The Taalinup Augusta Capers Challenge
The Taalinup Augusta Capers Challenge is a:
- multi-sport,
- multi-sector,
- any-time challenge,
designed for participants of all ages and levels. The Capers Challenge will incorporate the immense beauty and natural landscape of the Taalinup Augusta area, with participation spread throughout the year to enhance sustainability.
It aligns with the Department of Local Government, Sport, Recreation and Industry’s More People, More Active framework in encouraging people of all ages and capabilities to take up new activities or extend their participation at a level which suits them. Grant funding has been awarded to set up the framework of the Capers Challenge.
Simple race logistics and partnerships with local businesses mean the community benefits from offering ‘Have-A-Go’ introductory activities and visitation by individuals and organised clubs and groups. This way, community facilities are more widely utilised, and the ability to complete sectors one at a time and repeat them if desired encourages participants to return to complete the whole course and improve on their efforts.
The Capers Challenge sectors will be:
- Mountain / gravel biking
- Trail running
- Stand-up paddling
- Kayaking / canoeing
- Swimming
Registration and entry will take place online or in town at various businesses. Instead of trail markers, the Capers Challenge sector routes will be marked on an online map via an app, which can be accessed whilst offline. Participants will otherwise time themselves and register their completion through use of the app (e.g., Strava). The Taalinup Augusta Capers Challenge will be promoted through a web page and social media, local and state media, and via user groups, as well as through local businesses.
Sectors will be designed with the help of local groups such as the Hash House Harriers, the Augusta Bicycle Users Group, and the Friends of the Cape to Cape, in consultation with key governing and community stakeholders.
Prize categories will be designed to encourage participation, improvement, and group engagement. Winners will be trackable online, and following race official scrutiny, awarded at the end of the competition phase.
Have-A-Go Days:
Capers like Have-A-Go Days will be held in the community to not only engage participants in the Challenge disciplines but also to help people explore many of the active options available in the Taalinup Augusta Community. The Capers Have-A-Go days:
- Will be centred on locations such as the Colourpatch, Civic Precinct, the Lighthouse, the Golf Club, the Yacht Club, with activities suitable to the location.
- Qualified coaches will be on hand to introduce skills for the Challenge sports, and equipment will be available to use.
- Participating Community sporting clubs will help people Have a Go (not everyone wants to do an adventure race!) – hopefully inspiring ongoing participation.
- Will introduce local businesses that can help get people active (training, equipment, etc.).
- Information will be available to assist in ongoing self-training and to help connect the community for each given activity.
Contact Information
To get in contact, please email CapersChallenge@gmail.com
Activities Include:
- Cape to Cape Track – trail running
- Have-a-Go Days for Challenge sports and Community clubs at key locations
- Mountain / gravel biking through the Leeuwin Naturaliste National Park and Shire reserves on existing trails
- Stand up Paddling, Swimming, Kayaking, and Canoeing on the Hardy Inlet, Blackwood River, and in Flinders Bay.
