IT had been on hiatus since 2009, but the Lake Moondarra Adventure was back this weekend, and better than ever.
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Organised by Gecko Outdoor Sports, the Lake Moondarra Adventure brought 33 teams of two together.
They were there for a unique and quirky sporting adventure that combined elements of orienteering, paddling, walking and cycling.
Not to mention a bit of fun with various holiday games.
Race director Alison Whitehead said life events had got in the way of putting it together since 2009 but they were determined to make it part of the regular sporting calendar of Mount Isa.
“Big thanks to Glencore Mount Isa Mines for helping me get this event off the ground,” Alison said.
Big thanks to Glencore Mount Isa Mines and a huge thank you to all the competitors - without your support events don't happen.
- Alison Whitehead
“But we couldn’t have done this without our other sponsors and team of volunteers.”
The rules of the adventure took a bit of getting used to.
Alison needed 10 minutes to explain the rules and format.
After a bit of teething troubles with the instructions printed on the maps they were underway.
At the start, competitors were presented with a puzzle which when they solved, told them which leg they would do first.
Three of the legs, cycling, paddling and trekking, involved using maps to find five out of six
And so a quarter of them ended up in Lake Moondarra itself checking their maps before setting up to paddle in the water.
At the end of the race Alison called it an epic day.
“Thanks to all my volunteers you did an amazing job,” she said.
“A huge thank you to all the competitors - without your support events don't happen.
“Hope you had a great time - you should all be proud of the effort you put in.”
Alison said she couldn’t wait to get to see the official photos and footage from Outback Drones and Kerry Brisbane.
“Stay tuned for results,” she said.
Alison said despite all competitors deserving one, only the winners get to try a specially-designed Gecko beer.
Most competitors said they would come back for another one.
“Thanks for the awesome day,” Tyrone Campbell said.
“Congratulations on a great event, looking forward to the next one.”
Gecko Outdoor Sports also had a stand at the Mount Isa Super Sports Expo.
See Thursday’s paper for a photo gallery from the Lake Moondarra Adventure event.
