Skies the limit for True Grit in Barossa
After a hugely successful era for True Grit in the Riverlands at the Caudo Vineyard in Cadell, 2026 saw True Grit move to the beautiful Barossa Valley on 16+17 May. True Grit has been very lucky to find the perfect venue and hosts in Barossa Helicopters, who have welcomed our team and wonderful group of maniacs, the Gritters, on to their land for an amazing time.
True Grit Barossa delivered an unforgettable weekend of mud, mateship, and determination, with participants from across South Australia and beyond descending on the stunning Barossa region to take on one of the country’s most exciting obstacle course challenges. With circa 2,500 participants, and a projected 2,000 spectators, for the weekend – we certainly had our hands full.
From the first wave of the morning to the final competitors crossing the finish line, the energy across the course was electric. Participants tackled steep climbs, muddy crawls, water crossings, and signature True Grit obstacles that tested strength, endurance, and teamwork in equal measure. What stood out most throughout the event was the incredible spirit shown by every competitor — whether they were elite athletes chasing podium finishes or first-timers simply determined to complete the course.
The participants took on the amazing 5km and super challenging 10km courses. With most of the feedback given focusing on the infamous Heartbreak Hill. But with such picturesque views from the top, it was certainly worth the tough climb. In fact, the only way to get a better view of the landscape was from a Barossa Helicopters flight around the course. We were so lucky to have the amazing pilot Goose taking our Gritters for flights all weekend.
It was amazing to have our Gritters come from all around South Australia to take on the challenge, but we are so incredibly grateful to have our mad Gritters show up from all around the country. At True Grit Barossa, we saw Gritters arrive from Sydney, Brisbane, ACT, Victoria, WA, and Darwin.
New Location, New Course, Blistering Times
A major highlight of the weekend was the Elite Wave, which brought together some of the strongest and fastest obstacle course racers in the country.
The level of athleticism and determination on display showcased exactly why obstacle course racing continues to grow in popularity across Australia.
Women’s Elite Winners:
🥇 Emily Steven – 1h 11m 14s
🥈 Ella Angel – 1h 32m 08s
🥉 Kira Attwood – 1h 53m 23s
Men’s Elite Winners:
🥇 Max Bush – 1h 02m 25s
🥈 Simon Peyhardi – 1h 10m 19s
🥉 Mark Halliwell – 1h 12m 52s
Our podium finishers were awarded with prize packs donated by our amazing sponsors and partners.
Huge Thanks to Our Partners
True Grit wouldn’t be possible without the support of some amazing partners and locals who helped bring it all together:
- Staminade, Undo This Mess, Rocky Ridge Brewing, SAINT Layers, True Protein, LSKD and C4.
It was also amazing to have representatives from our charity partners Invictus Australia on hand to run the course and raise awareness for their wonderful and imperative organisations.
It was also wonderful for us to work with amazing local partners. For True Grit Barossa we partnered with Paramount Browns, who provided our Ammo Tins for the event. It was also incredible to have members of their team on hand to run our course.
It was also incredible to work with Valley Tankers who provided our water for the course this year. Thank you so much we couldn’t do it without you.
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The True Grit 2026 train is rumbling down the track, with Sydney next on our list. Sydney is looking to be another huge event for us in June.
Are you ready to take the muddy plunge and see what you are made of at a True Grit in 2025?
Head to our event page and see you at the start line! 💪
