Course Description and Maps

EVENT PROGRAM: Here is the official Event Program for the 2024 XTERRA Dunsborough triathlons and trail runs. This fully explains the event with confirmed schedule, course details, transition areas and more. All event attendees are strongly encouraged to read it before the event. READ IT HERE.

XTERRA Long Course

  • 1,500m ocean swim (2 lap course)
  • 30.2km mountain bike (2 lap course)
  • 10.3km trail run (2 lap course)

The Long course event is an XTERRA SILVER LEVEL and the Triathlon WA Off-Road State Championships. Details Here >>

The long course event is designed for the more experienced (or more determined!) individuals and teams who can mix speed and endurance to conquer a spectacular challenge.

Each leg is world class and includes plenty of variety, terrific scenery and satisfying rewards when you make it to the finish line.

NEW COURSE ASPECTS FOR 2024 compared to 2023:

  • wider start line for the swim and better buoy placement
  • more overtaking opportunities on the MTB
  • 2x lap RUN course with far fewer rocks
  • greater spectator opportunities with:
    • MTB and RUN course laps coming past the TA and a water point
    • Swimmers close to shore and swim 2 laps

Long Course map

View the XTERRA Long Course in a larger map HERE.

1,500m Ocean Swim (2 laps of 750m)

All swimmers (elites, age groupers and teams) will start together in waist deep water at the end of the boat ramp for a superb swim through the crystal clear water of Geographe Bay. Completing a 2 lap course of 750m per lap, swimmers remain within 200m of the coastline at all times (making for great viewing) whilst swimming over a sandy bottom kept alive with the fluttering of small fish in the shallows. After lap 2, exit the water up the boat ramp and enter Transition #1 in the car park just 30m from the water’s edge.

* The start line will be 60m wide allowing plenty of space for swimmers to spread out.

30.2km Mountain Bike (2 lap course loop)

Long course riders will complete a thrilling 30.2km MTB ride through the Meelup Regional Park, Country Club and surrounding areas as two loops of approx 15.1km each, that will have you on-the-rivet the whole way.

The Dunsborough Country Club and Cape Mountain Biker crews have been hard at work to provide a superb course that will include ~80% single track through ‘Brown Street’ and beyond with plenty of berms, jumps and fast straight aways through the bushland before a thrilling descent back to the TA at the Country Club after lap 1. Repeat this for a 2nd lap.

The MTB course will include heaps of single track but also plenty of over-taking opportunities (especially early on) to allow faster riders through. This ride will reward the skilled MTBer.

10.3km Coastal Trail Run (2 lap course loop)

Runners must complete 2 laps of the run course: exit T2 and follow the red course markings through the golf course area and along a range of twisting single tracks to join the coastal path at the 2.8km pt. Turn right at the beach for a short sand / rock hop section then climb uphill and away from the coast, running down the dual slalom tracks and past T2 to complete one lap. Repeat the exact same course to complete a second lap and then run through the arch to finish. Well done!

Course key elements

  • “Elite” category competitors will have a separate start BEFORE the age group start 50mins later
  • The mass swim start will be held in deep water – see additional notes below
  • The swim > bike TA is immediately adjacent to the water so there is only a 30m run from water to transition
  • The start, T1, T2 and the finish are all within 500m of each other so there are minimal logistics
  • All legs include 2 lap courses so you come back past the TA half way through – great for spectators

Mass start swim

Following the success of recent years, all age group athletes and teams will start in a single wave mass start. Please note the following about this start:

  • The start line will be at least 60m wide so will allow plenty of space for swimmers spread out.
  • The start will be in deep water so there is no running into the water, minimizing any swim start turmoil.
  • The first turn buoy is a significant distance away so there is plenty of time to spread out before the first turn buoy.
  • The single wave start helps to reduce congestion on the course compared to wave starts as there will not be faster competitors (who started later) going past slower competitors (who started earlier)
  • The single wave start allows athletes to see how they rank overall and provides fairer results as everyone starts together.
  • The atmosphere and enthusiasm of starting everyone together is highly motivating and a terrific experience to be part of.