosphere, when everyone is so supportive, happy and excited ”, said Maria Plyashechko, event director.
The sold-out event was previously held in Lilydale after it was deferred due to Covid-19 impacts.
The entries to the event are open now.
We invite you to dare yourself to follow your dreams, be brave, and together with your girlfriends make up a team to compete in what will be an absolute gem of an experience!
For many starting something new and different is a big step
Women need to feel free and comfortable and accepted and safe before being ready to try something new. Adventure racing is a fun and exciting sport but can be daunting for the women to start. Women Only Adventure race creates an unique opportunity to get into it in a safe female only environment.
All women need time for themselves
Women Only adventure race is when women prioritise their health, fitness and themselves above everything.
It is a motivator to start training
We need women's only events because not enough women are exercising and pursuing regular physical activity. Committing to the race pushes many to start regular training. For many training for the race is the most cherishable memory- getting regularly together with your teammate, getting fit and healthy, and learning new skills.
A different space
Women-only events create an empowering space where women tend to be very open in expressing their feelings and speaking up. There's a level of respect and familiarity that is not offered in mixed a setting.
Women Only adventure race provides a safe break from a very much unequal environment
All research show how much women are underrepresented this is the day when we celebrate women.
New Zealand adventure racing
All Women Adventure races in New Zealand bring together a few generations of women of all backgrounds and they celebrate feminity, and strength and have an absolutely unforgettable experience in a safe environment pushing their boundaries as much as they want. There are more than 1000 women racing in each event. The success of New Zealand events inspires us and the level of New Zealand adventure racing, especially the women’s field is impressive too.
