More info:

COVID-19 Remembrance Run – VIRTUAL Run to honour and remember those who have lost their lives in the fight against Coronavirus.

On a day when we paused at 11.00am for 1 minute to remember those who had lost their lives in the fight against Coronavirus we’re launching our Covid-19 Remembrance medal. We’re inviting you to dedicate one or more of your daily forms of exercise to a VIRTUAL run of 1 mile or greater in remembrance.

This medal is also designed to be a remembrance keep-sake from the year when Covid-19 literally stopped the world in its tracks.

Website: https://www.evententry.co.uk/phoenix-virtual-covid-19-remembrance-run

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/phoenixrunninguk

Written by: Bonnie Davies

The 30th August was to be the day Dubbo zoo was visited by several runners to stampede their way through Dubbo running several distances.

• 5km – Wallaby Wheel
• 10km – Cheetah Chase
• 21.1km – Zebra Zoom
• 42.2km – Rhino Ramble

Entry fees start at $30 for the 5km event through to $120 for the marathon.

Given I run for rhino conservation the Rhino Ramble was on my bucket list but sadly due to Covid – 19 the event was cancelled. However it was converted to a virtual event. Sadly this appears to be becoming the norm with no end to the pandemic in sight.

So this rambling rhino entered; and on the 30th August laced up and ran the marathon in Hobart Tasmania.

The course, mapped by a friend was undulating and the weather not favorable with a wind warning. Running in 60km/hour winds, the run was challenging. The Tasman bridge was horrendously dangerous as the wind taunted and threatened to send me tumbling into the traffic. It buffeted from the side pushing me into the road and pushing the lifted foot behind the other causing a trip hazard. The slight respite from bushes and houses were short lived. As my course turned the tail wind hammered at me pushing me with such force it was difficult to stay upright, but rhinos face greater adversity with poaching and more recently drought. Keep running! Keep running for rhinos.

Crewed by my husband and best mate, my hydration needs were met every 4km and cheers and high fives were plentiful from them.

Events are limited of late, but there are many virtual ones opening up. It’s not the same as many including myself prefer to “race”, but if you have a passion, embrace it and run for a cause. Another $100 shall be donated the the rhino orphanage in South Africa who desperately need food for their orphaned rhinos as the drought takes hold and no end in sight.

More info:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dubbostampede
• Website: https://www.dubbostampede.com.au/rhino-ramble

Written by: Bonnie Davies

This event makes up the Southern Edition of the Compass Club series organised by Elements Running. The Compass Club consists of a Marathon, Half Marathon and a shorter 7km event in the Northern, Southern, Western, Eastern and Central compass points in Australia.

Lucky for a Tasmanian, the Southern component is held right here at beautiful Cockle Creek in the states South West. Cockle Creek is located on the border of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage area approximately two hours drive south of Hobart in Recherche Bay and is the farthest point in Australia that can be accessed by car. It is the starting point for many bush walks into the South West known by many globally. Once out of Hobart the drive gets more and more scenic, a highlight was seeing not one but two endangered Wedge tailed Eagles.

The event runs over two days with 7km and 21km events taking place on the Saturday and the marathon on the Sunday. Start times for the Saturday events is approximately 0800 while the marathon starts at 0700. The 2020 event scheduled for April was unfortunately one of the many victims of the COVID-19 pandemic; and the event was postponed several times. Fortunately local entrants were given the opportunity to run the event solo and send data to organizers. So armed with maps and instructions the Compass Clubs Southern edition in Cockle Creek 2020 would go ahead….solo!

The day was picture perfect with clear blue skies, no wind or precipitation. Starting at the Recherche Community Centre, the course runs back towards Hobart for 5.5km on the Cockle Creek road. A U-turn follows and the course heads back towards the start and continues to the end of Cockle Creek Road to the whale statue. Another U-turn at this point back along the road before turning left and heading out on the South Coast Track. The track component is approximately 10km and upon exiting at South Cape bay the course turns right towards Lion rock along the beach for 1km. A U-turn at Lion Rock and it’s back to the start/finish line at the Research Community Centre following the same course in reverse minus the first part (the 5.5km out towards Hobart at the start).

