Full Moon Ultra Delivers a Dazzling Start to 2025 Trail Run Series

The first event in our 2025 “off the beaten track” Trail Run Series was held on 14 March 2025 at Rowallan Park, and it was everything our trail runners had hoped for — and more. The Full Moon Ultra was born from the request of our local athletes for an endurance event, and we were proud to deliver it on the March full moon. It was a rainy, windy, and muddy Friday night that tested the patience and resilience of every runner.

Trail Runners are ready!

As seasoned trail runners know, you can’t outrun the weather — and you can’t outrun poor preparation. Those who trained well and had their gear dialled in were smiling their way to the finish line at the end of each lap, despite the challenging conditions.

The Full Moon Ultra featured three distances:

• 1 lap (6km)

• 6 laps (36km)

• 12 laps (72km)

On the hour, every hour from 6pm, runners set off into the trails to complete a lap until they reached their goal distance, withdrew, or were unable to make it back before the end of the hour. This format, inspired by backyard ultras but with our own twist, created a dynamic and thrilling race environment that pushed participants to their limits.

Distance Winners:

12 Laps (72km) – Long Course Male

1. Luke Chamley – Hungry Runners Townsville

2. Kyle McLennan – Moranbah

3. Jacob Whitcombe – Yeppoon

Female

1. Liv Compton – Whitsunday Running Club Cannonvale

2. KP Bassett – Whitsunday Running Club Cannonvale

3. Kelly Chappell – Tri-ActiV8 Mackay

6 Laps (36km) – Medium Course Male

1. Scott Boldy – Bowen

2. Bradley Walz – Mackay

3. George Hannaford – Mackay

Female

1. Jose Short – Tri-ActiV8 Mackay

2. Erin Roughan – Moranbah

3. Vicki Coburn – Tri-ActiV8 Mackay

1 Lap (6km) – Short Course Male

1. Eli Flanagan – Tri-ActiV8 Mackay

2. Jax Tomba – Moranbah

3. Theo Woods – Mackay

Female

1. Nicole Lindenberg – Mackay

2. Katie McLennan – Moranbah

3. Charlie Walker – Tri-ActiV8 Mackay

The major event of the evening was undoubtedly the ultra endurance challenge. Thirty-seven ultra runners lined up at 6pm to complete 12 laps throughout the night — one lap every hour until 6am. As the hours ticked by, fatigue and the wild weather took their toll. By the final “hot lap” at 5am, 12 competitors remained: 4 women and 8 men. These determined runners battled slippery trails, rain squalls, and mental fatigue to earn their place on the podium.

One of our competitors, Nicole Ballingall, summed it up best: "Definitely the best ActiV8 Adventure trail run yet! It was crazy and I loved it! Thank you to all the team for putting the event together."

Recovery zone and support crews

The atmosphere throughout the night was electric. This was the most populated “off the beaten track” trail run event to date, with athletes and their dedicated support crews setting up gazebo sites to cheer, rest, and refuel. The kids brought the energy in the 6km short course, dominating the podium except for our female winner, Nicole Lindenberg.

Right until morning, as the last ultra runner crossed the finish line just before 6am, support crews were still going strong — cheering, cooking up recovery meals, and celebrating every achievement. It was a warm, vibrant, and inspiring community event that we’re proud to have hosted.

We can’t wait to see what’s next in the 2025 trail run series — but the Full Moon Ultra has set a high bar for adventure, endurance, and community spirit.

Female winners for the 12 laps

Male winners for the 12 laps