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[et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text”]If you’re after a PB, then this course may not be for you. Not that it’s particularly hilly, but if it’s a speedy time you’re after, your best bet is the GC Half Marathon a month later. While Brisbane’s Half Marathon course doesn’t boast a dead-flat experience like the Gold Coast, it offers so much more in showing off the River City’s landmarks in ideal conditions.

The race starts at 6am from Colchester St in Brisbane’s South Bank area. It’s still dark at that time, but the sun isn’t far away. This year, the weather conditions offered up a perfect blend of minimal wind and a cool (but not too cool!) temperature of 10°c as the starting gun fired.

The first 2km involves a double-back on Grey St before slowly ascending up Vulture St towards Kangaroo Point Cliffs. The first ‘hard part’ of the race is worth it, if the hill didn’t take your breath away, the view certainly will! A popular tourist hotspot, River Terrace atop the Kangaroo Point Cliffs presents thousands of eager runners with one of the best views in the city. By now the sun is starting to come out and the descent before the Story Bridge is most welcome.

The run continues along Brisbane’s famous Story Bridge, turning a sharp right toward New Farm before finding yourself back at sea-level. You’re almost 1/3 of the way through by the time you make your way onto the New Farm Riverwalk – a 1km stretch of concrete ‘boardwalk’ on the water. From here we get another view of Brisbane City and also the daunting of view of the Story Bridge which you’re about to run up and over for a second time. This is the stinger. The hill from the newly-developed Howard Smith Wharves up the Story Bridge will hurt; either your legs, your lungs or your time. But after this, it’s (almost literally) all down hill from here! Returning for a second glimpse of the Brisbane CBD waking up along River Terrace before heading back towards South Bank.

The course from about the 8.5k mark gets much easier. The downhill off the Story Bridge to South Bank and further on to Riverside Drive in Brisbane’s West End – a long stretch of flat road along the Brisbane River – one of the city’s most popular recreational areas for cyclists, runners and walkers given the view, amenities and proximity to the CBD. When you make a U-turn at Aldi, you have about 5km to go.

The new stretch of boardwalk from the Kurilpa Bridge to the Victoria Bridge had opened only a day or two before the event ensuring that the final stretch is nothing but a flat, scenic stretch before the final stinger up and over the Goodwill Bridge. The short, sharp ascent over the bridge will hurt, but it’s worth it when you’ve begun to descend knowing the finish line is half a kilometre away. A quick surge down the bridge before a sharp left, then right turn where you empty the tank in front of Brisbane’s Riverstage at the Botanic Gardens.

While having the finish line over the river from where you started isn’t ideal as it can prove a logistical nightmare trying to organise a post-run catch up if you don’t have your phone – or worse a jumper – but the electric finish at Riverstage makes it worth it in providing a great atmosphere and plenty of post-run breakfast options after. If you want to avoid disappointment, make sure you make a booking at where ever you decide to go post-race and skip the queue. Trust me.

More info:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brisbanemarathon
• Website: https://www.brisbanemarathon.com.au/

Written by: Jay Flashgordon

Images courtesy of Brisbane Marathon Festival

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The Great Ocean Road Running Festival claims to be ‘Australia’s most stunning running event’ and I was excited and nervous to finally run the marathon (well slightly more, at 44km!) on the 16th May 2021. This event had been on my bucket list since 2014, and I had originally registered to run in 2020, but Covid 19 brought an end to that! My registration was automatically transferred to 2021, and in January this year, with exactly 4 months to go, I made the decision that I was in- border closures and quarantine risks permitting!

My base level of running was quite low, having lost a lot of motivation during 2020, however I planned out a program which gave me the minimum safe level of training to give the run a red hot go! I knew the course was ‘undulating’ and had a total of 442m of elevation gain so hill sessions, on both interval and long runs were a must. Throughout my training, I felt strong, albeit slow, and as the day approached, I felt confident that worst case scenario, I would be able to get though at ‘training run’ pace. I was, however, hopeful I could make it in between 4 hours and 4.15.

