Pole Pedal Paddle is a unique multi-sport race weaving through Canberra’s diverse terrain, challenging the adventurer in you with a sprint across snow, streets, trails, and water. Stretching roughly 25 kilometers, the route moves from cross-country skiing or running at the peak of Mt Stromlo to cycling city streets and trails, and finally finishing with a kayak paddle on Lake Burley Griffin. Each leg dares you to adapt—snowy slopes and sprinting feet, tires gripping rough asphalt and gravel, then finally the lake's whispering currents urging a smooth paddle to the finish.

Starting at the Summit of Mt Stromlo, the highest point of the route sitting at around 800 meters elevation, you’ll encounter a brisk, invigorating climb that tests conditioning but rewards with panoramic views of the surrounding Brindabella Ranges. The terrain here demands reliable footwear; snow or hard-packed trail depending on timing, the ground is fiercely itself, demanding attention yet giving back with rare beauty.

Cycling fans will find the diverse city streets and suburban trails exhilarating, as pavement and dirt interplay with subtle elevation shifts. The roads push you through Canberra’s green spaces—parks and tree-lined avenues where the urban hum fades into the rustle of leaves and the occasional bird call. Timing your ride is key: earlier in the day sees lighter traffic and cooler temperatures, making the ride an efficient, focused segment of the journey.

The final leg is a paddle across the iconic Lake Burley Griffin. The water here behaves like a sentient part of the race, currents nudging and greeting, wind gusts steering your pace. Kayaks slice through the reflective surface, culminating this multi-disciplinary challenge with a test of upper-body stamina and rhythm.

Practical preparation is vital. Hydration stations dot the course but carrying a hydration pack or bottles is recommended given the physically diverse demands. Layered clothing tailored to rapid shifts in bodily exertion and environment allows for comfort across cold starts and warm finishes. Footwear needs to be adaptable—trail shoes for the mountain start, supplemented by cycling shoes if bringing your own bike.

Pole Pedal Paddle stands as a rare adventure that blends physical disciplines into one continuous narrative of challenge and natural interaction. From snowflakes to lake ripples, it protests against the idea of static landscapes, engaging you with the land’s unyielding character. This event is as much a conversation with Canberra’s environment as it is a competition, beckoning beginners and seasoned athletes alike to measure strength against the terrain’s uncompromising pulse.