A great weekend for our 40th Anniversary. The weather was fine, the trail dry, no-one got lost (must be a first…) and we had 85 joining togethre for our Saturday night dinner and prizegiving at Binna Burra’s cafe. The final results are posted now, less one minutes adjustment to waves 2 and 3 of the 8.35 start. Thanks everyone for making it a great weekend!

Results: resultsfinal.xls

The rainforest was unusually dry this year, resulting in less leafage and better views. Combined with the larger field of 75 permited for our big anniversary, we also saw faster times posted compared to last year. Matt Crisp cam first on both days and overall, with 1:35:47 Saturday (O’Reillys to Binna Burra) and 1:39:10 Sunday for a total of 3:14:57.

Deb Nicholl was a clear first among the women, after her closest rival Hube Wichers had to withdraw following a muscle strain on Saturday. Deb did 1:44:21 Saturday and 1:50:40 Sunday for a total of 3:35:01.

The slower times on Sunday result not just from tiredness, but also the height difference between OReillys and Binna Burra (the average difference among the top 10 finishers is 4:30).

Runners had the option of booking their own accommodation, camping, or staying in bunkhouse behind the historic eco-lodge. Built from hand-hewn logs this cottage was the original family residence at Binna Burra, and provides a meeting point after the runs as well as great views.

Its a great combination; a chance to relax together and catch up with runners, instead of race of to the next task in a busy weekend, and these beautiful historic trails. The border track is a true classic, with a nice steady gradient and hand-built, with locally-found stones providing the edging support.

I had mixed feelings when seeing the recent upgrade on the furthest sections, with helicoptered rock of a different type, and larger drains to diver water. Perhaps this style of upgrade is best saved for tourist sections like Coomera Falls?

While walking slowly to de-mark the course I had the pleasure of seeing my first truly deadly Australian snake, a red-bellied black who is apparently a long-term resident given to sunning himself on the rock just below the first lookout on the Border Track from the Binna Burra end. Keep an eye out for him next time!

Perhaps he/she can join the other well-known peril of Lamington National Park, the giant eel in the Gwongoorool Pool. I kid you not, it’s as thick around as my thigh. I got a real close look one time after losing my glasses when swimming there – and a few weeks later was featuring  in the local paper after biting a tourist!

Relaxing after Saturday’s run outside the Binna Burra eco-lodge.

Lining up to head back round the 22km Border Track, Sunday morning…

Thanks to all the volunteers, especially Digger, Marilyn, Keith, Julie and Peter. Thanks to the staff of Binna Burra and OReillys who always support us, and our sponsor The Run Inn. See you next year!