As race day approached, and living on the safe isle of Tasmania, I was nervously watching the Covid situation in Victoria, desperately hoping all my training would not be wasted with a sudden outbreak across the strait. Typically, 3 days before I was due to fly out, Victoria recorded a case of community transmission, with multiple high-risk exposure sites. With no option other than to pack and cross my fingers, I was relieved when the situation was contained, and I excitedly boarded the plane to Melbourne, 2 days before my run.

With a weather forecast of 7-13 degrees and a 90% chance of 3-6 mm of rain, I imagined I would be running for 4 hours in a torrential down-pour, but having trained in such conditions for the previous 4 months, I did not let this deter my high spirits. Arriving at Airey’s Inlet, just east of Lorne, on Saturday afternoon, the weather was fine, however quite windy and cold so I decided that regardless of how the rain situation looked the next morning, I would definitely run with a light-weight jacket. A decision I was thankful for, in hindsight!

My race plan was to try and average a pace of 5 min 20 sec, which would allow for the hills and still average a 5 min 27 sec pace for about 4 hours overall. With this plan in mind, the day before race day we drove the course, between Lorne and Apollo Bay, and I quickly realised it would be very difficult to pace for the first 30 km of constant up and down, up and down hills. I changed my race plan to run by feel and hope for the best!

Lining up at the race start along with 975 other runners, we were counted down from 10 seconds to go and without a starting gun, we all moved off. Although technically the run started uphill, I barely felt the rise and I was quickly heading down the other side. The gradient on all of the downhills were such that I couldn’t run slower if I wanted to and I although I was comfortable rolling down the hills, I was worried I was going too fast to maintain. The up-hills felt easy and I had to consciously pull back my pace, still covering the first 11km in 55 minutes and 22km in just under 2 hours.

The constant elevation rise and fall took its toll on my left knee by 9km, and I felt the familiar tendon pain I usually only experience post 30km. I had taken Voltarin in anticipation of this and took a couple of Panadol to get me through. By the time I hit 30km, my calves were tired of the relentless undulations and my pace slowed to a crawl as the course became flatter for the last 10km. Despite this, I somehow managed to regain some strength for the last 2km to finish just under 4 hours 15 minutes. That finishing feeling was given an extra boost when, obviously wearing my TRR gear, I heard the Tasmanian Road Runners get a shoutout as I crossed the line!!

Throughout the entire run, the spectacular scenery was a welcome distraction and, strangely enough, 4 hours felt like it was over in no time! Every corner and every rise revealed stunning sights that changed as often as the weather did! Despite the terrible forecast, the first 3 hours were mostly sunny or cloudy- perfect running weather! Towards the 3-hour mark, the wind picked up and the temperature felt as though it dropped 5 degrees. Fortunately, the expected heavy rain was more of a drizzle and although cold, was not as bad as I had feared. Crashing surf and rainbows were a constant throughout the entire run, proving just why the event claims to be ‘Australia’s most stunning running event.’

Notes and tips for future entrants!

• Train for relentless elevation changes! With no flat sections for nearly 30km, the calves get a constant workout!
• There are regular drink stations and plenty of portaloos along the way!
• Book accommodation as early as you can! There aren’t many options and the roads are very very windy and slow so you need to allow plenty of travel time. Despite only being 44km, it will take nearly an hour to drive between Lorne and Apollo Bay!
• If you have a support crew dropping you off at the start line at Lorne, plan for them to head through to Apollo Bay straight away! The detour takes about 1.5 hours, however my man then got caught up in the spectator/ support crew traffic as the detour re-joined the Great Ocean Rd at Skenes Creek. He was stuck in traffic for a further hour, only 5 km from the finish line! Luckily, I ran with my jacket and used the time between me finishing and him arriving, to cool down by walking down the road to meet him!

