2 April 2025
Most people don’t get to see quite so much of remote Tasmania in five days as the racers competing in the Legend Expedition Race do.
Four ADF personnel formed an adventure racing team, called Shanks Pony, to navigate with map and compass through a gruelling unmarked course of kayaking, trekking and mountain-biking.
Lieutenant Colonel David Manzin, Flight Lieutenant Mel Picton, Captain Stephen Ryan and Captain S kept pace with the mid-pack on the 550km non-stop course.
Flight Lieutenant Picton said they got through by sleeping only a few hours each night.
“We slept for an average of three hours each night and chose to eat on the move. Our plan worked and we finished the race in 105 hours,” she said.
“A highlight for me was our team dynamic and how well we worked together in our highs and lows to keep moving through the course, solve problems, and make tactical decisions along the way.”
While the highest checkpoint was located on the rugged Hartz Peak at 1254m, the overall elevation gain of the course was about 12,000m.
'Adventure racing takes year-round conditioning to build physical fitness across all disciplines; you need to keep navigation skills sharp too.'
Team member Lieutenant Colonel Manzin said it was important to take a moment before tackling each challenge during the race.
“We briefly paused to take in the stunning first-night sunset over Hartz Peak before pushing on; there was still plenty of racing ahead,” he said.
With most adventure races ranging from three hours to seven days, preparation and planning is key.
Flight Lieutenant Picton said it was not only important to prepare for the physical challenges, but to prepare equipment.
“Adventure racing takes year-round conditioning to build physical fitness across all disciplines; you need to keep navigation skills sharp too, and in the weeks before, the focus shifts to preparation of race logistics, including food and gear,” she said.
The team has already identified their next challenge – the Mountain Designs GeoQuest 48-hour Adventure Race on the NSW Central Coast in June.
The team is working towards having adventure racing recognised as an ADF Sport.
For those interested in learning more, or finding teammates to compete, email Flight Lieutenant Picton at melissa.picton@defence.gov.au
