The Racing Pulse - November

Entries Now Open!

Jabulani Challenge
Saturday, 1st April 2022
Bobbin Head, NSW

The Jabulani Challenge is back for 2023 and once again will offer runners some of the best Sydney trails to be found anywhere, and no we aren’t trying to fool you!!!

Predominantly on single track the course has everything to offer from waterside tracks, lush rainforest, stunning sandstone formations and creek crossings. Exploring some hidden waterways it’s hard to believe you are only 30 minutes from the heart of Sydney. It might not have the big inclines of other events of this distance but this is one deceptively tough course!

With three distances (45km, 22km & 12km) to choose from, the event caters for everyone from hardened trail veterans to the more casual runner. The start and finish is at Bobbin Head, making it logistically easy, but more importantly a great spot on the edge of Pittwater for a family day out.

The Jabulani Challenge is also the first leg of the Triple Trail Challenge, the ultimate trail running test! Simply enter the Triple Trail Challenge and you’re automatically registered for the Jabulani Challenge (22km or 45km), the 36km Raffertys Coastal Run (the February or July date) and the 30km Coastal Classic in 2023.

Those runners that rise to the challenge and successfully complete all 3 events in the same calendar year are rewarded with an exclusive Triple Trail Challenge hoodie. All three events are held within a couple of hours drive of Sydney. With only 100 spots available and 75% sold already, you won’t want to miss your chance.

Event Wrap Up

Three Bridges Run
Sunday, 30th October 2022
Parramatta, NSW

There was an incredible turnout for the 2022 Three Bridges Run on the last Sunday in October!

Runners were treated to sunshine and blue skies for the stunning river course. The atmosphere was buzzing at the Western Sydney University event centre as more than 1,000 runners lined up for registration.

It was wonderful to see the Run Beyond Project crew out in force with about 40 students from Canley Vale High School tackling the 9 km course. A massive congratulations to those students who have been training in preparation from this as their goal race. We wish you all the best as you continue run, have fun, learn and grow together under the guidance of the Run Beyond Project.

There were a few superstar parents in the 9 km and 5 km, racing with a pram, pushing their little ones the length of the course. We certainly don’t see that sight in our trail run races!

The 5 km win was secured by jet runners, Brodie Wyborn for the Males and Kelly Ryu for the Female runners.

The 9 km course saw Regan Burnett as the first Male runner home and Sonya Clarke the first Female runner back to the finish line.

The Half-Marathon course had a lot of first timers taking on the distance. Mens podium winners were 1st: Ryan Macdonell, 2nd: Aleksandr Bolshakov and 3rd: Craig Geeve. Female- 1st: Bennie Astridge, 2nd: Anna Watterson, and 3rd place: Joasia Zakrzewski.

The Marathon saw the male top 3 all finish with sub-3 hour times, Angus Pearson crossed the line first with a followed by Statler Willand in second and Tadashi Oyama securing a comfortable third. Top female marathoners were Marisa Martin in first, Caitlin Larose second and Akiko Akashi third. View all the official race times and positions HERE.

A big shout out to the large number of volunteers who helped us run a smooth event for our participants. The red volunteer army was all over the Parramatta courses, helping at aid stations and road crossings for the city road run.

The mix of relief, pride and joy on runners faces as they crossed the finish line said it all. We love putting on these events, we love seeing runners push their limits and prove they can do it. We can’t wait to do it all again next year; bring on Three Bridges Run 2023!

The STELLA photos from the day were shot by Outer Image Collective and are all available for purchase HERE.