More info:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/greatoceanroadrunfest
• Website: https://www.greatoceanroadrunfest.com.au/

Written by: Rach Perigo

Images courtesy of Supersport Images (official Great Ocean Road Running Festival event photographer)

Elements running host five events per year as part of the compass club. Held at each of the five compass points of Australia, this event was the northern compass point finishing at the very tip of Cape York and the most northern tip of Australia. A trip to “the tip” as known by locals is definitely worth the effort of getting here whether for a run or not. The water though not safe to swim in, is the most beautiful blue, the sand pure white and untouched while the wind is refreshing and raw.

The vast difference between North and South compass club location within the same country is almost surreal. So different yet at the same time both are within the same continent.

A trip to Cape York is via Cairns connecting to regional carrier Regional Express (REX). The lowest fare on REX is $404.00 return for 2 hour flight each way and flies into Bamaga which is a quaint little airport with an uncanny resemblance to a shipping container. Luggage is delivered.

Good quality accommodation is available in Bamaga at the Cape York Lodge and have rooms catering for all budgets. The lodge can also arrange 4WD car hire. 4WD are a must due to the terrain, dirt roads and rough corrugations. The cost for car hire is just under $300.00 per day. Due to the isolation of Bamaga and associated towns within the Cape York peninsula, prices for accommodation, fuel and car hire are expensive when compared to those within larger cities.

Bamaga and surrounding towns are large aboriginal communities and the locals are incredibly welcoming a polite. Dogs are free to roam and quickly befriend those staying at the lodge for a feed or treats purchased for them by dog loving tourists! Horses also wander about freely and it is not unusual to see a horse wandering down the Main Street of Bamaga or relieving oneself in the front yard of a random home. All dogs and horses are owned but unlike the western way of treating animals like children; the owned animals here must forage for their own food.

The event is comprised of three distances. A 7 and 21km on the Saturday and the full marathon on the Sunday. Due to COVID-19 many entrants pulled out but a small group of locals and dedicated Tasmanians continued to run both the full and half marathons on the Sunday.

The course begins at the “croc tent”, a large army style tent half way between Bamaga and the tip. It sells souvenirs and local hospitality.

Commencing at 0600 or day break the course runs 1.5km back towards Bamaga before a right turn into another dirt road which leads runners to a trail. The trail is rocky, sandy and undulating in parts. The croc tent to the first turn at the end of the trail is approximately 12km. Returning the same way; once back at the croc tent Runner’s continue down the dirt road all the way to the tip.

All dirt roads have serious corrugations which are difficult to run on. Moving from one side to the other was required to try and find the best line. The roads remain open and for the most part, road users will slow down when passing. A few however will leave you in a cloud of red dust!

Between 15km and 5km from the finish the course winds through dense rain forest filled with an array of beautiful bird calls.
Finishing at the tip car park it’s a short rocky walk to the sign and the absolute tip of Cape York for your obligatory photo.

The terrain is suitable for both road and trail shoes, so it comes down to personal preference.

Water stations were spaced approximately every 10km and locals were very supportive. Given the heat and humidity a hydration vest is a definite requirement. Temperatures are fairly constant between 29-31°c. Humidity is approximately 70% depending upon the time of year the run occurs. This years event was postponed due to Covid-19. Cloud cover protects runners from intense heat but becomes stifling when the sun breaks through.

This marathon is incredible and offers a variety of challenges. Don’t let the heat put you off, as it really is a unique opportunity to explore the magnificent Cape York Peninsula.

Entries are as follows;

• $110.00 early bird to $145.00 for the Marathon
• $60.00 early bird to $85.00 for the Half Marathon; both including a medal and T-shirt, and
• $25.00 for the 7km event which includes a medal with the option of purchasing a T-shirt.

The medals from the marathon, together form a map of Australia so it really does make the series iconic. A trip to Cape York is highly recommended and together with a run; well it’s a match made in heaven.

