Running in the wilds of a recently-created national park today, I came across a group of trail bikes. I greeted the first past me with “you know you’re not allowed in here?”, which he ignored but he did ask if there was anyone else with me, so he was looking out for other users. I tried the same line on the rest of the bunch when I came level with them, but their answer surprised me and I came away with a different point of view.

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Running Wild Trail Association has been formed to fill a perceived void in organised, quality trail running experiences for athletes in NSW. Following our ongoing discussions on how great it is to participate in events like these at some highly regarded races such as Six Foot Track, Woodford to Glenbrook and Mt Wilson to Bilpin, and events that draw on the wilderness experience, we decided to create a not for profit organisation to seek out and provide more of these trail experiences for runners in NSW.

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Well we had wind, fog, misty rain, Great Trails and plenty of food. Wow what a weekend up at the Bunya’s we had. There was enough clear weather to take in some of the fantastic views whilst running along the rainforest trails. With all the recent rain, the Bunya Mountains was on full show with thick rainforest right up to the edge of the trails - there was even the occasional hurdle over fallen Bunya Pines and the stinging nettle which added to the whole nature experience (normally this is trimmed back by parks staff, but they had a backlog of more serious repairs after the last two week’s storms).

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Most of you will already know what a great place the Bunya Mountains is to run and walk. Similar to Lamington National Park in elevation and hence summer coolness, the forest features the distinctive Bunya pines. Grant Cooper is planning a relaxed weekend with some informal running thrown in, ideal to bring along non-running partners and family. 

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Here’s a great new running book - “from last to first” by Charlie Spedding. A real contender for best book of the year too. Who is Charlie Spedding you ask? Well I’m not spoiling the story by answering that one, but suffice to say he provides:
A. a killer description of a classic marathon struggle (that’s just chapter 1!)

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Monday 13 July, 6pm at Bunya Sports Club, Jinker Track - open meeting to discuss our priorities, prior to discussion with the parks service on new places to run in 2010. Bring your ideas, ethusiasm, maps. Affordable meals or snacks available at the club.

One of most popular posts on Coolrunnings Trail and Mountain Running forum, in case you missed it: “Whilst running today through the bush I realised we need more trail runners - this has not come from some altruistic feeling of getting the nation fitter - I have purely selfish motives. I ate no less than five cobwebs today (thankfully ingesting no spiders but sampling a few spun flies) and it made me realise that even at 12pm I was the first runner to tread this Kuring gai chase trail today.

If we had more runners there would have been much more activity on this trail and I would not have had to crash through these spiders’ homes. I have devised a strategy to ward off webs which other runners in the same predicament may find helpful - a very light three foot stick waved in front whilst running anticipates and destroys any sticky obstructions - as long as the stick is light and you don’t mind looking like some tribal soothsayer laying rights then this is a highly effective remedy.

Anyone have any better solutions? Who will join my campaign to save the sticks and run the trails?

Bushbaybee

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There are plenty of good ideas on this inspiring website:
 

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Organised as an informal run, it sounds like this was a great success and a great way to start 2009.  Reports and pics follow 

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Many will have seen the sensationalist TV coverage. Here is the true story as it unfolded, from the daily web statements of the organiser. There are some important issues discussed in relation to self-reliance and safety. It would be great to see an event of this type in Australia – compared to adventure races, which seem to enjoy hyping risky behaviours like sleep deprivation, mountain marathons have their roots in the UK fell and mountain racing scene, with a strong emphasis on self-responsibility and demonstrated experience before entry.

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