The course is an undulating gravel road which is nice and compact and largely smooth. The track component is well defined with boardwalk for about 40% while the remainder is quite rocky, damp and uneven terrain requiring a lot of concentration on foot placement. There are also a lot of very deep muddy sections which can hide tree roots and loose rocks. Despite the lengthy dirt road component, trail shoes would be better given the trail component and sand on the beach. Coming out of the trail and onto the beach, runners scale a well marked black cliff providing outstanding views of the rugged coastline and the bay which sends waves crashing onto the sand with ferocity. Another consideration is the South West wilderness; it is damp and cold, so expect leeches. They will drop off after a feed so don’t worry too much about them.

The actual event normally provides four hydration stations en route offering water, Powerade, bananas and lollies. Doing the event solo, required carrying hydration and gels with vehicle support offering additional hydration on the road sections. During the event the Cockle Creek road remains open to the public so athletes do need to be vigilant, but all vehicles were very considerate and supportive. Toilets are available at camp sites through Catamaran and all the way through to Cockle Creek and at the Lion Rock. Though there is also many places one can squat for a quick wee here and there.

The South West wilderness region can be subject to incredibly wild and challenging weather that can change very quickly. So clothing should be light and layered. First aid is provided during the event, but when running solo a basic first aid kit should also be carried.

This is a fabulous and unique event in one of the most picturesque regions of Tasmania if not the world. Normally capped at 75 athletes, this event is not crowded allowing participants to embrace the raw and beautiful wilderness unimpeded. For those craving a marathon experience after a torrid year of COVID-19 cancellations. Put the Cockle Creek marathon on your list for 2021.

More info:

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

Written by: Bonnie Davies

I decided to go up to Ulverstone and have a “crack” at the Ulverstone Marathon with another Hobart runner. The event is organised by The Professional Cross Country club of Tasmania (PCCCT – more details and links below).

The Greg and Dianne Woodhouse marathon runs from River Park, Ulverstone to Turners Beach and back (two laps) and is a handicapped event. The handicapping system is outlined on the Club’s website (http://www.pccct.org/wp/?page_id=30), and runners heading along simply need to provide their recent times (for 5,10,21, and 42km) for evaluation before the event.

This year the event had 14 starters. Out-of-town runners were acknowledged by the Club on our arrival and mentioned in The Advocate Newspaper, which has great coverage of PCCCT events throughout the year.

In 2019 it was held in perfect running conditions, with early starters beginning in the dark in 5 degrees at 7am, followed by the rest of the runners at specified handicapped start times.

The course was scenic and quiet, with plenty of rabbits and Blue Fairy Wrens along the way, and took in the Miniature Railway, which was running that morning. The route went along the bike track all the way to Turners Beach and back to the start. The course was fairly flat with a few inclines and several turns. We ran mostly on the bike track but also gravel roads in sections. It was a fairly scenic course finishing the last 500m uphill back to the club house. The course was two laps.

Participants are looked after well by the organisers, with water and lollies at the drink stations and hot soup at the finish line.  We were cheered on by a small crowd, but plenty of positive vibes, and I was extremely happy to come under 4 hours for the marathon. The PCCCT made us feel very welcome and I certainly would consider doing it again.

The event also has a 5km fun run (the Rod and Judith Priestly handicap), which had over 60 participants in 2019.

**Professional Cross Country Club of Tasmania (PCCCT) is a running club in north-western Tasmania. They conduct Sunday runs between March and September at varying locations in the north of the state. They have annual race registration, but welcome visitors.**

More info:

• http://www.pccct.org/
• https://www.facebook.com/The-Professional-Cross-Country-Club-of-Tasmania-279497322109230/
• 2019 race profile: http://www.pccct.org/wp/?p=2226

Written by: Teresa Seaman

Images courtesy of PCCCT and Teresa Seaman

Set in the picturesque and historical town of Ross, the Ross Marathon has been traditionally held on the first weekend in September coinciding with Father’s Day.

Ross is a country township in the Tasmanian midlands approximately 1-5-2 hours drive north of Hobart along the midlands highway.

