Registrations will open in late 2026.

2026 - Registrations Open

Feb 16 - Early Bird Entry Ends

Mar 31 - Free Shirt Cut-off (Solo & Pairs)

May 02 - Late Fees Apply

May 09 - Registrations Close

May 06 - Race Pack Pick-Up (3.30PM) - Corry Cycles (Solo, Pairs, Teams, MINI + MEGA MACH).

May 07 - Late Race Pack Pick-Up - FINCH HATTON RSL

May 08 - ZACH MACH 2026

5:00 am - Kayak Drop-Off - Teemburra Dam

5:00 am - Car parking - Finch Hatton RSL (follow signs)

6:00 am - Sign-in Solo, Pairs & MTB Competitors

7:45 am - Event Briefing - FH MTB Trails - ANZAC Parade

8:00 am - RACE START

9:00 am - Stage 2 - Kayak - Competitor briefing & sign - Teemburra Dam

9:15 am - Stage 2 - Kayak - Stage Only Start

10:15 am - Stage 3 - Trail Run - Competitor briefing & sign-on - ZACH MACH HQ

10:30 am - Stage 3 - Trail Run - Stage Only Start

11:30 am - Stage 4 - Road Cycle - Competitor briefing & sign-in - ZACH MACH HQ

11:45 am - Stage 4 - Road Cycle - Stage Only Start

12:00 pm - Stage 2 - Kayak - Close

2:30 pm - Stage 3 - Trail Run - Close

4:30 pm - Stage 4 - Road Cycle (Full Event) FINISH

4:00 pm - Presentations - ZACH MACH HQ - may be held earlier if final participant finishes earlier

SOLO

Participants must complete all 4 stages of the Course individually.

Age: 18+

PAIRS

Both competitors must complete all 4 Stages of the course together. Competitors must stay within 20m of each other at all times.

Age: 16+

RELAY TEAM - 2, 3 OR 4 Competitors

Each competitor completes one or more stages of the course relay style. Only 1 competitor is on the course at any time. Exception: 2 may Kayak together.

Age: 14+

STAGE ONLY

Don’t have a team or you only like to do one thing (or two). Choose simply to compete in a stage or stages of your choice.

Age: 14+ (5km Trail Run 8+)

Age is as of 31 December 2026.

Prize money categories are as follows:

👉 Overall Male & Female (Solo)

1st: $200 + 2027 Entry Fee

2nd: $150

3rd: $100

👉 Pairs

1st: $300

2nd: $200

3rd: $100

👉 Team

1st: $120

👉 STAGE ONLY: Male & Female

1st: $70

2nd: $50

3rd: $30

Prize money is excluded in the non-competitive Stage 1 E-MTB Category.

Accommodation:

Camping can be pre-booked with your registration or email info@tri-activ8.com.au. Camping is at the FH RSL Grounds.

Showers and Toilet Facilities available.

Meals:

Breakfast & Snacks: The RSL will be cooking up a BBQ Breakfast for purchase.

Lunch & Dinner: The Gift Shed and Finch Hatton Criterion Hotel will be open over the weekend.

• Be fit and able to cope with the demands of the event.

• Accept responsibility for themselves and their belongings during the event.

• Be prepared to abide by the rules and safety regulations associated with the event.

• Follow all directions given by event officials.

• Attend Event Briefing

• Be of 14+ years of age or older to compete an in relay team or individual leg (age as of 31 December 2026).

• All Stage 2 (Kayak) participants must be able to swim.

Be ready for a whole load of adventure!

Safety is our #1 priority.

• Roads and waterways used will not be closed to traffic.

• Participants must ride and kayak in a safe, responsible and courteous manner during the event and use common sense at all times.

• Participants must abide by the Queensland Road Rules and to follow directions given by The Organisers and Queensland Police. Participants must not ride more than 2 abreast on public roads.

Some important event rules include:

• You must complete the course as outlined in the course information.

