Dawn over the gorge

After early alarms, caffeine and the first bit of fueling for the day, the swimmers and volunteers boards ferries destined for Second Gorge. First light is creeping into the sky above Nitmiluk Gorge as participants reach the start line. A faint glow rapidly shifts through vibrant purples, pinks and oranges. Tendrils of mist rise from the Katherine River as swimmers try to stay warm for as long as possible before shimmying into wetsuits, defogging goggles and changing gears into race mode. Then gingerly (for most), they wade into the water, their breath visible in the 'cool'* air (*at least by Territory standards).

Waking the river

After a few quick warm ups, swimmers assemble on a start line between starter and helpfully located rock. An air horn blares through the stillness to kick things off, and the 2‑kilometer swim begins. The stillness and serenity from the first part of the morning is quickly a distant memory as team mates cheer on their swimmers and a background hum echoes off towering gorge walls. That hum isn't mechanical though – arms are churning, feet are pulsing, and swimmers seek the best racing line through the inky water. The light continues to change, both in the sky and on the gorge walls. The sky starts to shift into the first shades of blue and the gorges start to glow in the first rays of sunlight that have crept over the horizon. This isn't just a race, but an absolutely unique experience of this incredible landscape.

Paddling rhythm

Before too long, swimmers are hauling themselves back onto the bank. Picking the best race line through and then up and over the rocks over the last hundred metres adds to the challenge of scanning their surroundings to find their team mates. Teams look to hand off to their next racer asap and individual racers are seeking out their piles of gear in the transition area. After this land-based chaos, the first canoers set off – paired up with their closest arrival. The 4.2‑kilometer paddle demands rhythm – two paddlers working as one to navigate the twisting and turning river (and to stay clear of swimmers still on course!). The occasional echo of laughter or shout of hello bounces off the cliffs as canoes find their paddling tempo and soak in a truly spectacular view.

Trails of dust

By mid-morning, the trail runners take over. Ten kilometers of rugged terrain on tracks that wind up, across and back down off the escarpment. Shoes crunch over gravel, arms flick away the occasional branch and the sun climbs higher, gradually dialing up the the warmth as the morning wears on. But every crest and every turn reveal views worth the burn: the Katherine River below, stunning escarpment country, and endless sky. Solo athletes seek out a sustainable rhythm for the day – still three legs to go after this one! Some team runners aim to empty the tank, perhaps taking the fastest run of the day or keeping their team in contention for a place! Others absorb the magic of a physically testing day on beautiful Jawoyn Country.

Wheels on Fire

The road cycling leg is the next challenge that awaits – stretching roughly 40 kilometers through rolling savanna terrain. The sun has continued its climb and heat is radiating off the bitumen by the end of the road ride. The wind often plays a part too – it almost feels alive, twisting and turning with riders as they navigate the route, and making sure they stay aware on the road. The whir of gears and rolling tires become meditative for riders, something to focus on as they tackle this part of the course.

Technical terrain

Next comes more than a slight shift – still on two wheels but now onto mountain bikes for 18 kilometers of dirt and rock, weaving through challenging trails. There's no way to escape that getting up onto the top of the escarpment requires more than a little bit of climbing... Once again though, the effort is worth the reward. Riders are often speechless with views they get to experience on this ride (partly because of the steep hills they've had to ride to get there, but mostly because they're genuinely breathtaking)!

The Final Effort

The last 10 kilometers of the day unfold on a '4WD track run' that can feel both punishing and poetic. A shorter 5km loop brings racers back past the transition area for a much needed cheer and one last refill of water and fuel. Spectators line the finish chute – clapping, shouting, and whistling. Some teams reunite, arms linked, crossing the line together in recognition of all the efforts through the day. Some, often the solo racers or those that have been racing against the clock, make straight for the ground beyond the finish line and gasp in fresh air and any offers of water and ice that appear from supporters and onlookers. Others grin, laugh and wave. But after a couple of minutes over the line, all wear a similar expression – complete satisfaction with what they've just achieved.