{"id":13648,"date":"2025-02-05T11:22:27","date_gmt":"2025-02-05T11:22:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/marathontours.com\/en-gb\/?post_type=events&p=13648"},"modified":"2025-10-28T10:49:47","modified_gmt":"2025-10-28T10:49:47","slug":"the-aussie-challenge","status":"publish","type":"events","link":"https:\/\/marathontours.com\/en-gb\/events\/the-aussie-challenge\/","title":{"rendered":"The Aussie Challenge"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":13650,"template":"","event_types":[140,131,141,138,137],"event_locations":[121],"event_distances":[129,127,126],"event_course_types":[136,135,134,133],"event_seasons":[18],"class_list":["post-13648","events","type-events","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","event_types-10km","event_types-world-marathon-majors","event_types-adventure-marathons","event_types-half-marathons","event_types-marathons","event_locations-oceania","event_distances-10km","event_distances-half-marathon","event_distances-marathon","event_course_types-adventure","event_course_types-road","event_course_types-rural","event_course_types-urban","event_seasons-summer"],"acf":{"event_hero_image":13649,"event_logo":15226,"event_logo_background":{"enable":false,"background_colour":"#FFFFFF"},"event_status":"available","event_status_labels_available":"book-now","event_status_labels_waitlist":"available-soon","event_status_labels_off_sale":false,"event_waitlist_button":{"link_option":"anchor","":null,"external_link":null},"event_additional_buttons":null,"event_book_button":{"link_option":"external","":null,"external_link":{"title":"Book Now!","url":"https:\/\/bookinggb.marathontours.com\/experience\/aussie-challenge-2026\/274","target":""}},"event_extra_button":"","event_overview":"Join us for the 2026 Aussie Challenge and combine Sydney with Kangaroo Island. These two races, only a week apart, are the perfect combination for those looking to get the most out of their Australian experience. Seven Continents Club\u00ae members will get the opportunity to check off both their Half and Full Oceania Marathons in one journey. The flight to Australia can be a long one, so make the most out of it with two unique races in one exciting adventure.<\/span>\r\n\r\nMarathon Tours & Travel is proud to be the Official Travel Agency for the\u00a0TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS<\/strong><\/a>.\u00a0 Now in a landmark achievement, the TCS Sydney Marathon has been named the seventh Abbott World Marathon Major (<\/span>AbbottWMM<\/span>) and joined the series in 2025.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe Kangaroo Island Marathon<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0is one of the most beautiful marathon courses anywhere in the world, providing once-in-a-lifetime views, a challenging course and an opportunity to see some incredible wildlife. Perfect for adventure runners, thrill-seekers or runners looking to vary the type of course they run on, the 2026 Kangaroo Island Marathon promises to be a superb event, filled with fun and incredible achievements!<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe\u00a0<\/span>Aussie Challenge<\/strong>\u00a0combines these two iconic races so you can experience the vibrant bustling city of Sydney and the natural beauty and wildlife of Kangaroo Island all in one package.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>","event_overview_button":"","event_feature_icons":null,"event_features":{"meals_included":{"detail":"Meals as outlined on the itinerary","title":"Meals Included"},"guide":{"title":"Guide","detail":""},"transfers":{"detail":"Adelaide to Kangaroo Island, race day transfers to start\/finish, one-way airfare from Adelaide to Sydney and airport transfer to hotel in Sydney","title":"Transfers"},"trip_extension":{"title":"Trip Extension","detail":""},"accommodation":{"title":"Accommodation","detail":"12 nights\u2019 accommodation"},"entry":{"title":"Entry","detail":"Guaranteed race entry for the TCS Sydney Marathon and Kangaroo Island races available"},"celebration_party":{"detail":"Post-Race Celebration","title":"Celebration Party"},"excursions":{"title":"Excursions","detail":"Kangaroo Island day excursion and Sydney cocktail cruise"},"helping_hand":{"title":"A Helping Hand","detail":"Hosted on-site by Marathon Tours & Travel"},"worldwide_events":{"title":"Worldwide Events","detail":""},"medal_bling":{"title":"Medal Bling","detail":"Finishers will receive a special Aussie Challenge Medal and Finisher Shirt"}},"event_gallery":[{"acf_fc_layout":"event_gallery_image","image":13652},{"acf_fc_layout":"event_gallery_image","image":12908},{"acf_fc_layout":"event_gallery_image","image":13655},{"acf_fc_layout":"event_gallery_image","image":16671},{"acf_fc_layout":"event_gallery_image","image":13653},{"acf_fc_layout":"event_gallery_image","image":13656}],"event_packages":[{"package_title":"The Aussie Challenge 2026","package_duration":"12 nights","package_dates":"19 August - 31 August","package_days":[{"day_title":"Wednesday 19 August","day_content":"Arrive in Adelaide (ADL) and transfer on your own to the Pullman Adelaide Hotel.\u00a0 This afternoon we will explore Adelaide by foot with our local guide.\u00a0 Tonight, there will be a welcome dinner hosted at the hotel. (Dinner included<\/em>)"},{"day_title":"Thursday 20 August","day_content":"The Barossa Valley is one of Australia\u2019s top wine regions that is known for its shiraz and grenache vines. Today we will taste our way through some of the region\u2019s local vineyards and enjoy lunch at one of their local wineries.