Reynolds aims to repeat 2015 title feat

Dunsborough athlete Jess Reynolds hopes to reclaim her 2015 Dunsborough X-Adventure title next month, after being absent from the race last year because of illness.

The runner started racing with English Schools Athletics in her teenage years and progressed to longer distance running during her time at university.

After moving to Australia 13 years ago, she dabbled in triathlons before discovering adventure racing about five years ago.

Competing as part of a team for four years, the runner decided to enter as an individual competitor in 2013.

“Living in Dunsborough with everything at your feet, mountain bike trails so close and open water swimming, it (adventure racing) just felt logical,” she said.

Taking the lead in the mountain bike leg of the 2015 X-Adventure, Reynolds claimed the overall female title in 3hr 3min. 38sec.

Reynolds said she was focused on staying healthy leading into next month’s race and was looking forward to competing alongside locals.

“There’s a big local running field here, which is really exciting,” she said.

Reynolds said the terrain oft-en posed a challenge for competitors.

“The rocks are quite daunting, although it’s always amazing in terms of the scenery,” she said.

“Heaps of kids and adults get involved, and it’s such a good event in a great part of the world.”