An Olympic-Inspired Obstacle Course Is Coming to Sydney – And It’s Faster, Fitter, and More Fun Than You Think

Clear your calendars for September 19–21, because Darling Harbour is about to turn into the ultimate playground for speed, strength, and agility lovers. The YOHKA Sprint Series is hitting the AusFitness Expo, bringing an 80-metre Olympic-inspired obstacle course to Sydney – and trust us, this is not your average weekend workout.

If you’re imagining a grueling, hours-long endurance test, think again. This is short, sharp, and adrenaline-packed. Participants take on two laps of a dynamic course filled with challenging yet achievable obstacles – all designed to be smashed out in under a minute. Yes, a minute. That’s the beauty of the YOHKA Sprint Series: it’s intense, it’s fast, and it’s addictive to watch (and even more addictive to try).

Why Short Obstacle Courses Are the Next Big Thing

Globally, short-course obstacle racing – sometimes called Ninja OCR – is exploding in popularity. Tracks are usually 80–100 metres, packed with grip, balance, and power challenges that test your whole body and your brain. And now, this fast-paced format is officially heading to the LA 2028 Olympic Games as part of the Modern Pentathlon.

Here in Australia, YOHKA – alongside the newly formed Australian Multisport Federation – is campaigning to make obstacle racing a standalone sport at the Brisbane Olympics. It’s a big dream, but they’ve already got the stats to back it up: the sport has around 90 associations worldwide, smashing the 60-association threshold needed for Olympic recognition. Not bad for a sport that’s only been building momentum for the past decade.

What to Expect at the YOHKA Sprint Series

This isn’t just for elite athletes (though you’ll see some seriously talented Aussies competing – some as young as 13, who’ve already represented the country internationally). The course is designed so anyone with a decent base level of fitness can have a go. That means you can come as a competitor, or you can turn up just to cheer, watch, and get inspired.

The YOHKA Sprint Series will also feature a Parkour competition and demo, showing just how creative, fluid, and jaw-dropping obstacle movement can be. And if you’re the type who likes to know what you’re getting into, there’s even a media workshop and skills session planned so you can get hands-on training before the event.

Why Parents (and Teens) Will Love It

For active families, this is one of those rare events that can be equally exciting for parents and kids. Teens aged 13+ can compete, and the format means they’re not slogging through hours of training or a marathon-length course. It’s about precision, speed, and problem-solving under pressure.

Even if you’re not competing, the energy in the arena will be electric. It’s the kind of event where you cheer until you’re hoarse, get inspired to try something new, and maybe even sign up for your own session before you leave.

5 Reasons to Add the YOHKA Sprint Series to Your September Plans

1. It’s Olympic-approved (almost) – Short-course OCR is already set for LA 2028, and you might just be watching the next Aussie Olympic athletes in action.
2. Fast, fierce, and fun – Less than a minute of all-out effort makes for a spectacle that’s easy to watch and hard to look away from.
3. Family-friendly competition – With participants aged 13 to 70+, it’s proof that obstacle racing really is for everyone.
4. Learn from the best – The skills workshops are a rare chance to be coached by elite OCR athletes.
5. The AusFitness Expo buzz – With so much happening under one roof, it’s a full day of sport, health, and fitness inspiration.

Meet the Visionaries Behind YOHKA

At the heart of the YOHKA Sprint Series is Mick Gleeson, one of Australia’s leading obstacle experts, and Russel Nelmes, Principal of YOHKA and President of the Australian Multisport Federation and Todd Liubinskas, CEO of YOHKA. Together, they’re not just creating exciting events – they’re building a pathway for Australian athletes to step onto the world stage.

Their mission? To make obstacle racing more accessible, more recognised, and more celebrated – not just by the fitness community, but by mainstream sport fans everywhere.

The Details

When: September 19–21, 2025
Where: AusFitness Expo, Darling Harbour, Sydney
Who Can Compete: Ages 13–70+, from first-timers to elite athletes
Bonus: Parkour competitions, skills workshops, and plenty of action to watch.

Whether you’re there to test your grip strength, channel your inner ninja, or just soak up the high-energy atmosphere, the YOHKA Sprint Series promises to be one of the most exciting additions to Sydney’s fitness calendar this year.

And who knows – by the time Brisbane 2032 rolls around, you might just be able to say, “I was there before obstacle racing went Olympic.”

Disclaimer: Event details subject to change. Always check official scheduling before attending.