Living on the ledge

Bored with Bowen Road runs? Craving a little adventure? Try the Bonaqua Mountain Hardwear Action Sprint series.

Now in its 10th year, the annual series - the brainchild of Action Asia Events director Michael Maddess - has built up a strong following of fitness enthusiasts looking for fun that literally takes them off the beaten track. Think scrambling over rocky outcrops, scurrying down river gullies, climbing up steep hills and down waterfalls, ocean swims and pounding dirt trails.

'A lot of these sections just throw people completely outside their comfort zone, which is what we want to do - but only to give them a taste of adventure,' says Maddess. 'They will overcome these obstacles and the satisfaction will kick in after the race.'

Participation has grown from about 100-plus people per race to a field capacity of 400 (for safety's sake). The series, says Maddess, was created because people asked for a shorter version of the Action Asia Challenge Adventure Race, which involves some 50 kilometres of trail running, mountain biking, ocean kayaking, rock scrambling, orienteering and rope skills. Many people couldn't find the time to train for such a long, technically demanding race.

'They loved the idea of something adventure-related to get their mind off work,' says Maddess.

Mark Western, 45, started competing in the series three years ago and has finished on the podium in a few races. Here are some of his tips on taking part.