Three Peaks Race

But that is the task that faces runners who take up the challenge of the
Hydro Tasmania Three Peaks Race. And while it is these hardy athletes who cross the race’s official finish line at the foot of majestic Mount Wellington in Hobart, Tasmania, it’s not just runners who put their bodies on the line in this ultimate endurance challenge.

This Easter more than 200 sailors crewing a race record 33 yachts – some short-handed, some fully-crewed, and some just cruising – will deliver their runners to the three picturesque peaks that must be scaled to complete the grueling racecourse.
The physical and mental demands of navigating, strategising and sailing 335 nautical miles of bluewater ocean, channels, bays and rivers take their toll.

But the rewards of completing one of the world’s toughest multi-sport events, the camaraderie of the competitors and the natural beauty of the Tasmanian locations the course takes in, draw participants and spectators back to the race year after year.

This year’s 20th anniversary race celebrations promise to pull an even bigger crowd than in previous years, with first-timers and former participants joining those who have competed in each and every race.

Early race entries include Ken Gourlay, who last year became the fastest and oldest Australian to circumnavigate the globe solo, nonstop and unassisted, race founder Martin Pryor and naval officer Alon Peled, who will lead the first Israeli team to tackle the Hydro Tasmania Three Peaks Race.

The fleet will leave the waters of Port Dalrymple in northern Tasmania on Good Friday, March 21, amid the colourful chaos of a major community festival that showcases the region’ finest food, wine and entertainment. Accompanied by a spirited spectator fleet, the eclectic mix of up-to-the-minute multihull designs, classic yachts, sportsboats and well-worn ocean racers battle to become the first boat to leave the Tamar River and enter Bass Strait. Leading yachts are expected at the first stopover in the cool pre-dawn hours of Saturday morning, where the teams’ two runners are dropped at the small township of Lady Barron on Flinders Island’s south-west tip with backpacks containing tents, sleeping bags and water.

Mount Strzelecki awaits.

Strzelecki, the highest peak on the mountainous island in Bass Strait’s Furneaux group, stands at 756m. The 65km run is the longest of the three and requires a number of the race’s 120-strong volunteer crew to help marshall and support the athletes on the hazardous bush track. From Flinders Island, teams tackle Banks Strait off the north-eastern tip of Tasmania then turn south for the ride down the State’s east coast. This rugged yet beautiful coastline provides stunning vistas of pink granite mountains, clear blue water and white sand beaches including the world-renowned Wineglass Bay. Coles Bay, a holiday village on the edge of Tasmania’s oldest national park, Freycinet, is the second stopover and the gateway to a 33km run over the highest of the three Hazards: Mt Freycinet.

Once back on board the exhausted runners rest while the sailors head south to Hobart, Tasmania’s capital city. Short-handed yachts may choose to navigate the Dunalley Canal, taking a short-cut inside Tasman Island, while fully-crewed and cruising division yachts must pass outside the isle.

Unique race rules that allow boats to be towed or propelled by human power inspire crews to become creative when navigating the narrow canal. Bicycle-powered propellers, oars, towing via rowboat and towing from the shore have all been attempted in past races.

It is plain sailing from Tasman Island up the Derwent River to Australia’s second-oldest city. The final run involves the highest climb of 1270m, but a safe return to Constitution Dock on the city’s waterfront means the end of the race and a major celebration.

Race winners generally complete the course on Easter Monday or Tuesday, though the race record, set by Robin Chamberlin and Terry Travers’ trimaran in 2004 stands at two days, 10 hours, 24 minutes and eight seconds.

The 20th Hydro Tasmania Three Peaks Race is a must-see event combining
some of the world’s most pristine scenery and a fantastic sporting challenge.