“Totally outside my comfort zone”: Aussie IronWoman set to take on next level gruelling challenge

Less than a year on from her double world record breaking paddle around Australia, national sporting icon Bonnie Hancock is in the midst of training for her next challenge.

Less than a year on from her double world record breaking paddle around Australia, national sporting icon Bonnie Hancock is in the midst of training for her next challenge.

The Red Bull Defiance race, which will be held from August 25 to 27 is the ultimate test of endurance, resilience and teamwork.

Completed in pairs, the event will take athletes through some of Australia’s most gruelling yet beautiful landscapes starting at South Mission Beach in Queensland.

Hancock was contacted by Red Bull early in 2023 and gladly accepted their offer to compete, knowing it would be equally cruel and rewarding.

“That’s actually what I love, after a decade of IronWoman racing,” Hancock said.

“I’ve found that is where my strength is.

“But of course I’ve had to change my mindset … It isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon and I need to pace myself,” she said.

Bonnie Hancock training at Mermaid Beach to compete in the Red Bull Defence race. Picture Glenn Hampson

Hancock and her partner will be pushed to their limits with over 150km of forest track running, mountain biking and open water kayaking on top of ‘mystery challenges’ that are strewn across the course.

But while her race partner Bec Wiseman shares a background in surf lifesaving, neither her nor Hancock have faced anything like this before.

“It’s totally new territory for us,” Hancock said.

Throughout the course of the event the pair will need to remain within 100 metres of each other or risk being disqualified, making it all the more challenging.

“It will be really interesting … We’re going to pull each other up along the way and be encouraging.

“We’ve got good rapport and that will play an important part.”

In order to prepare her body for the intense race, Hancock is working her way up in kilometres each month and admits her previous training will likely help.

Bonnie Hancock training at Mermaid Beach to compete in the Red Bull Defence race. Picture Glenn Hampson

“At the moment I’m doing about 10km runs and working my way up to the half marathon distance ready for August,” she said.

“With the bike I’m about to hit the trail and get some kilometres into my legs.

“I’m hoping my years of experience running on sand will be an advantage and help with running the trails.”

While Hancock’s competitive flare is unlikely to dissipate, the Red Bull Defiance race is more of an experience for the praised athlete who says she’s already happy with what she has achieved.

“I’m so happy with my career as a professional athlete.

“Right now I’m just looking at new experiences and challenging myself,” she said.

“This is totally outside my comfort zone and I love pushing myself.”

Originally published as “Totally outside my comfort zone”: Aussie IronWoman set to take on next level gruelling challenge