Event Information
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Register ONLINE
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April 24 3:30 pm - Race Pack Pick-Up (2 hours) - Corry Cycles
April 25 12 pm - Registrations Close
April 25 ANZAC DAY
April 25 3:00 pm - Late Race Pack Pick-Up - ZACH MACH HQ (1 hour)
April 25 6:00 pm - Carb Loading - Finch Hatton - Criterion Hotel
April 26
5:00 am - Kayak Drop-Off - Teemburra Dam
5:00 am - Car parking - Finch Hatton RSL
6:00 am - Sign-in Solo, Pairs & MTB Competitors
7:45 am - Event Briefing - Finch Hatton RSL (TBA)
8:00 am - RACE START
9:00 am - Stage 2 - Kayak - Competitor briefing & sign - Teemburra Dam
9:15 am - Stage 2 - Kayak - Stage Only Start
10:15 am - Stage 3 - Trail Run - Competitor briefing & sign-on - ZACH MACH HQ
10:30 am - Stage 3 - Trail Run - Stage Only Start
11:30 am - Stage 4 - Road Cycle - Competitor briefing & sign-in - ZACH MACH HQ
11:45 am - Stage 4 - Road Cycle - Stage Only Start
12:00 pm - Stage 2 - Kayak - Close
2:30 pm - Stage 3 - Trail Run - Close
4:30 pm - Stage 4 - Road Cycle (Full Event) FINISH
4:00 pm - Presentations - ZACH MACH HQ - may be held earlier if final participant finishes earlier
6:00 pm - Dinner at the Criterion Hotel
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SOLO
Participants must complete all 4 stages of the Course individually.
Age: 18+
PAIRS
Both competitors must complete all 4 Stages of the course together. Competitors must stay within 20m of each other at all times.
Age: 16+
RELAY TEAM - 2, 3 OR 4 Competitors
Each competitor completes one or more stages of the course relay style. Only 1 competitor is on the course at any time. Exception: 2 may Kayak together.
Age: 14+
STAGE ONLY
Don’t have a team or you only like to do one thing (or two). Choose simply to compete in a stage or stages of your choice.
Age: 14+
Age is as of 31 December 2024.
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Prize money categories are as follows:
👉 Overall Male & Female (Solo)
1st: $200
2nd: $150
3rd: $100
👉 Pairs
1st: $300
2nd: $200
3rd: $100
👉 Junior Pairs (16-18ys)
1st Prize: $200
👉 Fastest times: Male & Female Overall
MTB Stage: $100
Kayak Stage: $100
Trail Run Stage: $100
Road Cycle Stage: $100
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Accommodation:
Camping can be pre-booked or organised at the Finch Hatton Show Grounds or Neem Hall.
Hot Showers and Toilet Facilities.
Meals:
Breakfast & Snacks:
The Gift Shed & Cafe
Lunch & Dinner: Criterion Hotel
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Be fit and able to cope with the demands of the event.
Accept responsibility for themselves and their belongings during the event.
Be prepared to abide by the rules and safety regulations associated with the event.
Follow all directions given by event officials.
Attend Event Briefing
Be of 14+ years of age or older to compete an in relay team or individual leg (age as of 31 December 2024).
All Stage 2 (Kayak) participants must be able to swim.
Be ready for a whole load of adventure!
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Safety is our #1 priority.
Roads and waterways used will not be closed to traffic.
Participants must ride and kayak in a safe, responsible and courteous manner during the event and use common sense at all times.
Participants must abide by the Queensland Road Rules and to follow directions given by The Organisers and Queensland Police. Participants must not ride more than 2 abreast on public roads.
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Some important event rules include:
You must complete the course as outlined in the course information.
There MUST never be more that 20 meters between the first team member of a Pair and the last team member and you must be able to communicate verbally with each team member at all times.
At transition, both team members in the Pairs Category must check in and out.
At transition, the incoming Relay Team member must transition in the nominated area.
Obey all directions given by race officials on the day.
Compulsory equipment must be carried at ALL times.
The use of an eBike is allowed, but the participant/team will be ineligible for a Podium position and the competitor/team must have (eBike) attached to their registration name.
Penalties or Disqualification will apply for non-compliance with these rules. This is by no means an exhaustive list and we recommend that you read the full event rules in detail before the event.
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Photographers and Media will be on the course taking photos of the event. Pictures will be able to be downloaded from the ZACH MACH Mackay Adventure Challenge Facebook Page. Spectators are more than welcome to take photos. The Participant consents to the use of these images for promotional purposes. All participants are required to agree to the ‘Release and Indemnity Waiver’ before online registration.
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A Safety & Event Briefing will occur before the event start and prior to the opening of each individual stage.
All competitors MUST attend this briefing as it covers important information including:
Changes to the course
All the things you need to know to stay safe throughout the event.
Event specific information
The race will start immediately when the Event Briefing is finished.
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The Race HQ will be located at the Finch Hatton RSL which not only facilitates a fantastic spectacle for spectators, but a convenient central transition zone for Competitors.
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A Transition Area is where you move from one Stage to another (ie Mountain Biking to Canoe/Kayak etc).
There are 2 transition areas on the course, in 2 different locations. Transition Areas are managed by volunteers. Transition areas have communication with the ZACH MACH HQ.
When you arrive at Transition, it is important that solo competitors and teams Check In & Out. Ensure that you give your details to officials when you arrive, and before you leave. To assist officials, tell them your team number and name as you approach the table.
Although every effort is made to avoid delays, it is possible you may have to queue at a transition area. Take this in your stride and be patient. Event officials are working hard to ensure you are on your way as quickly as possible.
