Around 150 competitors across 60 teams lined up in Lorne for the second edition of Buckleys 24, taking on either the Full Course or Half Course in a true 24-hour adventure racing challenge through the Otways and Surf Coast.

As teams collected race packs on Saturday morning, anticipation was high. Both courses carried a 24-hour time limit and featured classic adventure racing disciplines — trail running and trekking, kayaking, mountain biking, and remote checkpoint hunting through backcountry and wilderness terrain. Strong map and compass navigation was essential, with plenty of twists and surprises built into the course.

From the outset, teams didn’t know whether they’d be running or kayaking first. At the start line they discovered the Full Course teams would open with a run while Half Course teams launched straight into the kayaks — before swapping disciplines later in the day.

Coastline, Kayaks and a Few Unplanned Swims

The turquoise waters off Lorne were an early highlight, with light winds and a gentle 1–2 foot swell creating ideal paddling conditions. Many teams enjoyed surfing small waves back into shore, while a handful experienced an unexpected swim after capsizing in the surf.

A 10km trek around Lorne followed, showcasing sweeping coastal views, tree-fern-lined trails along the St George River, and a relaxed passage through Lorne’s urban streets before both courses tackled the epic climb to Mt Cowley.

From there, the race split.

Half Course teams detoured north before an incredibly fast descent back into Lorne, while Full Course teams pressed on toward Forrest, beginning a much more remote and demanding section of the course.

The beautiful forest trails heading towards Forrest

Bonus Decisions and Otways Rewards

A tempting Bonus Checkpoint at Erskine Falls, offering a one-hour time credit, lured many teams into extra climbing. Those who committed were rewarded with spectacular waterfall views and the lush, cool-temperate rainforest of the Erskine Falls valley — towering tree ferns, moss-covered gullies and dense Otways forest.

Half Course teams then wrapped up their race with a short but scenic run–kayak–run leg along the Erskine River before returning to Lorne.

For Full Course teams, the adventure was far from over.

Mud, Navigation and a Race-Winning Rogaine

The push to Forrest delivered some of the toughest conditions of the weekend, with muddy hike-a-bike climbs, red clay trails, and plenty of stories at the finish line of one step forward, sliding backward.

In Forrest, teams tackled a 14km rogaine-style trek, where smart navigation could reduce the distance to around 10km with confident off-trail travel. This leg proved decisive.

The race was ultimately won here by The Keen Talkers, whose navigation choices paid off. Team member Del shared that teammate Luke was so cold he couldn’t put his shoes and socks on — racing the second half of the course sockless, with Del tying his laces for him.

With four legs remaining, Full Course teams returned to the Otways for a fast lap of Lake Elizabeth, followed by the final epic climb and descent back into Lorne. Like the Half Course, Full Course teams also had the option to chase the Erskine Falls bonus before a sleepy descent and final run–kayak–run to the finish line.

Del Lloyd and Luke Haines racing as Keen Talkers

Results

Full Course

Overall Winners: The Keen Talkers — 11:33:46
The lead changed hands several times early, with Mooners Gone Mad setting the pace before Keen Talkers consolidated their advantage on the Forrest rogaine leg.

Mixed

Keen Talkers
Capital AR
The Wind and the Wild

Male

Mooners Gone Mad
Half Wright
CRUST

Female

Kath and Kim
YOLO Adventures

Half Course

Overall Winners: Lizz-eds — just over 4 hours
Only 41 seconds separated first and second place in a tight finish.

Mixed

Lizz-eds
Too Little Too Late
Thunderbirds Are Slow

Male

Striders
Better Going Backwards
Young Buck and the Boys

Female

Chocoholics Anon

Finding the Spirit of Adventure

Competitor Rowan Brookes summed up the weekend perfectly:

“I’ve never done an event with so little preparation. Just as I got my head into training, I broke my ribs — then Steve broke his two weeks later.
Thankfully the race format, with lots of shorter legs, was forgiving on recovering bodies. The mud and rain made it more challenging, and the rogaine leg really spread the field.
After a year off racing, this little adventure helped me find my spirit again. We were happy with our 16 hours 20 finish over 120km.”

What’s Next?

Inspired by Buckleys 24 and ready for your next challenge?

The 2026 Wild&Co Adventure Race calendar is now live, with the next major 24-hour event being Terra Nova in the Shoalhaven — a classic coastal and hinterland adventure race designed for both returning teams and those stepping up to longer formats.

Explore upcoming 24-hour to multi-day adventure races and start planning your next adventure here:
👉 https://www.wldnco.com/24-hour-to-6-day-events