In a global-first, the world championship for 24-hour obstacle course racing will be held in the Hawkesbury next year, Member for Hawkesbury Dominic Perrottet announced today.
The event, secured by the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW, will be run by Australian-owned company True Grit and held in Lower Portland in June 2018.
“To host the inaugural World 24 hour Obstacle Course Racing Championship is a big win for the Hawkesbury and will provide a significant economic boost to our region,” Mr Perrottet said.
The World Championship will be the second obstacle course race for the region, following the True Grit military inspired obstacle challenge which will take place in May.
“True Grit and the Obstacle Course Race are expected to attract more than 2000 visitors to the Hawkesbury next year, injecting more than $1.8 million into the local visitor economy.
“The region has become a favourite destination for obstacle course racers and I look forward to welcoming the world’s best in 2018,” Mr Perrottet said.
NSW Minister for Tourism and Major Events Adam Marshall said the inaugural 24 hour race was an exciting addition to the State’s sporting calendar.
“The NSW Government is committed to growing the NSW economy by building on its world class events calendar and securing events such as this will ensure we remain the number one State for tourism and major events in Australia,” Mr Marshall said.
“True Grit and the World 24 hour Obstacle Course Racing Championship are expected to attract more than 2000 visitors to Lower Portland, injecting more than $1.8 million into the local visitor economy.
The World 24 hour Obstacle Course Racing Championship will see competitors complete 30 obstacles in a 10km course loop over 24 gruelling hours.
True Grit Managing Director Adam McNamee said the race was the ultimate test of strength and endurance.
“Australia has embraced the 24 hour Enduro as the toughest 24 hour foot race in the country. It’s great to see this format replicated as a World Championship here in Sydney,” said Mr McNamee.
The World 24 hour Obstacle Course Racing Championship will be held from 9-10 June, 2018 with True Grit to take place from 26-27 May, 2018.