UOW students win Kathmandu Adventure Sprint Race

Jun 27, 2007

University of Wollongong Bachelor of Physical and Health Education students Ben Allen and Dan McNamara were crowned Champions of the Kathmandu Adventure Sprint Race at the Royal National Park on 24 June.

In a time of 2:57.32, breaking the 3-hour barrier, they tackled the wet and muddy conditions, 10kms of trail running and navigating, 20-30km-mountain bike riding and 5km kayaking. Legs were mixed and varied, with random obstacles thrown in to make it harder.

This adventure event is one of the most popular races in Australia with entries selling out very quickly.

More than 200 teams and over 400 competitors competed for the $3,000 in prizes on offer and the prestige of winning one of Australia's great adventure races. With the recent rains the tracks were tough, muddy and heavy, making the race all the tougher.

UOW's Ben Allen is also a Surf Ironman Champion. He and Dan McNamara have competed several times together before in adventure races and have achieved some outstanding results.

"The course was a lot tougher than it looked, with the recent rain we have had making for some wet and muddy conditions.

"We are very happy to come away with the win -- we worked really well together and we stayed focused and determined throughout the whole race.

"For a couple of months we have been training specifically for, and eagerly anticipating, this race," Ben said.