More info:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elementsrunningevents/
• Website: https://www.elements-running.com/

Written by: Bonnie Davies

More info:

• Facebook: https://bit.ly/3aVsLH6
• Website: https://www.orangerunningfestival.com.au/

Written by: Bonnie Davies

Held in Sydney each August, this years event represented its 49th year. Once again the event was a sell out with over 80,000 participants making it the worlds biggest fun run. My husband and I travel up each year for this run and this year was our 8th year. Over that time we have witnessed changes to the expo including location and size, plus subtle course changes.

Entries start selling in April and for those highly organized early birds, bibs can be delivered to you which is great for interstate visitors who either won’t have time or don’t want to attend the expo. Early bird entries start from $60.00 and includes a finishers medal.

The expo currently held in the exhibition center at Darling Harbour is easy to get to and highly organized. This years event was a little smaller and disappointing compared to other years. However a wedding expo was being held in the usual area so this perhaps may be the reason for this.

Bag drop is available at the expo until 1600 on the Saturday, otherwise it can be done on the day at the start, but closes strictly at 0700. So get there early.

The start precinct in Hyde Park is highly organized with volunteers, police including mounted police which was a bit of a novelty given Tasmania lacks the horse version of law enforcement. There are five start zones The wheelchair athletes and red zone start first at 0755, followed by green zone at 0805. Blue zone follow which has regularly been the largest contingent of athletes followed by yellow and orange. The orange zone start their event at 0930 giving you an idea at just how huge the event is. Most if not all of the red zone have finished their run before the orange zone have started.

Many people dress up and run for charities which occurs in all start zones. So if wanting to push yourself a little harder, set a challenge, highlight a cause or achieve a different goal this is always an option.

Helicopters hover overhead and media cover commentary on the ground. The start follows the national anthem which is always wonderful to hear at event starts and would be nice to see happen more frequently at others.

The 14km course winds out of Hyde park and down into Kings Cross, Vaucluse, Rose Bay and up Heart Break Hill to the headland before winding down into Bondi Beach.

It’s an undulating course with the steepest and most difficult being heart break hill which starts at kilometer 6 and finishes more or less at kilometer 7. Many complain and groan up this hill, but honestly, to a seasoned Tasmanian runner, it’s not an issue and should not deter you. From then the course is slightly undulating but to a savvy runner with good down hill skills the time lost on the hill can be very quickly made up.

Drink stations offer water are located approximately 3km apart. Some offer electrolytes which have changed over the years depending on brand sponsorship.

Descending into Bondi you are greeted with cheers from spectators which are plentiful throughout the race. The crowds thicken as the finish approaches and the course winds past the finishing shoot which is a great opportunity to have a look at the time. With 1 km to go it follows the Main Street and a tight U-Turn seed runners hammer the last 500m around into the finish.

Organization continues with all athletes filtered through towards medals and then hydration stations. Keep walking from there and you are directed to waiting buses which take participants to Bondi Junction to board trains back to the city. All transport is free for the day to runners wearing bibs and includes ferries.

The finish can be highly congested and phone reception impaired as a result. If waiting for other participants or family my suggestion is to discuss a meeting place prior. The beach is a brilliant option being out of the congestion. It also provides an opportunity to soak weary legs in the water or run a few extra warm down km. The beach is 1km long. It is a life guard patrolled beach so if a swim is something you desire you are safe. Alternatively the famous Bondi Icebergs pool is open and great for a swim and the restaurant does a roaring trade filling with runners wanting a post run brunch.

Hotels whether in the city or Darling Harbour are within easy walking distance to the start and if wanting to make a weekend out of the event with family, there is a free firework display at Darling Harbour every Friday and Saturday night at 2030 and a market held at the Rocks each weekend is always worth a look.

All in all the City2surf weekend in Sydney is a fabulous one and definitely a must. It is just 100% fun.

