The Bullen Merri Challenge is an entry level multi-sport race for all abilities. It is a challenging race, however with the right training and preparations you will be sure to enjoy your day out.

Kayak Training

The 10km kayak is relatively flat (wind dependent) and fast, with the fastest paddlers going under 50mins.

It would be good to get 3 sessions in a week, but if you can't get to the water that often you could supplement your training with some strength and flexibility work. You definitely want to get some speed work and a longer paddle over an hour so you're ready for 10kms on race day.

If you are in Melbourne you could try the Vigor kayaking group on the Yarra or Peak Adventure on the bay. If not definitely try hook up with others for fun and safety.

Cycle Training

The 31km cycle will challenge everyone with big undulations, that some would even call hill climbs.

Again you want to get 2-3 training sessions in a week with some speed work, hill work and longer rides. The key to this course is strength up the hills.

If you are in Melbourne you could try the Vigor cycling group, we regularly ride the Yarra Boulervard and hills out to King Lake. Cycling has strong clubs and participation in the country so if you're a local get invloved with the local scene. The Camperdown Cycling club has a great local scene with regular training and racing.

Run Training

The 10km run takes around 40mins for the fastest competitors, if you are not a strong runner expect to run for over an hour.

Ideally you would get 3 runs in a week training for at least 2 months. We suggest this comprises some form of speed session, a longer effort/tempo run and a long run of over one hour. Given the course is on dirt track and uneven ground around the lake, you should include some hill training and some off road running. If you're really serious you could practice rock hoping and hill climbing given you'll be climbing out of a real crater!

If you are in Melbourne you should try come along to the Vigor running group. Many of the runners in this group will be aiming for this race.

If you are training solo we encourage you to find a local run group or at least a friend to do some runs with. It's a lot easier doing speed work with someone and a lot safer going off road with someone.

The right training can make you look like a pro exiting your boat

Include hill climbs in your cycle training

Some people find the run leg really tough

It's all fun until you get close to the finish line ...

... and then, it's still fun because you've finished - hooray!