More than 200 competitors are expected to descend on Orford this weekend for a multisport challenge that has been running since 1990.
This Sunday, The Winter Challenge will take competitors through four legs of kayaking, cycling, mountain biking and trail running.
Event director Tim Harmsen said interest had been strong, with organisers working to make it more accessible to newcomers and families.
“We’ve been pushing to make the event more inclusive, more family friendly and more achievable for those who may be nervous about tackling their first multisport event,” he said.
“And it seems that people are responding well to this intention of making the event challenging, yet achievable.”
Competitors can take part in teams of three or four, as pairs or tackle all four legs solo.
The event begins with a 10km kayak around Prosser Bay, followed by a 27km road cycling leg along Rheban Road.
Competitors then take on a 15km mountain bike course across singletrack, four-wheel-drive tracks and fire trails on private property behind Orford before finishing with a 10km trail run along the foreshore to Spring Beach and back.
Last year’s event attracted 189 competitors, with organisers expecting to pass 200 this year.
The Winter Challenge will also feature the Australian National Championships of Egg and Spoon Racing for the second year.
The quirky side event was introduced in 2025 to encourage more people to get involved in the event-day atmosphere, with 72 competitors taking part across children’s, elite and team races.
All profits from the egg and spoon races will go to the Nippers at Raspins Beach Surf Life Saving Club.
The event includes a four-person 4x100m team and family race at 3pm, followed by a 200m individual race at 3.30pm.
Harmsen said organisers hoped the championships could eventually become an international event.
“The egg and spoon racing national championships is a guaranteed smile maker,” he said.
“Nobody takes it too seriously and everyone has a good time. Especially the kids.”
“The aim is to make this the home of the egg and spoon racing World Championships by 2029.”
A free KidZone will also be available for children and families attending the event.