• There MUST never be more that 20 meters between the first team member of a Pair and the last team member and you must be able to communicate verbally with each team member at all times.

• At transition, both team members in the Pairs Category must check in and out.

• At transition, the incoming Relay Team member must transition in the nominated area.

• Obey all directions given by race officials on the day.

Compulsory equipment must be carried at ALL times.

The use of an eBike is allowed, but the participant/team will be ineligible for a Podium position and the competitor/team must have (eBike) attached to their registration name.

E-MTB’s must meet E-Bike Rules in Queensland.

Penalties or Disqualification will apply for non-compliance with these rules. This is by no means an exhaustive list and we recommend that you read the full event rules in detail before the event.

Timing Chip must be around the left ankle and race number. Mobile Phone in waterproof bag.

MTB Leg/s

• Closed in shoes

• Helmet (fits for purpose)

• MTB with working brakes & in good working order (non-motorised)

• Covered torso, a shirt must be worn at all times

• Hydration & nutrition

• Spares kit

• Race number

KAYAK

• PFD Life Jacket

• Kayak/ski (non-motorised)

• Paddle/oar

• Hydration

TRAIL RUN

• Hydration pack

• Covered torso

• 2 x snake bandages

• Closed in shoes

ROAD CYCLE

• Helmet fit for purpose

• Bike with working brakes and in good working order

• Covered torso

• Closed in shoes

• Spares

Check the Event Guide for any updated safety equipment.

A Safety & Event Briefing will occur before the event start and prior to the opening of each individual stage.

All competitors MUST attend this briefing as it covers important information including:

• Changes to the course

• All the things you need to know to stay safe throughout the event.

• Event specific information

The race will start immediately when the Event Briefing is finished.

A Transition Area is where you move from one Stage to another (ie Mountain Biking to Canoe/Kayak etc).

There are 2 transition areas on the course, in 2 different locations. Transition Areas are managed by volunteers. Transition areas have communication with the ZACH MACH HQ.

TRANSITION 1: Teemburra Dam: MTB to Kayak; and Kayak to MTB

TRANSITION 2: Finch Hatton RSL: MTB to Run; and Run to Cycle

When you arrive at Transition, it is important that solo competitors and teams cross over the timing mats.

Progressive closing times for locations along the event route will be noted. If the Participant falls behind these closing times they shall either board the Support Vehicle for transportation to the next stage.

Check the Event Guide on updated closing times.

Photographers and Media will be on the course taking photos of the event. Pictures will be able to be downloaded from the ZACH MACH Mackay Adventure Challenge Facebook Page. Spectators are more than welcome to take photos. The Participant consents to the use of these images for promotional purposes. All participants are required to agree to the ‘Release and Indemnity Waiver’ before online registration.

The Race HQ will be located at the Finch Hatton RSL Grounds directly opposite the Finch Hatton MTB Park. The grounds not only facilitates a fantastic spectacle for spectators, but a convenient central transition zone for Competitors.

Stage 1A will commence on the Mountain Bike from the Finch Hatton MTB Trails. There will be a rolling start to the Finch Hatton State School. Stage 2 Transition Area is at Teemburra Dam for the kayak, prior to Stage 1B Mountain Bike in reverse and include a lap of the Finch Hatton MTB Park.

Stage 3 & 4 will be from the Finch Hatton RSL Grounds.

When you cross the finish line please ensure the following:

• You and your team look awesome for the Finish Photo!

• Enjoy the festivities and prize giving, and don’t forget to celebrate and share your challenges and fun stories with other adventurers.

We understand that circumstances can change, and while refunds are not available for this event, we offer the following options:

• Transfers: You may transfer your entry to the 2027 ZACH MACH up to 7 days before the event for a $15 administration fee.

• Non-Transferable: Within 7 days of the event, registrations are final and cannot be transferred.

To request a transfer, please email info@tri-activ8.com.au.