Adventure Racing Queensland (ARQ) Series

The Adventure Racing Queensland (ARQ) Series was created and directed by Geocentric Outdoors as a five-round competition that helped define and grow the adventure racing community in South East Queensland. Running from 2006 through 2008, the series offered an exciting progression of events that ranged from short urban adventures to full expedition-style challenges — each designed to test teamwork, navigation, and endurance in a fun, inclusive environment.

Each round showcased a different racing style and location. The series opened with City Raid – One Night in Vegas, an urban race through Brisbane’s CBD that had teams navigating by foot, ferry, and train under city lights. Later rounds, such as Summer Storm, The Step Up, and Rush Hour, introduced traditional off-road disciplines — mountain biking, kayaking, and trail running — across regional Queensland landscapes, including Ewen Maddock Dam, Lake Kurwongbah, and the Glass House Mountains. The final round each year culminated in Hells Bells, the state’s premier 24-hour adventure race.

Geocentric Outdoors managed every element of the series — from event design, branding, and sponsorship through to logistics, safety, and on-the-day operations. Each race featured unique themes, creative checkpoints, and “urban challenges” that brought humour and imagination into the sport, while maintaining a professional level of planning and safety management. Supported by sponsors such as ARea51, Mountain Designs, Gap Cycles, Endura, and Active Stride, the series also introduced many new participants to the sport, fostering a strong and welcoming community of racers.

The ARQ Series became the launchpad for countless athletes who went on to compete in national and international adventure races. It also set the tone for future Geocentric events — combining professionalism, accessibility, and a sense of fun that made adventure racing more approachable and community-driven across Queensland.