2012 Entries Full: sorry, we have a field limit of 150
Wet Weather: the long range forecast looks good, and have a plan B if wet; any change will be noted here & emailed to entrants.
Entrants Information: click here

2012 news:  We have a great new course!  Starting from Cedar Flats it climbs a steep ridgeline trail to Northbrook Mountain, down down down to England Creek, then 600m vertical climb up to finish along stone-lined single-track through rainforest to Mt Glorious. This is a course for seriously fit runners – a total distance of 22km with 1200m of climb and 650m of descent.

The course and how to get there:

Course starts at Cedar Flats,  15km past Mount Glorious, and finishes at the clearing opposite Maiala Park just past Mount Glorious township.

Bus option leaves Gap State High School 6am, and returns you to your car at GSHS from Mt Glorious after you finish.

Private cars drive to Cedar Flats red cedar picnic area, shuttle returns you to your car at Cedar Flats after finish at Mt Glorious.

Alternatively, come with a friend who can drive your car to the finish at Mt Glorious and meet you in one of three cafes (nearest is Elm Haus, 300m west of finish).

2012 course map:  click here
course profile: click here
how to get there: click here
start: click here
finish: click here

Entries are limited to 150 = 50 by bus and 100 by car

We have  limited parking at Red Cedar picnic area, so need to limit the places allocated to cars and provide a bus for the balance. Help this event stay sustainable by supporting the bus option (same cost), or getting some friends together so your car carries a group.

Entries close midday Sunday 29 January
Link for online entry:  (full)
Link to view entries to date: click here (note 160 entries taken to allow for no shows; 150 field)

Note: If you plan to be a TRAQ member in 2012, join first then you can select the discounted entry
Link for online TRAQ membership: here

Details: see below for vital information like travel time, remote nature of course hence self-sufficiency encouraged (4 water stops; 3 are self-help), options for accompanying non-runners

The trip to Cedar Flats is a great tour through rainforest along the main range from Mount Glorious towards Lake Wivenhoe. With open grassy areas , covered tables and toilets, Cedar Flats is an ideal place for a picnic or barbecue. Its about about 70 minutes from Brisbane city via Samford. 

For any waiting partners/friends, there are lots of short walks at Mount Glorious where you can see the runners finish – having just completing 600m of climb they will appreciate your support! There are also three cafes with walking distance to choose from.

Information sheet: info4entrants

Start time:
Registration up to 7.20am
7.20am transfer from Red Cear picnic area to start (or jog 800m to warm up)
7.30 start for first (fastest) wave of 50; 7.40 second wave; 7.50 third wave.
Bus leaves Gap State High School at 6am sharp, registration will be completed on the trip.
Cars allow 70 minutes from central Brisbane via Samford and Mount Glorious, plus time for registration and preparation.

Car parking:
Red Cedar is the second picnic area on the right at the bottom of the big descent from the Lake Wivenhoe lookout; follow the directions of the parking marshall, then jog 800m back to the start or wait for bus transfer.  The start area is in the grassy clearing close to the creek crossing at the bottom of the first firetrail section (see map). Toilet facilities are available at Registration/Red Cedar picnic area, and also at White Cedar closer to the start.

The course:
Course marking will be very clear and there are limited junctions on the course; you will not get lost. The first section starts with 300m of steep and rough fire-break which then gets more runnable (depending on your hill fitness) to provide attractive views up a remote ridgeline. At the top, turn left to Northbrook Mountain three-ways junction (self-help water stop), turn right down to cross then follow England Creek, climb past the four-ways junction and checkpoint to ascend Mount Glorious (past two more self-help water stops) to enter the rainforest. Just before the top, turn left along the stone-lined single-track to Western Window and follow the trail to the finish opposite Maiala Park.

Water/refreshments:
This is a remote course and entrants must carry their own water. We provide water at three self-help points plus the checkpoint marked on the map, where you can top up your bottle  -but there will be no throw-away cups so choose a container which is easy to top up. Post race refreshments will be available at the finish.

So how tough is tough?
Its the first year for this course so I have to estimate the average finish time at 3:15 which gives you some idea how steep it is. This is called a “mountain trails” race for a reason.

Walkers note:
Walkers are always welcome at TRAQ events, but we can’t ask our checkpoint volunteers to be out there all day. The course markings will remain in place until all entrants are home, but if you wish to walk the course slowly, you need to advise the organiser by email when you enter, and take a copy of the map with you.

Weather:
The course is on the western side of the ridge, plus tree cover provides a reasonable amount of shade over much of the course, but it is likely to be warm and sunny in February. A cap and/or sunscreen is recommended.

Nearby walks for partners and before/after:
There are no short walking trails at Cedar Flats, but there are plenty of places to explore. There are many walks and excellent cafes at Mt Glorious ; the runners will finish at Mount Glorious so you can cheer them in.

Contact for inquiries:
Phone Greg 3869 1661 email info@runtrails.org

Trail Running Association of Queensland (organisers) Website:
www.runtrails.org