Murrell Enduro Delivers Grit, Guts and the Wettest Edition on Record in the Falklands
- islandtorquepodcas
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
On the 15th of February, 2026, the Murrell Enduro reminded the Falkland Islands why off road racing on the archipelago carries its own reputation for severity. Even in dry conditions, Murrell is widely regarded by local riders as hard going. The terrain is naturally rutted, technical and physically demanding. Add standing water, saturated peat and churned farm tracks, and the 2026 running has already earned a simple label among competitors: the wettest Murrell Enduro ever.
Organised under the banner of the Falkland Islands Motorcycle Association, the event continues to serve a dual purpose. It is competitive, yes, but it is also deliberately inclusive. The Murrell Enduro is designed to bring in riders who might not normally line up for motocross. This year that mission succeeded. From 15 to 70 years of age, with a broad spectrum of ability, the entry list reflected a genuine community cross section. It was social, challenging and, by most accounts, unforgettable.
The conditions, however, were a shock even by Falklands standards. The run back off the mountain toward the farm was described as exceptionally soft. What might normally be a flowing section turned into a slog. Regan Newman reportedly went for an involuntary swim in a ditch up to her shoulder. Amy Guest, who ultimately recorded a DNF, summed up the opening lap bluntly: “I was horrified at what I was seeing.” Her partner Jay had pitched the day as a trail ride. Instead, riders were met with flooded sections and axle deep mud.
Incidents began early. On the first lap, Ross Peters and Nathan Johnson went over the handlebars at the same time in the same ditch. Peters later joked he had fallen off the most times of anyone, but the tone throughout the paddock was consistent: everyone had a story, and most were laughing about it by the end of the day.
Performance highlights cut through the chaos. Lesley Dickson was the youngest rider to finish and delivered an outstanding ride to claim sixth overall. Nathan Lowe once again proved to be a quiet threat, finishing fourth and reinforcing his reputation as one of the event’s most consistent performers. Regan Newman earned recognition as the only female finisher. While Amy Guest did not complete the course, her pace and commitment in brutal conditions drew respect across the field.
Ryan Smith also turned heads. Competing on an XR 190, widely regarded as one of the least powerful and heaviest machines in the field, and reportedly running on fuel enhancer, he delivered a strong ride that underlined the enduro’s spirit. Equipment mattered less than resilience.
Perhaps the most widely admired ride of the day belonged to Ron Roberts. At 70 years old, with a torn knee cartilage, he was advised by his wife that he was mad to even consider it. He geared up anyway, lined up and finished. In an event defined by attrition, that effort carried weight.
Youth development was equally visible. Sean Moffatt's riding school influence was evident among the younger competitors. Observers noted textbook technique being attempted in real time, elbows high, hips back, concentration fixed. The children were visibly engaged when Sean spoke. In a community where mentorship matters, that detail did not go unnoticed.
Operationally, the event was widely praised. Sign up ran smoothly. Special tests were efficiently timed. The spreadsheet system worked without issue. Checkpoints were manned by committed volunteers, including Dylan Stephenson’s parents, who drove out to support the event, while his partner and daughter Aurora assisted with timing duties. Trophies were well received. Riders, despite mud caked gear and bruised egos, were smiling.
Credit was repeatedly directed toward Sean and Jodie Robson for delivering a well organised event under difficult conditions. In a small motorsport community, events do not happen by default. They happen because people commit time, vehicles and labour. The Murrell Enduro once again demonstrated that in the Falklands, when the call goes out, the community responds.
Hard in the dry. Brutal in the wet. Murrell delivered both challenge and cohesion. That combination is precisely why it continues to matter.
Results below.....
