by Natalia Atkins
In 2025, the March long weekend saw the hosting of the 31st edition of the King Island Imperial 20. Members of the TRR committee had been planning to attend this event for several years, and this year, we saw this trip come to fruition.
The feature event is a 32km (20 mile) solo handicapped race from Naracoopa on the East Coast and finishing in Currie. The undulating course takes you across the island, which is supported by partial road closures and transport to the start line with numerous drink stations (every 4km). This year the first walker/runner set off at 7am and the last one at 8.57am, with the target time to finish being 11.15am.
Also on offer is the ability to do the 32km event as part of a team, which can be from 2-4 members, with the only requirement being that the change zones are at the 8, 16 and 24km designated sections of the course. A support vehicle is necessary, as the bus provided by the event is only designed to drop walkers and runners off at the start line at Naracoopa. Whilst teams can use the start line bus to get their first runner to Naracoopa, note that the team relay starts towards the end of the solo runners at 8.30am.
Lastly there were two events that weren’t entered by our travel group, being the 8km walk/run and the Junior Dash. The 8km event covers the last 8km of the course, starting at the corner of Wicks and Grassy roads, and finishes in Currie. Transport is provided from Currie to the start line.
This is a well-run event which provides ample support to participants along the course. At the start line a generous FREE breakfast is provided across the road in the Baudins Accommodation venue, which also provides clean toilets and shelter before entrants set off.
Clear instructions are given to the solo entrants around setting off, and due to the nature of the course, participants firstly set off North, before returning back past the start precinct before heading across to Currie. As mentioned before drinks stations are provided every 4kms, and at the 8km change zones there is a Portaloo. The drink stations and course marshals along the course are all nearby locals happy to don a hi-vis vest, provide a friendly face and welcome encouragement. In 2025, the event was run on a day with a forecast top of 29°C, so at several locations along the course, sponge down zones were provided, and with 2kms to go to the conclusion of the event, we were pleasantly surprised to come across a “bonus” drink and sponge down station, with a most welcome volunteer offering to spray participants with water!
The event finishes in Currie, in the middle of the town, however as the event as marketed as a coast-to-coast event, be prepared to run past the finish line, down to Currie Harbour, and back up the incline of Edward Street to the finish line outside the IGA.
Finishers this year were provided with a unique timber King Island Medallion, and for entrants in the solo 32km event – a generous bag of cheese from King Island Dairies!
The event organisers in addition to the various running and walking events on offer on the Sunday also schedule several other events, which are attractive to visitors to the island (additional cost):
- A ‘Magical Mystery Tour’ of the island for 4hrs, including a look at the start line area, and a drive along most of the course on the Saturday. Morning tea, lunch and cold water are provided.
- A Pre-race dinner. This year it was held at the King Island Brewhouse, with a generous buffet.
- A post-race Recovery dinner. This year it was a 3-course buffet dinner held at the King Island Club in Currie. The dinner also includes some short presentations, which sees runners and walkers inducted into the 5-, 10- or 20-year clubs, and this year saw the induction of a participant into the 25 year club, she had run the event 25 times, equating to 500 miles!
Several things to consider if you are contemplating attending the event.
- To take full advantage of the side-events on offer, aim to arrive on the Friday and leave on the Monday at a minimum. However if you are also wanting to incorporate some sightseeing to other parts of the island, look to stay another day or two.
- Visitors can fly from either Tasmania or Victoria. Flights are limited so look to book early.
- Affordable accommodation is limited, so also look to book this early. However, there will be an additional 80 rooms added to the island with building work at the Ocean Dunes Golf Course (close to Currie).
Event website: https://kingislandrace.org.au/
Event Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/kingislandimperial20
King Island Tourism website: https://kingisland.org.au/