More info:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/City2Surf/
• Website: https://city2surf.com.au/

Written by: Bonnie Davies

Held on Sunday 26th May 2019, this year was the events 41st year. Organized by the South Australian Road Runners Club the festival consists of a full marathon, half marathon, 10km, 5km and a 2km event for the under 12s. There really is an event for the whole family and beautiful good quality medals are awarded at the completion of each event.

Super early bird entries open at the beginning of November the previous year with associated costs increasing between $10-$40 depending upon the event as race day approaches. Online entries close approximately 10 days prior but for those not so organized or more spontaneous among us for an additional $10 late fee, entries can occur the day prior at Joggers World; a small running specific store where bib collection is located. This is in Pirie street and very close to the city center. Personal hydration and nutrition requirements can also be left here and will be available at marked points along the course. For those more organized and choosing to enter early an option of purchasing a cancellation insurance is also available.

For those unfamiliar with Adelaide:

It is a city surrounded by several beautiful parks and gardens. The marathon course encompasses some of these parks and the entire course even when running on the road has athletes running through or next to beautiful gardens, zoos with the calls of waking monkeys, parks, cycle paths and waterways.

All events start right outside the main entrance to the Adelaide Oval. Bag drop is located within the stadium and toilets are plentiful and clean with absolutely no queue for the ladies. The marathon commences at 0700, followed by the half marathon at 0800, 10km at 0830, 5km at 0845 and the 2km at 1030.

The marathon and half marathon follow the same course with those running the marathon lucky enough to experience the beautiful lush green and scenic course twice. The 5km and 2km events are out and back courses and follow the same starting route for the longer events. The 10km follows a portion of the marathon course and for those finishing the marathon in over 3 hours will find approximately 5km of the course on the second lap shared with 10km runners. It can be a little congested but a polite “excuse me” has participants moving aside and being very courteous to marathon runners. It is nice to run into friends and family members participating in their 10km event while you run your full marathon waving goodbye as they turn left over the weir and those in the longer events continue straight on. From then the remainder of the second lap is purely inhabited by marathon and half marathon participants. The second lap sees activity on the River Torrens increase with rowing clubs, friendly dog walkers, recreational runners and those out for morning walks.

Drink stations are located every 3km which is quite generous and they come along very quickly. It is winter, and the 2019 event was overcast, cool and rain at times which increased. However Adelaide can also be quite mild at this time of year. Water is offered at every station and the electrolyte “infinit” offered at ever second.

Volunteers are plentiful and the course is marked clearly with directional arrows and witches hats.

All events finish within the Adelaide Oval. Athletes run around the back of the stadium and enter the oval with approximately 300m to the finish. Artificial turf lines the outer limits of the hallowed ground and it is on this that runners make there way to the finishing arch. The commentary is very welcoming and with the shorter events having finished the stadium is a hive of activity. Water and fruit is available at the finish and the kiosk open to provide alternative products for purchase.

T-shirt’s and Singlets are available for pre purchase and can be collected at bib collection, any spares are sold at the finish by the South Australian Road Runners Club. Sizes are quite generous.

The Adelaide oval is only a short walk down King William Road taking approximately 10-15 minutes from Rundle Mall. There are several hotels within close proximity to suit a variety of budgets and lots of great eateries for both last minute carb loading and post run celebrations. Jamie Oliver’s Italian is very close with pasta dishes to suit all dietary needs.

All in all the event is fabulous and one I highly recommend. It is one of the prettiest marathon courses I have participated in and does a wonderful job of showcasing just some of the several parks around Adelaide.

For those wanting to make a weekend of it, Adelaide has two parkruns close to the city, the “Torrens” and “Pakapakanthi”. These are both held in local parks with Pakapakanthi surrounded by the old Adelaide Grand Prix Circuit. These events are great to walk out the legs for those running the longer runs and for those in the shorter ones to have a crack at. A visit to Adelaide also has to include a factory viewing tour of Haigh’s Chocolate factory a small family owned chocolate factory now in its fourth generation and if time permits one of the many vineyard in the Barossa wine region.

