The Snowy Mountains played host to an exciting weekend of grueling feats and triumphant finishes, captivating participants and spectators alike at the Trail Run Australia (TRA) and TreX Cross Triathlon events. Powered by In2Adventure, the high-country setting provided a stunning backdrop for over 1000 athletes to showcase their stamina and skill across various competitions.
PHOTO: TreX Cross Triathlon male Australian National Champion Ben Forbes CREDIT: IN2Adventure.
Amidst the stunning scenery, Ben Forbes from Brisbane and Laura Gillard from Albury emerged as the new Australian National Champions, leaving their mark on the region in 2025, with line honours in the Elite female category going to Solenne Billouin from France, one the top off road triathlon athletes in the world.
PHOTO: Laura Gillard (left) and Ben Forbes (right) CREDIT: Delly Carr – AusTriathlon.
Event Director at In2Adventure Robyn Lazenby said, “Ben Forbes only started racing with us a few years ago on the Sunshine Coast. So he started off racing very casually, and he has gone ahead in leaps and bounds.”
“Last year he had really bad mechanical, he was going neck and neck with Ben Allen, but then with the mechanical, had to pull out. So this year, for him to come back and to take out championships, it was really
great for him.”
Meanwhile, the Trail Run Australia Ultra50 saw an inspiring performance by Joshua Mcnab of Monavale, NSW. The debut ultra runner dashed to victory in an impressive 4:18:07.66, noting afterward in his interview with In2Adventure’s Wes Heather, “This is my gateway to trail running, this is my first ever ultra.” Grace Harrison from Vaucluse NSW clinched the female category, conquering the course in 5:16:32.17.
PHOTO: In2Adventure’s Wes Heather with TRA Ultra50 winner Joshua Mcnab.
Robyn Lazenby gave some insight into Joshua saying, “He is an amazing athlete and an amazing person as well, what a tremendous performance. He even overtook the some of the 30k event runners at the finish as well.”
In notable performances by locals, Andrew Clarkson of Cooma came sixth in the TRA Ultra50 male category, and Amy Parnell of Jindabyne ran tenth in the TRA 21km female category.
Robyn Lazenby summed up the event saying, “It was an epic showdown of grit and speed, and pure determination, every athlete brought their A-game and made it unforgettable.”
PHOTO: TreX Cross Triathlon female National Champion Laura Gillard CREDIT: In2Adventure.