SATURDAY 31 OCTOBER

The Blackwood Relay is a one-of-a-kind multi-discipline event held annually on the last Saturday of October in Western Australia's stunning Blackwood River Valley. Now in its 47th year, it began in 1979 as a Bridgetown Rotary initiative to celebrate WA's 150th anniversary. What started with just 54 teams has grown into one of regional WA's most enduring grassroots endurance events, bringing together over 600 competitors, spectators, volunteers and supporters each year.

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For 2026, the event has its biggest refresh in decades - a new name, a new course and a clearer choice of how to take part. 

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The full Five-Leg Relay takes competitors through canoeing, horse riding, swimming, cycling and running, starting near Jayes Bridge. It's believed to be the only relay event in Australia to include a dedicated equestrian leg - a feature that makes it truly unique.

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For those without a horse rider, or simply after a different challenge, the new Triathlon (swim, cycle, run) joins the course partway through, offering the same iconic Blackwood Valley scenery in a shorter format.

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Beyond the physical challenge, the Blackwood Relay is a celebration of community, connection and the incredible landscapes of the South West.

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Note: The equestrian leg is part of the full Five Leg Relay only. Competitors without a horse rider can take on the Triathlon instead - no horse required.

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THE COURSE OVERVIEW

The 2026 course has been redesigned around the Blackwood River, with two ways to take part:​

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​​Triathlon (teams of 3, or solo individual triathletes)​​​​

• Swim: 1,500m upriver from a private property, joining the Five Leg course at Winnejup Bridge

• Cycle: 37km leaving from Winnejup Bridge area then north on the Boyup-Bridgetown Road

• Run: 10.5km starting from the Bridgetown Sports Ground heading through Four Seasons Estate, the Rail Trail and Whittell's Road back to the finish line at the Bridgetown Sports Ground.

 

Five-Leg Relay (teams of 5, or solo competitors)​​​​​​​​​​​​

• Canoe: approx. 7km, starting near Jayes Bridge

• Horse: approx. 16km, finishing near Winnejup Bridge

• Swim: 1,000m starting at Winnejup Bridge heading West and then back again (both up & down stream)

• Cycle: 37km leaving from Winnejup Bridge area then north on the Boyup-Bridgetown Road

• Run: 10.5km starting from the Bridgetown Sports Ground heading through Four Seasons Estate, alongside the Railway and up Whittell's Road back to the finish line at the Bridgetown Sports Ground.

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A digital fob system replaces the traditional baton, tracked in real time so supporters can follow competitors throughout the day. The event now runs continuously, with no mid-course break, finishing around midday and followed by celebrations, food, music and presentations at the Bridgetown Sports Ground in the early afternoon.

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​​​​​​​​​WHO CAN ENTER?

The event welcomes people aged 14+, with a variety of entry categories to suit both competitive and social teams and individuals, across both the Five Leg Relay and Triathlon.

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Entry Categories:

• Solo Competitor (Five Leg or Triathlon; Men & Women)

• Open (Men/Women/Mixed)

• Women's

• Mixed

• Veteran (Open/Women)

• Super Veterans

• Youth (Min. age 14, max. age 19)

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Previously entered as a four-person team? The four leg format has retired for 2026. If you'd like to keep your team together in the full Five Leg Relay but need a horse rider, register your interest in our equestrian matching service by emailing us or join the new Triathlon instead.

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WHY IT MATTERS

The Blackwood Relay is more than a race - it’s a regional tradition that draws hundreds of participants, volunteers and spectators to the South West each year.

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Run entirely by volunteers, the event raises funds for the Rotary Club of Bridgetown, supporting youth programs, local causes and community infrastructure.

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​​​​​​​​​​​​But like many regional events, the Relay faces rising costs and declining participation. We’re on a mission to secure its future with the #To50AndBeyond campaign - aiming to grow support, amplify its legacy and reach 50 years strong.

 

We’re calling on everyone who loves this event, past competitors, volunteers, locals and fans, to help secure its future. Whether you’ve raced once, volunteered every year, or cheered from the sidelines, your story matters.

 

Here’s how you can help:

• Post your Blackwood Relay story – a photo, a memory, what it means to you.

• Use the hashtag #To50AndBeyond.

• Tag @blackwoodrelay so we can share it too.

 

Together, let’s build momentum and make sure the Blackwood Relay reaches 50 years strong and keeps going for generations to come.

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Before you dive into all the details of the new Blackwood Relay format, take a look back at where it all began. Last year, Destination WA captured the Blackwood Marathon Relay in all its glory - the history, the heart and the sheer fun of race day in the Blackwood Valley.

 

While the course and format have evolved for 2026, everything you'll see in this video (the community spirit, the camaraderie, the stunning scenery, the atmosphere at the finish line) is exactly what you can expect when you join us this October and more!

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Take a look, then read on to find out how you can be part of the next chapter.

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GOOD TO KNOW

• Start time: 9.00AM sharp

• Live tracking: follow competitors in real time via digital fob technology (note: Telstra provides the best coverage across the course)

• Dogs: Not allowed on private property or in camping areas

• Veterinary & Ambulance Services: On standby (costs are competitors’ responsibility)

• Horse Care: Horses must be tagged with contact info and monitored throughout​

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Want more event info - visit our FAQs or Event Info pages for the full breakdown.

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Still have questions? Email us at info@blackwoodrelay.com.au

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help us spread the word

The Blackwood Relay is unlike anything else in Australia. If you've enjoyed being part of the event over the years, we'd love your help sharing it with teammates, sporting clubs, triathlon friends, paddling groups, riding communities and anyone looking for their next challenge.

 

The best ambassadors for this event have always been the people who have experienced it. Share our posts on socials or click here to download our event flyer from the website to pass on.