Written by Bonnie Davies

• Website: South Australian Road Runners Club
• Facebook: South Australian Road Runners Club

The Goodlife Rottnest Running Festival is held each October on Rottnest Island; 2018 marked its 25th anniversary.

Rottnest Island is located off the West Australian Coast 30 minutes ferry ride from Fremantle; and is pure paradise surrounded by clear turquoise waters a bi-product of the islands limestone base. Surrounded by dangerous seas, several small reefs forming a protective ring make several of the little bays and beaches safe for swimming. The island itself has varied topography with woodland, lakes, heath, settled areas, brackish swamps and coastal habitats together forming Rottnest.

Originally inhabited by aboriginals it was discovered in 1696 by a Dutch explorer and named “Rats nest” due to the large rats that inhabited the island. It was later colonised in 1829 due to the attractiveness of harvesting salt from the salt lakes.

The rats discovered by the Dutch were the first recorded animal in Australia and are in fact a marsupial native only to Rottnest which are highly protected. The humble little Quokka can now be found all over the island embracing their celebrity status among tourists who search for the perfect selfie. They have a perfectly beautiful little face with a smile to match. A picture of innocence and trust they really do make a trip to Rottnest incredibly special. This makes the marathon incredibly unique as it is the only place in the world that athletes can run with Quokka’s.

There are two ways of accessing Rottnest Island. By light aircraft as the island does possess a small airstrip or ferry services. Rottnest Express operate ferry services departing every 30 minutes from shed B in Fremantle. Fares are approximately $5.00 more expensive if travelling Friday – Sunday with return adult fares starting at $69.00 for adults $32.00 for children and $170.00 for a family of 4. This fare also includes island admission. Additional early morning services operate on the morning of the marathon for participants staying in Fremantle otherwise there are many different accommodation options on the Island, but it is wise to book early. As an added bonus at this time of year, your ferry ticket will also include a complimentary whale spotting opportunity as Humpback Wales head down the coast.

The Goodlife Rottnest Running Festival has an event for the entire family, the marathon which starts at 0630, a half marathon commencing at 0715 followed by 5km and 10km events starting at 1025 and 1030 respectively. An additional Quokka dash is available for the little people in families aged 4 years and under. All events start and finish at heritage common which is adjacent to a small shopping village filled with potential post run refreshments. The Common also houses a small, quaint and simply perfect mizuno expo and Rottnest marathon museum which displays a list of top three male and female finishers from each of the previous marathons since its inception along with every medal and finishers T-shirt. This is where numbers can be collected the day prior and on the day.

Entry into the marathon will cost $110.00 and includes a goody bag, finishers T-shirt and medal. Supporting events all receive a medal with entries costing $50.00 for the half marathon, $40.00 for the 10km and $30.00 for the 5km. Prices are slightly reduced for children and the Quokka dash is free if you contact organizers via email early otherwise it’s $5.00 on the day.

Like Rottnest Island itself, the marathon also comes with history and superstitions. The big one involving bagpipes.

The event starts to the sound of bagpipes serenading runners over the timing mat. The course is a lap course. The first is 12km followed by a further three 10km loops. Cruising through the little township over 200 marathon entrants head out for the 2km dog leg getting that over and done with following with the 10km loops. Back through the township and out over the causeway. The 2018 event saw runners battle 43km headwinds across the causeway and very exposed before heading up a hill aptly named on strava as “bitch hill”. The head wind still prevailed until respite was reached turning right and winding between the salt lakes. Also a popular area for seeing one of the few snake species found on the island.

From there the course leads athletes up another hill and around a prominent bluff. The wail of bagpipes could be heard and eventually came into view. Pummeled with rain, and pounded with wind, runners headed back towards Heritage Common past accommodation houses and cheers from their respective occupants to begin their second, third and final laps.