\u00a0(Breakfast and Lunch included)<\/em>"},{"day_title":"Friday 21 August","day_content":"After breakfast we make our way to the ferry terminal at Cape Jervis (approx. 90 min<\/em>).\u00a0 Upon arrival to Kangaroo Island, we will visit Dudley Wines for a pizza lunch, whilst enjoying stunning views back onto the mainland.\u00a0 After lunch we will make our way to the Ozone Hotel.\u00a0 This evening we will enjoy a two-course dinner at the hotel\u00a0(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included<\/em>)"},{"day_title":"Saturday 22 August","day_content":"Today we will get the chance to explore some of Kangaroo Island\u2019s iconic sights, Remarkable Rocks, Admirals Arch and visit the Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery.\u00a0 Part of the tour will provide you with a chance to see Sunday\u2019s race route through Flinders Chase National Park!\u00a0 Tonight, join us for our pre-race dinner at the hotel.\u00a0 (Breakfast and Dinner included<\/em>)"},{"day_title":"Sunday 23 August","day_content":"Race Day!<\/strong>\r\n\r\nThis morning you will be transferred to the starting line of the Kangaroo Island Marathon in Flinders Chase National Park (approx. 80 minutes<\/em>).\u00a0 Return transfers will be provided at the conclusion of the race.\u00a0 This evening the group will gather for a post-race reception to celebrate your accomplishments! (Breakfast included<\/em>)"},{"day_title":"Monday 24 August","day_content":"We will say goodbye to Kangaroo Island and head back to Adelaide.\u00a0 On our way we will stop to enjoy a private wine tasting at Chalk Hill Wines followed by a Gin tasting and lunch at Never Never Distillery.\u00a0 Upon arrival in Adelaide, you will have the evening at your leisure.\u00a0 (Breakfast and Lunch included<\/em>)"},{"day_title":"Tuesday 25 August","day_content":"Today we will head into the Adelaide Hills, starting with a visit to Cleland Wildlife Park where you can get up close and hand feed many of the native animals. We will return to Adelaide via a quick stop at Mount Lofty look out for some panoramic views over the Adelaide plains, the rest of day is at leisure to explore Adelaide City. This evening, we will enjoy our group farewell dinner.\u00a0(Breakfast and Dinner included)<\/em>"},{"day_title":"Wednesday 26 August","day_content":"After breakfast we will transfer to the Adelaide Airport for our flight to Sydney.\u00a0 Once you arrive to Sydney and check-in at the InterContinental Sydney the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure \u2013 explore Sydney\u2019s iconic sights, browse its vibrant shopping districts, or simply soak in the energy of this dynamic city.\u00a0(Breakfast included)<\/em>"},{"day_title":"Thursday 27 August","day_content":"Free day in Sydney!\r\n\r\nWe recommend visiting the Sydney Running Show today to collect your race kit. Afterwards, take time to wander through Sydney\u2019s unique neighbourhoods and soak up the local culture, shopping, and attractions.\u00a0<\/span><\/i>\r\n\r\nAt some point today a representative will be waiting in the lobby to greet you and answer any questions you might have.(Breakfast included)<\/span><\/i>"},{"day_title":"Friday 28 August","day_content":"Half-day Sightseeing Tour & Sydney Marathon Harbour Cruise<\/strong>\r\n\r\nThis morning after breakfast we take our half day sightseeing tour. The tour will conclude at the Sydney Running Show. Pick up your bib and explore the stalls before making your own way back to the hotel at your leisure.\r\n\r\nThis evening join our exclusive Sydney Marathon Harbour Cruise with runners from all over the world, for 2 hours you will enjoy the beauty of the\r\nharbour as you look back onto the Sydney skyline.\u00a0The cruise will include substantial canapes and a drink on arrival.<\/em>\r\n\r\n(Breakfast and Evening Canapes included)<\/em>"},{"day_title":"Saturday 29 August","day_content":"Shake-Out Run & Pre-Race Dinner<\/strong>\r\n\r\nThis morning after breakfast you are welcome to join for a light shake-out run along the harbour. This will be at an easy pace and is a chance to loosen your legs. It will be no longer than 5km (approx. 3 miles).\r\n\r\nEnjoy the rest of the day your leisure.\r\n\r\nConsider booking the Bridge Climb, a hop on hop off pass or even a day tour to experience this wonderful city.\r\n\r\nThis evening we will enjoy a private pre-race dinner in the Ballroom at the Sheraton hotel!\r\n\r\n(Breakfast and Dinner included)<\/em>"},{"day_title":"Sunday 30 August","day_content":"Race Day!<\/strong>\r\n\r\nRace day is here! After an early breakfast, make your way to the start line. Our representatives will be in the hotel lobby to provide guidance.\r\n\r\nAfter the race, recharge in the recovery zone.\r\n\r\nIn the afternoon we\u2019ll meet up for post race celebrations, saying cheers to all of our runners on an amazing accomplishment!\r\n\r\n(Breakfast included)<\/em>"},{"day_title":"Monday 31 August","day_content":"Departure Day<\/strong>\r\n\r\nUnless you have booked extra nights with us then today is the day you check out of your room and we say thank you for joining us.\r\n\r\nIt\u2019s not goodbye, but instead we\u2019ll hopefully see you soon on another Marathon Tours & Travel trip!\r\n\r\n(Breakfast included)<\/em>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nItinerary subject to change!<\/em>"}]}],"event_extensions":"","event_extensions_packages":null,"event_packages_and_rates":"

The Aussie Challenge Tour | 12-Night Package: 19 August \u2013\u00a0 31 August, 2026<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\r\n\u202fAdelaide Features:\u202f\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n