The event offers a range of distances for the whole family from the more challenging marathon, half marathon, 10km, marathon teams, and shorter events for the children. The marathon course is a set of four 10.5km loops. With each loop finishing at the starting point. This makes it a brilliant marathon for spectators and the support given to runners as they pass through is incredibly valuable with each lap becoming mentally and physically more challenging.

Commencing outside the Ross town hall the course heads out of Ross on a mostly flat road towards Tooms lake. It turns at approximately 4 km, returning along the same road before diverting up and over a steep pinch behind the cemetery. Runners then recover on the other side of the hill running through the flat back streets of Ross; before turning to head back up the Main Street to cheers of support to the start/finish precinct. Three drink stations offering water and one with additional electrolyte were spaced appropriately apart.

The Tasmanian midlands are notoriously windy and this years Ross Marathon was no exception. Runners battled a strengthening headwind throughout the morning for more than half of each 10.5km loop. Upon reflection, the wind is not a negative attribute to the course for a well prepared runner, it simply adds another challenge no different to a hill, sand or trail.

The big marathons of London, New York and Tokyo have all the hype, glitz and glamor to match the city in which they are held, but I urge everyone to not discount the small country marathons. They have so much to offer. From competitor camaraderie, to friendly and supportive volunteers.

Each runner receives a finishers medallion and plenty of fruit and refreshments are on offer upon completion.

Personal account of this years event. I do not like wind, but knowing the location and the trend for wind to occur I prepared and ensured my ears were covered and ran with my gloves. I loath cold extremities. The wind was a challenge and altering body position to accommodate head winds can cause strains which it did in my case so try an relax and settle as best you can. Despite the challenges of one of the strongest and most relentless head winds I have ever had to run into I came away with a second place and although not a PB time I am happy with the performance on the day.

In true country style I did have to giggle when a farmer herded his cows across the road in between runners just in front of me. Nicely timed though so no runners had to alter their paces in any way.

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rossmarathons/

Written by: Bonnie Davies

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(Image credit: Phil Beeston)

Location: Greens Beach, northern Tas

Distances: 5, 12, 25, 50k (incl 2x25k team event)

It’s not often that you forget you’re running a marathon after 39km but that’s just how distracting the surroundings are at the Convicts and Wenches Beach Race.

Starting at Greens Beach, approximately sixty kilometres north-west of Launceston in Tasmania, the Convicts and Wenches Beach Race traverses three beaches adjacent to the beautiful Narawntapu National Park.

The race was established to commemorate Australia’s rich and vibrant convict history and Tasmania is a fitting location, home to over seventy thousand convicts during the 1800’s.

Today my punishment is entirely voluntary and consists of fifty kilometres of sand, rocks and trail. The start line is just 100 metres from our campsite and a small but dedicated group are warming up, comparing shoes and equipment, and making those important last minute stops. There are no toilets on the course so it’s now or the trees!

The 50km is an out and back course and is also able to be run as a relay in teams of two – a great option for those who don’t wish to tackle the full 50kms but want to experience the whole course. The event also includes a 25km, 12km and 5km race.

Just after 8am we are off and making our first short dash across Greens Beach and onto a fern-lined coastal track. The conditions are ideal with a light breeze and mild temperatures. I settle in towards the back of the pack only too aware of the long day ahead – it’s easy to get carried away in the early morning but there’s a long way to go yet. Gently winding up the headland we soon reach the first vantage point at West Head with views across Badger Head beach, and the first aid station shortly after, complete with junior cheer squad and motivational signs!

A short scramble across some boulders leads to the firm, flat sand of Badger Head beach. A strong headwind makes the going a little tough – hopefully it means a tailwind on the return journey. The field has spread out the entire length of the beach and for the most part runners are alone or in pairs. There is a welcome aid station at 11kms which marks the end of the second beach and the start of a steep, zig-zagging 220m climb onto Badger Head. The trail across Badger Head delivers spectacular ocean views amid the stunted, windblown coastal vegetation. After 16kms the trail descends into Copper Cove, an early copper mining site. Tiptoeing across the rocks, the trail ascends the headland again until reaching the 7km expanse of Bakers Beach. This is the final stretch before reaching the turnaround point and another welcoming aid station.