On the final lap just before heading up to the bluff marathon runners are handed a gold coin. Why?

This is where the Rottnest marathon myth begins. A mythical figure known as Harry McFordyce was said to be a prisoner on the island 70 years ago who died attempting to escape. The bag pipers pipe throughout the entire event perched on the bluff in full regalia and represent the ghost of Harry. On the last lap the gold coin handed to runners at the bottom of the hill are deposited at the pipers feet. Legend has it that failure to deliver this offering to appease the ghost of Harry will result in cramps, dehydration or even a possible DNF imposed by an angry ghost of Harry.

Finishing in Heritage Common surrounded by many supporters and excellent commentary is a fabulous atmosphere. The later start of the 5km and 10km events also means there is a lot of support at the finish for sub 4 hour marathon finishers.

The marathon cut off time is 6.5 hours and drink stations are located every 2km, each offering shotz electrolytes and water. Shotz gels are available every 10km. Shortly after cut off presentations occur at the Rottnest Hotel.

Personal account.

Absolutely fantastic run. Hard and challenging but so picturesque and genuine that a lap course was perfect. It meant runners knew what was coming and could look forward to the best bits.

Genuine? Possibly a different way of describing a run. But in country events support offered by spectators is genuine. While a run like Boston is just….,well simply put, who can make the most noise.

Additionally standing on the start dressed in TRR I felt complete pride. It was noticed that Tasmania had made the trek across the country to run on Rottnest. Many questions were asked, introductions occurred and new acquaintances made. This really will go down as one of my favorites.

Rottnest being a coastal island is windy and exposed, anyone wishing to participate would do well to train in all weather and on undulating terrain. With appropriate training it is also an enjoyable event for first timers.

As a retired Highland Dancer the bagpipes were a little extra special and on my final lap upon tossing my coin they burst into a tune I remembered oh so well. Considering momentarily to dance the Barack’s Johnnie next to them I instead took it as a sign and started my pursuit on the lead female.

Definitely a favorite and I recommend it to all. Go and meet the Quokka and run Rotto!

Written by Bonnie Davies

• Website: West Australian Marathon Club
• Facebook: West Australian Marathon Club

Blackmores Sydney Running Festival and National Marathon Championships, September 16, 2018

The Blackmores Sydney Running Festival is held annually each September. The event offers a distance for the entire family with a full marathon, half marathon, 10km and 3.5km family run. Entry for the Marathon begins at $140.00 for early bird entries and up to $200.00 for late International entries.

The Marathon commences at 0705, half an hour after the Half Marathon due to sharing the second half of the marathon course. Starting at Bradfield park at Milson’s Point which is located on the Northern side of the bridge, the first km takes you straight onto Sydney Harbour Bridge and the highest point of the course.

Transport is free to the start line and from the finish line for athletes all day on presentation of your number with the train service being the most reliable, frequent and close. Town Hall and Wynyard stations are the closest to most city hotels where trains can be boarded and take you straight across to Milson’s Point Station.

Bradfield Park is directly under the bridge and about a 2 minute walk from the station. Here bag drop can be found, plenty of porta loos and motivational warm up people. A smaller area within this space is dedicated to elite athletes including those representing their various states in the Marathon Championships which are held in conjunction with this running festival.

Following the bridge crossing, runners weave through the city, across a temporary very springy bridge across Hyde Park and out to Centennial Park where a series of loops and circuits occur before heading back into the city and back across the bouncy bridge and out towards Darling Harbour.

From Darling Harbour it’s out to Pyrmont before heading back via a series of residential wharf areas to and around Darling Harbour. Cheers of support obtained here carry runners on for the remaining 5 km under the Sydney Harbour Bridge and into Circular Quay where the support becomes overwhelming but a necessity. With the finish line in sight across the Quay outside the Opera house the drive to push through is intense, the cheering muffles and vision focuses on getting to the end.

