Meet the Adventurers Behind AJ Events: Serge & Maria's Mission to Share the Spirit of Adventure Racing

At the heart of AJ Events — the team behind Australia's growing Sprint Series Adventure Races — are two passionate athletes, world-class expeditioners, and down-to-earth humans: Serge and Maria. Their mission is simple but bold: to make adventure racing accessible to everyone, no matter their experience level.

But before creating a platform that welcomes weekend warriors, first-timers, and seasoned athletes alike, Serge and Maria were pushing the limits of endurance and exploration on some of the toughest race courses on Earth.

 From the World's Wildest Races...

Together, Serge and Maria have raced through some of the most remote, rugged, and untamed corners of the planet. They’ve tested their endurance, skill, and teamwork in some of the most iconic expedition races, including:

• Eco-Challenge (Fiji) – the legendary “World’s Toughest Race” spanning hundreds of kilometres through jungles, oceans, and mountains, made famous by Amazon Prime’s global broadcast. Their team name was 'Second Chance'.
• Patagonia Expedition Race (Chile) – a raw, wild, and brutally beautiful event through the southern tip of South America, where teams must be fully self-sufficient and mentally unbreakable.
• GODZone Adventure Race (New Zealand) – the pinnacle of Southern Hemisphere expedition racing, combining stunning terrain with serious navigational and physical challenges.
• Dozens of other classic events across Europe, Asia and Oceania.

As athletes, Serge and Maria know what it means to dig deep — through blizzards, sleep deprivation, blistered feet, and flooded trails. But what kept them coming back wasn’t just the challenge — it was the camaraderie, the connection to nature, and the transformative power of adventure.

 ...To Creating a Race Format for Everyone

After racing at the top level for years, Serge and Maria realized that the spirit of adventure racing shouldn’t be reserved for elite athletes. They saw how the sport could change lives — not just for the fittest, but for anyone willing to take a chance, embrace uncertainty, and have a go.

So, they set out to design something new:
A race that captures the heart of expedition racing — navigation, teamwork, varied disciplines — but in a shorter, more accessible format that anyone can try.

And that’s how the Sprint Series Adventure Races were born.

 What is the Sprint Series?

The Sprint Series distils the best parts of full-scale adventure racing into a 3–5 hour event. It’s designed to be inclusive, fun, and achievable for everyone — from weekend explorers to future Eco-Challenge competitors.

Each event includes:

• Trail running / trekking
• Mountain biking
• Kayaking (provided for participants)
• Map & compass navigation
• Teamwork in teams of two

No GPS. No marked trails. No two races are ever the same.
It’s just you, your teammate, your map, and the adventure that unfolds.

Serge and Maria believe that you don’t need to race for 7 days to feel like an adventurer. You just need a bit of courage, a sense of humour, and the willingness to try something different.

 In Their Words

“Adventure racing has given us so much — friendships, unforgettable moments, resilience. We wanted to create a version of it that lets anyone feel that magic. You don’t have to be fast or fearless. You just have to start.”
– Maria Plyashechko, Co-Founder, AJ Events

“We’ve raced in jungles, deserts, snowstorms, and rivers. But the real reward has always been seeing people surprise themselves. That’s what the Sprint Series is all about.”
– Serge Kurov, Co-Founder, AJ Events

 Growing a Community of Everyday Adventurers

Since launching the Sprint Series, Serge and Maria have watched the sport grow beyond their expectations. Their events have seen:

• Parents racing with teenagers
• Friends trying something totally new together
• Elite athletes enjoying a new kind of challenge
• First-timers finishing muddy, smiling, and already planning their next race

The Sprint Series is more than just a race — it’s a gateway into the outdoors, a celebration of teamwork, and a community where everyone belongs.

And Serge and Maria are just getting started.

Their vision? A nationwide network of adventure races that empower everyday Australians to step off the beaten track and into something extraordinary.

 Join the Movement

If you’ve ever wanted to:

• Get off the grid
• Try something different
• Connect with your inner explorer
• Or just share an unforgettable day with a teammate

The Sprint Series is for you.
No experience needed. Just bring your sense of adventure.