Imagine setting out for a leisurely 8-kilometer run and ending up on a 50-kilometer odyssey through rugged mountain terrain. That’s exactly what happened to 17-year-old Bohdi Jackson during a triathlon camp in the NSW Snowy Mountains—a story that’s equal parts thrilling and cautionary. But here’s where it gets controversial: Was this a tale of teenage recklessness, or a lesson in the unpredictability of nature?
Bohdi’s morning began like any other. He was part of a running group in Kosciuszko National Park, but things took a turn when he sped ahead, distracted by the blaring rap music from his speaker. 'I went a bit too far and forgot to turn around,' he admitted. Before he knew it, he was lost—a realization that didn’t hit him until he was 12 kilometers in. 'I wasn’t going to turn back then—that would’ve meant 24 kilometers,' he explained. So, he kept going, hoping to find a road and a way back to his friends.
Meanwhile, his running group, worried by his absence, alerted emergency services. A massive search operation was launched, involving NSW Police, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, and the Rural Fire Service. Geo-targeted alerts were sent to nearby phones, and a helicopter was even deployed. But Bohdi, unaware of the search, continued his journey, taking breaks every 2 kilometers and even swimming in a river to cool off. 'Apparently, the water’s not drinkable,' he joked later. 'I might have diarrhea.'
And this is the part most people miss: Bohdi’s adventure wasn’t just a test of endurance—it was a lesson in preparedness. By the time he was found by a mountain biker, he was 30 kilometers from his starting point, exhausted but remarkably unharmed. He was airlifted back to his friends, where paramedics checked him for dehydration. 'My legs are very tired, but I feel alright,' he said, already planning a steak and a 'choccy milk' as a reward.
Bohdi’s accidental ultramarathon earned him new personal bests—20, 25, and 30 kilometers—but it also left him with a valuable takeaway. 'Find out where you’re running and what trails you’re on,' he advised. 'And don’t get lost.' NSW Police echoed this sentiment, urging visitors to the alpine region to plan carefully and carry a personal locator beacon (PLB). 'You can’t always rely on mobile phone reception,' Detective Inspector Ritchie Sim warned.
Here’s the question that’ll spark debate: Could this have been avoided entirely, or is getting lost sometimes just part of the adventure? Bohdi’s story is a reminder that even the simplest outings can turn into epic journeys—but with the right preparation, they don’t have to end in disaster. What’s your take? Would you have kept running like Bohdi, or turned back at the first sign of trouble? Let’s discuss in the comments!