To finish a marathon on one of the worlds most scenic and famous waterways, outside the Opera house with the Sydney Harbour Bridge standing gloriously behind, I question as to why this Marathon is not part of the Abbott World Majors Series.

Upon completion, Marathon participants move forward towards medals, refreshments, gear collection and massages. Participants in other events can collect belongings from just inside the Botanical gardens alongside the finish precinct. All competitors in each event are awarded a medal upon completion with sizes differing depending upon the event run. Marathon finishers also receive a T-shirt.

The 2018 event saw Tasmania enter both a Women’s and Men’s Marathon team into the championships (via Athletics Tasmania) which comprised of many Tasmanian Road Runner members. Tasmania was represent by Alister Foot, Drew Latham, Mark Hinder, Anthony Gangell, David Chadwick and Jarrod Gibson for the Men’s team while Jess Schmidt, Gabby Wilson, Naomi Balmer Christie Harris and myself formed the Women’s team.

To gain entry into the State team a qualifying time must be run in a previous marathon within the previous year. This is something that many TRR members who enjoys running marathons can aspire to if they so desire.

2018 saw the Men’s team finish in fourth position with the Women’s team coming in third behind Queensland and New South Wales. Not a bad effort for 5 ladies from the small state of Tasmania.

Sydney is also an IAAF certified course. So Sydney is a marathon that can be used as a qualifier for many International marathons including all six majors including Boston. My personal goal this year aside from running hard for my State was to qualify for New York. This is something that was well and truly achieved with the aid of a 9 minute PB.

So go forth TRR members, believe in yourselves, train smart and go out and achieve. You can all do anything you truly desire.

Written by Bonnie Davies

• Website: www.sydneyrunningfestival.com.au/
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/officialbsrf/

Brisbane’s annual flagship fun run the ‘Bridge to Brisbane’ has certainly come a long way from its humble beginnings when it first launched over 20 years ago as the ‘Bridge to Bay’ – an underwhelming 10k over the Gateway bridge to the Nudgee beach mudflats. Today, the Bridge to Brisbane boasts a course that provides a comprehensive tour of the city and its surrounds ensuring that the 30,000+ strong event is up there with the best fun runs in the country.

While a 6am start in patchy rain might not make all 30,000 participants jump out of bed with enthusiasm, the current drought crisis facing Australian farmers meant that the wet conditions were met with a smile.

The race starts above the Roma Street Parklands with the first kilometre being mostly downhill; while the Bridge to Brisbane course isn’t flat, the net drop provides a chance to run a good time. The first pinch starts on the Go-Between Bridge, a short incline over the Brisbane River to South Bank, the runners then get a brief glimpse of South Bank before heading over the Queen Victoria Bridge to the Brisbane CBD.

By the time you’re striding down Mary St with a view of the Story Bridge in the distance reminding you of what’s to come, you’re halfway there. While a quick time is certainly possible at the Bridge to Brisbane, a negative split is unlikely. The second half of the course includes a short-but-brutal climb on to the Story Bridge, followed by another slight hill on to River Terrace above the Kangaroo Point Cliffs treating the weary runners to one of the best views Brisbane has to offer.

The last 2km is mostly downhill, providing an opportunity to make up for any time lost on the Story Bridge. The atmosphere builds as you get closer to the finish by South Bank parklands. Spectators cheer you on as you see the ‘400M TO GO’ sign providing you with the lift you need to stretch out the legs and cross the line with that feeling that runners can’t seem to get enough of.

As far as 10ks go, Bridge to Brisbane is up there with the best, a terrific course, brilliant organisation and an opportunity to run a quick time means that this is one event you should put on your ‘Run It’ list.

Written by Jay Flashgordon

• Website: https://bridgetobrisbane.com.au/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bridge2brisbane/
• Cover image courtesy of Visit Brisbane