The ever popular Paddy Pallin Urban Amazing Race was held over the weekend in Sydney’s CBD. A great mix of social and racing competitors of all ages gathered near Central train station under sunny skies with a buzz of anticipation.

The Amazing Race differs significantly to the usual adventure race by having a more family fun feeling and focusing on cryptic clues to find your way around the city. With public transport allowed there was plenty of time to be made up with the smart use of a train, light rail, bus or route selection.

Once at a one of the 25 check points there was a number of fun challenges ranging from kayaking on Sydney Harbour, Salsa, Ten Pin Bowling, indoor putt putt golf, Stand Up Paddle boarding and many, many more.

The social class saw the biggest turnout of teams. With the largest percentage being Women, lots of families & 1st timers racing around the CBD for 6 hours. There was a strong focus on team work and enjoying the day with congratulations to all competitors. Social results can be found here.

A great turn out of close to 100 teams competed in the Racing category with the mixed category proving the largest class. Over the 6 hours many teams covered close to 40km around the city with some tired legs but plenty of smiles to be seen. Special mention must be made of the Armstrong brothers of the Belrose Bicycles team who took all but 1 of the NSW based races this year, congrats lads. Full Racing results can be found here.

After sitting on the sidelines manning the Paddy Pallin stand for the last 3 years yours truly jumped into the action and had a great day racing around the city. With a mix of luck and good management my wife and I cruised into 4th place in the mixed social class. if your thinking of joining the fun I can personally recommend it as a great day out.

Special thanks to Maximum Adventure, the volunteers, Paddy Pallin and co-supporters Osprey Packs.

If your inspired and keen to join in the fun all of the locations and dates for 2018 are here

About The Author

Dave Casey

Dave has worked as an International Expedition Leader and in Outdoor Education for over 15 years. He has extensive travel and guiding experience in Australia, NZ, Asia, South/North America and Europe. In his spare time Dave is a keen bushwalker, mountain biker and climber while also dabbling in some mountaineering and sea kayaking.

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