New Race - Wild Horse Criterium - 4 Apr 2010
We have a new event that will be taking place on Easter Sunday, 2010 (April 4th), The Wild Horse Criterium, brought to you by Active Stride (www.activestride.com.au) and run under the auspices of The Trail Runners Association of Queensland (TRAQ).
The event is run on a loop of approximately 12 km, starting and finishing at Wild Horse Mountain here in Queensland a little over an hour’s drive from Brisbane Airport.
There are three separate races being held on the course consisting of 1, 3 and 5 loops over distances of approximately 12, 36 and 60 km’s respectively (the exact distance will be confirmed soon). It will be open to solo runners and relay teams of 2-5 runners (each runner running at least one loop each, interchange taking place only at the start/finish area). Depending on numbers, we may hold an Easter egg hunt and/or other activities during the event with a view to occupying any younger
The course is entirely off road and features a combination of fire trail with some more technical sections, though none that would be regarded as difficult. There are two small creek crossings, both of which are able to be negotiated with dry feet most of the year ’round. A shot of the course map is attached. It is very ‘runnable’ and will suit both back of packers and whippets alike!
Though provisional, start and finish times are likely to be as follows:
12 km - 10:00 am
36 km - 07:00 am
60 km - 04:30 am
Cut off time for all events is 12:00 midday (again, this is provisional).
The reason for the loops is so that any supporting crew and spectators can view the races from a single point at Wild Horse Mountain. This is where the main aid station/checkpoint will be near the start/finish area. There will also be a manned drinks station at approximately halfway with two further unmanned intermediate stations on the course along with medical emergency and first aid support based at Wild Horse Mountain.
The difference between this event and a typical trail event of any distance is that there will be regular sighting of the competitors and as such good visibility of how races are developing with hopefully a leaderboard maintained with reports from out on the course.
We are in the initial stages of organisation at this point but the date is confirmed with the necessary authority and will go ahead so this is really a heads up given that it is Easter weekend.
Map link here: whcmap.pdf
Getting to Wild Hose Mt here: findwildhorse.pdf
Watch this space and don’t hesitate to contact Alun Davies (ag.davies@hotmail.com) if you have any queries.
2 Comments so far
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Hi Alun,
I’m contemplating doing the 36km in preparation for the 50km Glasshouse in May.
Is there any chance of starting earlier than 7am for the 36km event like 5:30 or something similar?
Can I rock up on the day and register or do I have to enter and pay beforehand.
BTW I have a few friends that would like to have done the run, however…Easter Sunday is church for most…just thought I’d let you know for future events…probably not a good day for some people.
thanks
Helga
Hi, I’ve replied to you by mail but thought I’d put this up there for others benefit:
You can start earlier if you wish but it will need to be at the same time as the 50km runners (at 4:00 am currently but that may be revised to 5:00 am). The reason for this is because those looking after the start/finish and timing will already be dealing with 3 separate starts, runners finishing/starting loops and the aid station. As such I don’t want to confuse any of these issues. If you decide to do this it will be considered a separate race from the official start but you will still get a time recorded but won’t be able to figure in any placings.
You will be able to turn up on the day provided it’s in plenty of time for your start.
I understand that Easter Sunday has a lot of implications. Aside of the religious significance it is on a holiday weekend that many families choose to spend together. Unfortunately, the running calendar in our area is highly congested and this was the only free weekend during this period. Aside of this, many families are running families and this sort of event is suitable for them. Unfortunately you can’t please everyone.
Hope to see you there on the day
Cheers
Alun
Race Director - Wild Horse Criterium