Spartans, Obstacle Course Racing championships race through Ipswich

Published on 30 March 2026

Thousands of the world’s toughest athletes will descend on Ipswich for two major endurance racing events, supported by Ipswich City Council.

The 2026 OCR (Obstacle Course Racing) Community World Championships and Spartan Trifecta Weekend will be held at Ivory’s Rock in Peak Crossing on 21-22 and 23-24 of May respectively.

Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said council had endorsed a $50,000 sponsorship arrangement covering this year’s events, plus a further two years for the Spartan Trifecta Weekend.

“It will be an epic four days as the best in endurance racing tackle the courses at Ivory’s Rock for the OCR Community World Championships and Spartan Trifecta Weekend,” Mayor Harding said.

“Hosting these events solidifies Ipswich’s reputation as a destination for elite tier sport, alongside Century Batteries Ipswich Super 440, AFLW matches at Brighton Homes Arena, Ipswich Cup, Winternationals and more.

“The OCR Community World Championships in Ipswich will be the first time the event has been held outside the Northern Hemisphere, with competitors to battle it out in four races: 80M short course, 3 kilometre, 15 kilometre and 6 kilometre Team Relay.

“Spartan Trifecta Weekend is one of the biggest events on the Spartan calendar.

“It comes to Ipswich for the second time after attracting more than 2,600 competitors and visitors to Ivory’s Rock in 2025, with 92 per cent from outside the city in a boost for our tourism industry.”

Economic and Cultural Development Committee Chairperson Councillor Pye Augustine said council had voted to provide $25,000 for the 2026 events, plus $15,000 in 2027 and $10,000 in 2028 for Spartan Trifecta Weekend.

“These new sponsorships by council ensure Ipswich is on the map as a major South East Queensland destination, benefitting our tourism industry and our city’s wider economy,” Cr Augustine said.

“We are expecting 4,000 athletes and 2,000 spectators to descend on our city across the four days for the OCR Community World Championships and Spartan Trifecta Weekend – a major boost for our city’s economy.”