If you don’t already have plans for this weekend (and if you do, reschedule them) – it’s time to treat yourself to a weekend away… oh, and why not throw in a spectacular adventure racing challenge? On Sunday On a Mission comes to Mission Beach and; between Dunk Island and tropical rainforests; this ocean paddling, mountain biking and trail-running fiesta drinks in some truly magnificent North Queensland scenery. Plus it’s designed so every fitness level can give it a go.
“If you’re slow it doesn’t matter – at least you’re getting fresh air and you’re not on the couch” – Rebekah Barkle
Competitors line up at the start of the race, before paddling over to Dunk Island.
Physio North massage therapist Rebekah Barkle is one of the Townsville contingency heading up to Mission Beach this weekend. Familiar with triathlons and adventure racing, it’s Rebakah’s first On a Mission… it’s only been on her to-do list for the past four years. Comfortable with the fact that she is no “supreme athlete”, the multi-sport lover has opted for the short course – a 4km paddle to Dunk Island, a 6km run on Dunk, a 4km paddle back to South Mission Beach, a 23km mountain bike ride through rainforest and a 4km beach run to conclude – and can’t wait.
“I don’t do these events to compete against other people, I do them to prove something to myself,” says Rebekah who regularly treats adventure athletes through her massage and acupuncture work. “I want people to know that it’s not as hard as it sounds – really, anyone can do these events because you don’t have to sprint, you can just shuffle along and bit-by-bit you’ll get there. If you’re slow it doesn’t matter – at least you’re getting fresh air and you’re not on the couch.”
Rebekah Barkle at Tough Mudder
Rebekah made her first foray into adventure racing after returning to Townsville from Brisbane last year and loves the relaxed attitude compared to events in the capital cities. In this event she is most looking forward to the paddling; which is her strongest suit after joining the Magnetic Island Outrigger Canoe Club and Townsville Kayak Club. But she’s mainly looking forward to the atmosphere.
“I love getting up early, getting all prepared and enjoying that buzz with everyone,” she says. “The crowd encouragement is fantastic and everyone is so friendly on the course – I just love it.”
The more experienced racers will be doing the longer course, which is 8km paddle, 11km run, 4km paddle, 27km ride and a 10km run to Tam O’Shanter Point; plus there is also an option to do the short or long races as a team of two or three (each person can do a leg, or two people can divide up the paddling, running and riding between them by doing one or two of the disciplines each).
Registrations close this Friday (September 5, 2023). To register and for more information about the course and timetable for On a Mission; see here: ccmclub.org.au
Please note: If you are an individual who’d love to do this event, but you have no one to do it with, On a Mission is match-making competitors. Just go to our forum and register and we will hopefully be able to help you team-up with someone!