Here I meet my support crew/injured runner/husband who has ridden out to deliver my sunscreen – the clouds have parted and the Tasmanian sun is starting to burn. After a short stop to refill my camelback, eat an energy bar and have a chat I’m on my way to tackle the return journey.

The 7km beach suddenly starts to feel about 20km long and despite the firm, flat surface I’m actually looking forward to getting off the sand and back onto the trails. Heading back up onto the headland might be tougher but the variation in scenery is welcoming and the scrub provides some shade. This area is known for snakes but I’m in luck today, only meeting a couple of lazy blue tongue lizards.

I’ve been running solo for most of the course, with only a brief chat as I pass a couple of other
solo runners, so when I reach the aid station at 39kms it’s easy to get carried away catching up with a fellow trail runner I had competed with weeks earlier. Stopping for a refuel and to compare recovery strategies, the race completely leaves my mind and for a few minutes I could be at a very pleasant afternoon bbq instead of in the later stages of a trail marathon. Some voices from the trail jolt me back to earth and I continue on for the final stretch home.

Crossing the finish line I am exhausted and not really sure of the time of day. I do know that a cold beer is very welcome! There’s a relaxed vibe with many runners taking advantage of the stunning beach to refresh tired legs and wash off the dirt. There’s a special cheer for the finisher who competed in a full convict costume – that’s really taking the punishment theme to a new level!

Event profile: Shelley Miller

For more info on this event:

• WEB
• FACEBOOK
• EVENT VIDEO

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Location: Westbury, northern Tas

Distances: 4 and 8km

What is it with the North of the State and having such awesome community-based, scenic and well-organised fun runs? Well, I cannot complain! Westbury is another “must do” event.

The event is generally held mid-September by the Westbury Rotary Club. Proceeds from the event go towards a nominated charitable cause – this changes each year. Regardless, you know your entry fee is going to a good cause. The course is extremely scenic and permits participants to take in much of the beautiful and historic surrounds of the town of Westbury. Both 8km and 4km options are available catering for people of all ages and abilities.

The run starts at the Westbury sportsgrounds and is an out and back course. It is predominately on bitumen with about 40% of the remainder on well-groomed trails. The run takes participants through the main streets of Westbury before heading into a scenic conservation area interwoven with well-marked trails. From there it is a run along the back roads of Westbury taking in some country scenery before looping around the turn-around cones – the support from volunteers is much appreciated at this point of the race – and heading back to the sports ground. Again, being an out and back course, there is plenty of high-five potential! The finish feels “Olympic-esque” with participants doing another loop of the oval and onlookers crowing the edges cheering all toward the finish. The organisers utilise the microphone to offer encouragement to all as they head along the last stretch.

Post-race there is a community BBQ and a presentation with trophies going to the winners of each event. There are also plenty of nice bakeries and cafes in which to sample the local produce on the return trip!

The course has about three hills to keep the heart rate up but is otherwise a fast course – I set my 8km PB here so it is good for PB-seekers. A very well organised event with an incredible community vibe. A great day out and only a short drive from Launceston.

Check out the Facebook page for updates regarding the 2015 event: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rotary-Club-of-Westbury/173483749371340

Event profile: David Bailey

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Location: Strahan, west coast Tas

Distances: 2, 6 and 9km

The rain pelted the windows of my Cabin window as I reluctantly pinned my number to my singlet only minutes from the race start. Runners stood under makeshift shelters arms crossed and huddled. The starting line was alarmingly quiet. I started to wonder if maybe the event organisers had called off the event. However, true to the community spirit which drives this event (reflected in being awarded the Gold medal for Tasmanian community fitness initiative awards) the organisers suddenly appeared and so to the brave runners about to take part in the 2014 Strahan Beach to Bay Run. With renewed motivation from my fellow runners braving the conditions, I moved from the comfort of my Strahan Caravan Park Cabin (highly recommended for accommodation in Strahan) and into the horrid weather.

The Beach to Bay Fun run is a relatively new one to the Tasmanian fun run calendar. Its inaugural year was 2012 and the event is generally held the first Saturday each November. Emphasising community wellbeing, the run is the central event in a wellbeing festival advocating community participation and health. There are three races: a 2km run for children, a shorter 6km fun run and the 9km fun run. Other events on the day include cooking demonstrations, Taiko drumming performances, a “sling the salmon competition” (as the name suggests – a competition with the aim of projecting a salmon carcass the furthest), children activities and healthy food and beverages. As previously mentioned, the event was awarded the 2014 Gold Award at the Active Tasmania Awards Ceremony.