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Progressive closing times for locations along the event route will be noted. If the Participant falls behind these closing times they shall either board the Support Vehicle for transportation to the next stage.
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When you cross the finish line please ensure the following:
You and your team look awesome for the Finish Photo!
Enjoy the festivities and prize giving, and don’t forget to celebrate and share your war stories with other adventurers.
STAGE 1 - Mountain Bike (MTB)
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Split into 2 stages: 1A and 1B, the Mountain Bike (MTB) ride traverses between cane paddocks before summiting at Teemburra Dam. Expect, dirt, mud, creek crossings & sweat!
Get ready to shred the trails at the Finch Hatton MTB playground! With twists, turns, and epic views, it's a mountain biking adventure you don’t want to miss!
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Stage 1A MTB finishing at Teemburra Dam (18k) - SOLO, Pairs and Relay Teams
Stage 1B MTB from Teemburra Dam to Race HQ (18km) - SOLO, Pairs and Relay Teams
MTB Stage only to check-in at the Dam and then continue on to Stage 1B to finish at ZACH MACH HQ.
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All Competitors will require a mountain bike in working condition with 2 working brakes. An Australian Standard Bike Helmet in good condition without any cracks.
Each participant is required to carry:
Spare tube,
Inflation device; and
Adequate hydration and nutrition.
Preference to carry a mobile phone just in case of an emergency. Pack in a waterproof bag.
Footwear must be enclosed and recommended to be able to cope with rough, rocky terrain, steep up- and downhills, as well as the possibility of wet, slippery and muddy trails. We recommend shoes that provide comfort, stability and protection as well as offering grip and traction.
Torso must be covered at all times.
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CAN I CYCLE THE MOUNTAIN BIKE STAGE OUTSIDE OF THE EVENT?
NO! a lot of the course is on private property and the event will have exclusive access.
CAN I USE A ROAD BIKE ON THE MTB STAGE?
No, the terrain is not suitable for this kind of bike.
CAN I USE AN EBIKE?
The use of an eBike is allowed, but the participant/team will be ineligible for a Podium position and the competitor/team must have (eBike) attached to their registration name.
STAGE 2 - Kayak powered by Mackay Canoe Club
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Competitors will race in deep still water in a clockwise loop on Teemburra Dam.
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10km
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Competitors must provide their own watercraft (canoe/kayak) or arrange a hire through Mackay Canoe Club or Kayaks n Things.
All Solo, Pair and Stages 2 Relay Team competitors will require a life jacket. Each competitor is required to carry adequate hydration and nutrition. Participants must provide their own watercraft (canoe/kayak). Outriggers, SUPs and any non-motorised craft are accepted as long as the participant can safely paddle the 10km distance before the cut-off.
Hat and sunscreen recommended
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The Stage 2 Kayak Course starts and finishes at the Teemburra Dam Boatramp. This is where the MTB rider will ride to and from.
The Drop-Off is Open from 5am Saturday morning. Follow the Signs. Leaving your kayak at the boat-ramp prior to this is at your own risk.
Pick-Up is from midday to 3.00pm. If you are aiming for a later finish, please arrange someone to collect your craft.
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CAN I USE A STAND-UP PADDLE BOARD OR OUTRIGGER?
Sure can! So long as its non-motorised.
I AM IN A RELAY TEAM CAN TWO OF US PADDLE?
Sure can!
STAGE 3 - Trail Run
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Competitors will run through cane paddocks and downstream Cattle Creek as they negotiate mud, water, sand, stones to Gargett and back along the Owens Creek Loop Road to the Pinnacle PUB HUB. The course is scenic with pockets of rainforest. Prepare to get wet… really wet, the creek crossings can get very deep!
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10km dependent on the cane crushing, dependent on the landowner and also how your Race Director feels…. up to 14km!
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All participants are required to suitable covered shoes. Each participant is required to carry adequate hydration and nutrition.
Footwear will need to be able to cope with rough, rocky terrain, steep up- and downhills, as well as the possibility of wet, slippery and muddy trails. We recommend shoes that provide comfort, stability and protection as well as offering grip and traction.
We recommend carrying a mobile phone in a waterproof bag. Sunscreen and hat are also recommended.
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CAN I PRACTICE THE TRAIL RUN OUTSIDE OF THE EVENT?
NO! You will not be able to run the complete Trail Run it is also situated on a number of private properties. Once again, unauthorized access to the property may jeopardize the future of the event.
STAGE 4 - Road Cycle
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Competitors will depart ZACH MACH HQ at Pinnacle and head along Pinnacle Septimus Road. At Gargett-Mia Mia Road riders will turn left, cross the bridge return back past the intersection until the next turn-around near Septimus before heading back to HQ to FINISH.
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30km
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All Competitors will require a bike in working condition with 2 working brakes. An Australian Standard Bike Helmet in good condition without any cracks.
Each participant is required to carry:
Spare tube,
Inflation device; and
Adequate hydration and nutrition.
Preference to carry a mobile phone just in case of an emergency. Pack in a waterproof bag.
Footwear must be enclosed and recommended to be able to cope with rough, rocky terrain, steep up- and downhills, as well as the possibility of wet, slippery and muddy trails. We recommend shoes that provide comfort, stability and protection as well as offering grip and traction.
Torso must be covered at all times.
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CAN I USE A MTB ON THE ROAD BIKE STAGE?
YES.
CAN I USE AN EBIKE?
The use of an eBike is allowed, but the participant/team will be ineligible for a Podium position and the competitor/team must have (eBike) attached to their registration name.
