The Freycinet Challenge is an iconic multi-sport event with a history that goes back to the year 2000. Since then, athletes have travelled from all over the world to tackle the Challenge across the stunning Freycinet Peninsula at Coles Bay, on the east coast of Tasmania.
The very first multi-sport adventure race was held at Coles Bay in 2000. Back then, it was called the Wineglass Bay Classic. The idea was to have an adventure race that brought people together, to challenge athletes, yet be achievable and fun. 80 athletes contested the debut 2-day event and the iconic race was born. The inaugural solo winners were Kris Clauson (male) and Imogen Pearce (female).
In 2001 the race was renamed as the Freycinet Challenge. For many years it was also named the Freycinet Lodge Challenge and during those years, it started and finished at the lodge, which is inside the Freycinet National Park. Since then, the Freycinet Challenge has become one of the longest running multi-sport races in Australia and it's recognised as the Australian Multi-sport Championship.
In the early years, transitions were scattered over many locations around Coles Bay, and the course was significantly longer than it is today. The longest race in 2007 took teams 10-13 hours to complete. The current race format takes 7-10 hours to complete, with Solo competitors typically finishing in 8-11 hours.
After 2008, the Village Green (across from the Illuka Tavern) was chosen for all transitions and the finish line, which is where it is today. The course now involves trail running, mountain biking, road cycling and paddling a total distance of 166km over 2 days. Solo athletes burn up to 7000 calories when competing in the 2-day event. To provide this energy, you would need to consume around 20 Australian meat pies!
As of 2023, 1911 teams and 494 Solo athletes have completed the Challenge. There are as many recreational weekend warriors as seasoned athletes who compete in the Freycinet Challenge each year, all of whom contribute to giving the event a competitive atmosphere with a relaxed and family friendly vibe.
Athletes from all over Tasmania make the journey to Coles Bay for the event each year. Athletes from other states make their way here too, and there have been competitors who have travelled from overseas - including USA, Wales and France. Many competitors return to the start line year after year and there are a handful of athletes that have competed nearly every year since 2000.
Although there have been radical changes to bikes, kayaks and running shoes since 2000, the excitement, grit and determination of race competitors has been unwavering. By participating in the event today, you are joining a ferternity of athletes whom share a passion for multi-sport racing and you become part of our long history that has made the Freycinet Challenge an icon of Tasmania.