The course is scenic and relatively flat with the 9km event having two steep inclines to test the heart and lungs. The course is predominately bitumen with stretches of footpath and flat gravel trails. The course winds its way around the beautiful Strahan waterfront with the 9 km heading over the headland to Barnes Bay and return. A large crowd of spectators are generally present along the main restaurant strip, offering much appreciated encouragement for participants. The race finishes back at the site of festivities – a park near the water’s edge where participants can then enjoy a well-earned fun day out with a wide array of activities.

I slowly began to warm up with other participants as we eagerly awaited the starter’s gun. The rain slowly started to clear much to our collective relief. The gun fired and we were off – runners and walkers of all abilities. I enjoyed the prevailing tailwind as I settled into a rhythm along the water’s edge. I conquered the two steep hills and was soon on the return. Encouragement from volunteers and fellow participants was well appreciated. Being an out and back course, the camaraderie of “front-of-the-packers” and “back-of-the-packers” was evident with words of encouragement and thumbs up as the return runners headed for home. The last half was much more difficult than previous years with a strong headwind. Yet despite the less than ideal weather, I enjoyed every second of the race immensely. Prize money is awarded to the first open male and female runners in each event and also to the first under 16s. Generous sport prizes as well as team awards are awarded. If you are a competitive “salmon-slinger” there is also an extremely generous prize for that as well!

I highly recommend the race for people of all ages and abilities. It offers a great weekend “getaway”. The drive is an adventure in itself – beautiful ever-changing scenery.

Website: http://www.activestrahan.com.au/beach-to-bay-fun-run.html

Event profile by David Bailey

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Location: Longford, Northern Tas

Distances: 2 or 8km

The Liz Ellis Memorial Longford Trail Run is an annual event held in memory of the extremely well respected personal trainer and Longford Sports Centre Coordinator Liz Ellis. Liz was well-known for her commitment to community health, fitness and well-being. Originally run on the streets of Longford, 2014 was the first year the races were held at the historic Brickendon Farm. The relocation was due to police logistical concerns. However, this was a fine decision by event organisers. Participants are rewarded with a scenic, flat and enjoyable course all on trails.

The event caters for all ages and abilities and, as all good community-based races do, fosters community spirit, participant camaraderie and a great running experience. There is a 2km race for the children or adults who would rather the shorter event. Alternatively there is the main 8km race. There is also a dog walking/running classification and participants are encouraged to bring along their furry friends for a run! This did confuse me momentarily on the entry sheet – the usual questions were asked then the left-of centre “Name of dog?” I thought dog-ownership may hve been some compulsory Boston-Marathon-like qualifier! So feel free to come and run with your best four-legged friend in the dog race as well!

The course is out and back twice. In other words, you run to a 2km turnaround point, back to the start and then complete another out and back. This makes for great running. You are constantly passing fellow participants the entire length of the course. Plenty of high fives between runners are had! The terrain is on relatively hard-packed dirt trails that are flat with only one or two slight inclines. The trails can at times be uneven so look after your ankles and keep focusing on the trail ahead. It is also beneficial to look up as the trail is quite narrow – there was one participant with headphones who only looked up at the last second just managing to dodge me! There is plenty of room to pass just be respectful and keep to your left to allow traffic going both ways. Or, alternatively, you could attempt to block anyone from passing you by running dead-centre. No do not do that!

I enjoyed the out-and-back aspect of the course. The 8kms really do fly and the course is not tedious despite covering the same ground. There is nice country-type farm scenery to keep you entertained if that is your thing. The course is fairly fast despite being cross-country and I was extremely happy with my time. Normal race footwear is recommended. Also, if hay fever prone expect to have a few itches and possible runny eyes as it is run through a freshly cut paddock!

Highly enjoyable and well-organised event with a great small-community vibe.

Website: http://www.longfordfunrun.com/

Event profile by David Bailey