NATIONAL CHAMPIONS TO BE CROWNED AT CANBERRA’S SHIMANO 100 MARATHON
CANBERRA, ACT — The highest level of mountain bike marathon racing in Australia lands at UC Stromlo Forest Park on Sunday, 27 September 2026, as Rocky Trail Entertainment hosts the 2026 AusCycling MTB Marathon National Championships alongside the 17th edition of their iconic Shimano 100 Marathon.
Serving as the definitive battleground for the country’s elite athletes and top contenders, the National Championship title race will be contested over a rigorous three-lap format on Stromlo’s famous 30-kilometre circuit. Specifically designed to test technical mastery, tactical intelligence, and raw endurance, this “giant monster circuit” will officially crown the 2026 Green and Gold jersey winners in the Elite, Pro, and Junior categories.
A Legacy of Racing at Stromlo
Rocky Trail Entertainment has delivered flagship marathon racing at Stromlo Forest Park since 2010. Celebrating its 17th running this year’s race will have 300 endurance athletes from all over Australia at the start with the event pairing high-stakes national championship action with Rocky Trail’s signature community ethos.
While the premier title race commands three laps (90km), the event maintains high-stakes intensity across all categories, offering 60km (2-lap) and 30km (1-lap) distances. These options give core cross-country racers, amateurs, and weekend warriors the opportunity to race on the exact same world-class course alongside the nation’s best.
STAR-STUDDED ELITE & JUNIOR LINE-UPS
The 2026 start list features an extraordinary field of international performers, defending champions, and rising stars:
Elite Men: Heavyweights & Hometown Heroes
- James Kelly: The reigning male AusCycling National Marathon Champion, returning to defend his green and gold jersey against Australia’s elite.
- Brendan Johnston (Giant Bicycles): The local Canberra powerhouse and global endurance icon coming off high-profile campaigns at the Life Time Grand Prix and Sea Otter Classic in the US. Johnston’s campaign at Stromlo serves as a major homecoming before heading to the South Coast for Sea Otter Australia in Batemans Bay (21–25 October).
- Brent Rees: Former Sea Otter Australia Thule Marathon winner and premier national cross-country contender.
- Cameron Ivory (Cervelo Shimano Off-Road): Former National XCO Champion and multi-discipline legend with vast international experience.
- Tasman Nankervis (Rapha Shimano): One of Australia’s most decorated gravel and marathon endurance racers.
- Reece Tucknott: A perennial national podium contender bringing elite speed and tactical experience to the front row.
Elite Women: World-Class Contenders
While defending National Champion Peta Mullens won’t be lining up to defend her title this weekend, her legacy hangs heavy over a powerhouse Elite Women’s field eager to lay claim to the vacant green and gold jersey:
- Holly Harris (Manning Valley Tip Riders): International World Cup competitor and multi-time national podium finisher, Sea Otter inaugural Thule Marathon winner and headline contender for the women’s national title.
- Ella Bloor: High-performance road and off-road competitor bringing immense engine power to Stromlo’s long ascents.
- Katriina Dower (Geelong Mountain Bike Club): Top-tier marathon specialist accustomed to brutal endurance battles.
Junior & U23 Stars to Watch
- Jock Barwick (Tamworth MTB Club) & Hayden Vimpani (Blackburn CC): Heading up a ferocious Junior U19 Men’s battle for the national jersey.
- Sofia Blanco-Boyle (Townsville Rockwheelers) & Elise Harvey (AMBC): Leading the charge in a stacked Junior U19 Women’s title race.
Two Decades of Off-Road Passion
For nearly two decades, Rocky Trail Entertainment has been at the forefront of shaping Australia’s mountain biking landscape, cultivating a legacy rooted in community, endurance, and grassroots passion. Since launching cross-country and marathon formats in 2009, Rocky Trail has fostered long-distance off-road racing into a accessible, high-energy sport where competitive rigor meets inclusive festival vibes.
Cross-country and marathon mountain biking hold a unique and legendary place in world sport; as the sole off-road discipline represented at the Olympic Games, it is the ultimate test of human engine capacity, technical mastery, and mental grit. What makes the marathon format so special is its rare ability to bring Olympic-level intensity and everyday trail passion onto the exact same dirt.
Reflecting on the magnitude of the event at Stromlo Forest Park, AusCycling Head of Events (MTB & CX) Lukas Matys noted:
Stromlo Forest Park holds a special place in Australian cycling history, evolving into a world-class venue that continues to crown our sport’s finest champions. The Rocky Trail team has created a spectacular 29km circuit that rewards technical skill, tactical decision-making, and endurance in equal measure. Whether you’re chasing a National Title or conquering the classic Shimano 100 distance, you’ll be sharing the trails with Australia’s best. Embrace the championship atmosphere, support one another, and best of luck to all competitors. — Lukas Matys, AusCycling Head of Events (MTB & CX)
Emphasizing Rocky Trail’s inclusive philosophy, event organisers added:
Whether you’re hunting for the green and gold jersey or lined up for a cheeky single lap with your mates, we are stoked to welcome you to the Nation’s Capital for the 17th edition of the Shimano 100.
To our Elites: the stage is set.
To our Amateur and Junior racers: you are the heartbeat of this event, and we want you to soak up that high-stakes championship energy.
More than just a world-class race, we’re here to deliver an unforgettable experience – so let’s have fun, look after each other, and leave our mark on these iconic trails.
Welcoming competitors and spectators to the Nation’s Capital, ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr highlighted Canberra’s growing reputation as a world-class adventure sport destination:
“We are proud to host the AusCycling Marathon National Championships and welcome Australia’s premier off-road talent to Canberra. There’s no better venue for a national title race than Stromlo Forest Park, renowned for its exceptional singletrack, challenging terrain, and stunning views. Having elite athletes competing for green and gold jerseys alongside hundreds of passionate amateur racers creates a fantastic celebration of sport and community. Events like this showcase Canberra as a premier outdoor destination, and I encourage all visitors to enjoy our world-class trails as well as everything our region has to offer off the bike.” — Andrew Barr, ACT Chief Minister
EVENT SCHEDULE & MEDIA INVITATION
Pre-registration and practice commence on Saturday, 26 September from midday, with official Championship Race Day on Sunday, 27 September from 8:40 AM. Set against the vibrant backdrop of a Canberra spring, the event hub at UC Stromlo Forest Park will serve as a premier gathering for the Australian cycling industry and community.
- Elites: Register now to compete for the official AusCycling National Title and Green & Gold jersey.
- Amateurs & Recreational Racers: Secure your spot in the 30km or 60km Shimano 100 categories to experience the electric atmosphere and race alongside the nation’s best.
Media Accreditation:
Media representatives, photojournalists, and news crews are invited to attend. High-resolution photo opportunities, finish-line reactions, and interview access with athletes and organisers will be available throughout Sunday.
- Media Accreditation & On-Site Contact: Send an email to Media Manager Juliane Wisata and sign in at the Rocky Trail Registration Desk at Stromlo on the day
- Location: UC Stromlo Forest Park Event Hub, Opperman Ave, Wright ACT
- Key Media Windows:
- 8:30 AM Race Line-up & Welcome
- 9:00-9:15 AM AusCycling Marathon National and Shimano 100 Starts
- 3:00 PM Official National Title Podium Ceremony
For registration, complete tech guides, and event details, CLICK HERE
Media Contact:
Juliane Wisata, Marketing Director
Rocky Trail Entertainmen Pty Ltd
E: juliane@rockytrailentertainment.com
M: 0416737972
