With only a small field of 40 allowed by the permit, this new race filled up a week before the start. A number of us took the chance to stay up at Mount Glorious on Saturday night, and the drive up through cloud and mist was a hint of things to come.

The morning start down in the valley was fine though, and off they raced. Some raced a bit too fast in fact, and were feeling the effects after two steep climbs in the first four kilometers.

One runner was seen returning after the second hill, advising one and all “this isn’t a run, its  a bushwalk”. Of course, some of us like bushwalks! - and bushruns!

After the second hill the leading group including Don Wallace missed a turn on a fast downhill section, and with none taking their maps had to wait awhile for someone who did. Despite 7 minutes lost, Don made up the lost ground and places to come home first in 3:02:30.

pic: Don Wallace finishing at Cedar Flats picnic area

Kim Beckinsale, a young Sunshine Coast adventure racer, didn’t make the same mistake and wasn’t far behind to finish a strong second in 3:11:21.

pic: First woman Kim Beckinsale crossing the line

and then the rain came down…

But the sun returned, breakfast was served, and the stream beside the picnic area attracted a few tired runners to freshen up. This was a long, steep course with 1,500m of climb over 32km and quite a few took the option to shortcut back from the turnaround. Well chosen - if you’re having a tough day or have done enough for your current training plans, its better to get back home in good shape.

pic: Melinda, Charlotte and Matt finishing together in 4:00:57

All credit though to those hardy souls out for over 5 hours, some finding their way home by novel routes - in the cars of finishers, one dropped back by a QPWS ranger, another shortcutting through rugged bush completely off trail but emerging successfully close to the finish.

Not quite so good, someone who was seen cutting the corner on the main descent after Northbrook Mountain. Adventure racers and rogainers do this regularly, but its not good form in a trail race where everyone is supposed to follow the same route. Also, its a condition of our permits that we stick to the trails. See here for an interesting discussion of corner-cutting in this year’s Mont Blanc classic.

pic: 1st and 2nd women home, Kim and Hube

And for 2009:

Lesson One - next year we’ll follow the route the lost runners took! A nice long run down to the bottom and a well marked connection to the main track straight up to Northbrook Mountain will be more fun than this year’s overgrown river crossing, if 2008’s rain-laden weather patterns continue into next year.

I do have another Mount Glorious route up my sleeve, but in fairness to those who got lost I think we’ll offer this course again in 2009. And the accommodation at Camp Constable worked so well for your small group, we’ll book the bunkrooms next year and offer a Mountain Trails weekend to all entrants, complete with Saturday trail walks and dinner. See you again somewhere on the trails.

Click here for results: mtg08results.xls
Split results will be added next weekend when I’ve recovered…

Thanks to the team of enthusiastic volunteers who make this possible; Karen and Richard, Martin and Diane for giving up Saturday and Sunday, Cam and Jackie for enduring the rain and confusion at checkpoint two with just a tarp for shelter, Peter Ferris for being sweeper and carrying out ALL those posts and tape by himself (!), Julie, Nick and Ian for managing the finish so well, Marita for phoning round to encourage carpooling.

Thanks too for the sponsors who lend gear, support and spot prizes:
The Run Inn - try their Saturday training run in Bunyaville State Forest
Queensland Athletics Cross-Country - “urban trail running”, and a great way to sharpen up your speed
Endura - Australian made and owned range of endurance products
Trailrunnermag - inspiring stuff from the much larger USA trails scene
DirtyGirlGaiters - making great gaiters and giving the profits back to trail races
Run the Whitsundays Great Walk - 28km every year in September, arguably Queensland’s best trail run