Ultra168

Over the coming weeks, we’ll be profiling each of the four major Aussie Ultras in turn, with information on the courses, what to expect and hopefully some face time with each of the race directors If you’re thinking of entering any of these races, make sure to have a read of our thoughts, if you’re not convinced enough already! We’ll also be announcing some competitions as part of the coverage of each race too, so stay tuned.

As we move into the second half of the year, for ultra runners, our attention turns to the big four ultras that take place in September, October, November and December.

The Glasshouse Trails

First on the list is the Glasshouse 100 series, which takes place each year on the second weekend of September. Of all the big ultras on the calendar, Glasshouse is the longest running, something like 25 years I believe. Race Director Ian Javes is well-known on the ultra-running circuit as a quiet, yet impeccably solid man who puts on a top race each year. The series consists of the two main events, the 100km and the 100 miler, with a 50km race held too for those aiming to start making the grade up towards the larger distances.

In terms of ‘difficulty’ Glasshouse is probably known as the easier of the four in terms of terrain and elevation, but for those of us from South of the Queensland border, it’s always a little difficult adjusting to the warmer climes of bush up there as the temperatures tend to be warmer than we’re used to down in NSW. The beauty of the Glasshouse 100′s course is the fact that there’s an aid station pretty much every 10kms, so gear carrying really is at a minimum and the only requirement one water bottle.

I have fond memories of Glasshouse as it was the first ultra marathon I completed, moving from a marathon straight up to 100kms. At the time, I didn’t think much of the fact that 100km was more than double a marathon, and rather naively thought that I could get by on pure marathon training (which at the time was only 70kms a week). This race was my baptism of fire, and I guess, the start of a love-affair with racing ‘long’. If you’re interested in taking part, visit the Glasshouse Trails website for more details on how to enter.

Next up is the Great Ocean Walk 100kmin October down in Victoria. Race Director Andy Hewat is another stalwart of the ultra running scene, and has worked hard to get this one-off the ground. The race is held entirely over the Great Ocean Walk track, which in the main runs alongside the Great Ocean Road as well as along the rugged coastline offering some of the most spectacular scenery around too. I was lucky enough to take part in the inaugural 100km race back in 2009, as well as fortunate enough to podium in third place. Although one might say that the time was a little on the ‘soft’ side

Andy Hewat on the GOW

For this one, there is more in the way of mandatory gear required purely because of the changeable nature of the weather down on the coast. One minute it could be beautiful sunshine, the next storms and force 10 winds. It really can change in an instant, so every precaution is taken given the distance between aid stations.

For the first two years of this race, a 100 miler was on offer too, but due to a few planning issues, not to mention the large commitment required for Andy, this has been dropped this year. While a shame for the Australian Grand Slam, from a practical point of view, it’s probably going to help Andy no end in terms of keeping the race going, as well as Parks Victoria happy too. Hopefully we’ll see the return of the miler in the not too distant future, but if you want to race in one of the most beautiful places in Australia, this is the one to have a crack at.

Third on the list is in many people’s eyes, the show piece of the 100 milers in Australia, the Great North Walk 100 miler and 100kms. Don’t let the title mislead you in any way – this is far from a ‘walk’. Total elevation for the 100 miler is 6,500m, which while not a huge amount is certainly enough to keep the hardened trail runner happy. The difficulty with this race is the searing heat that usually occurs when this race is on. It can be pretty average in terms of temperatures leading up to the race, but come race day, someone upstairs turns the ovens on and you’ll typically find plenty of carnage on the course.

Vizey in Congewai Valley - This section should come with a health warning!

Personally, this race is a nemesis for me. The first year I entered was in 2009, just after finishing the Glasshouse 100km. I’d been running a year and frankly had no clue what I was doing, or indeed knowledge of the course. Needless to say I got lost… badly. Lost my patience and pulled the plug at 100kms. The year after I suffered a tear to my right calf at around 75kms and hobbled to the 81km checkpoint, my race gone. This year at GNW is a big one for me, should I get in. This one is popular, with only a limited number of places. The course is pretty brutal because of the heat that descends upon it, and a 50% completion rate is testimony to this.

Aid stations are a long way apart, where you have to be self-sufficient for anything up to 6 hours or so. This race is not for the feint-hearted. It’s hardcore, it’s tough, yet I’ve been told it’s the most rewarding race in Australia. The race is run by another legend of Australia running and general adventuring, Dave Byrnes. A former smokey over the marathon distance, Dave enjoys the fact that this race has a reputation. Enter at your own risk

Finally, the last big race of the year is the Coast 2 Kosi, again run by Australian ultra running legend, Paul Every. Paul is a former Australian 24 hour and 100km rep and knows just how to put on a great show. The race is known for the prize it hands out to every finisher, an Akubra.

Paul Every on the way to Kosi

The race is roughly 240kms in length, and starts at sea-level on the NSW coast at Eden, slowly rising up and up towards the Alpine region of NSW, before finishing in Charlotte’s Pass after a trip to the top of Mount Kosciuszko, Australia’s highest mountain at just over 2,200m. A crew is essential for this race as there are no ‘official’ aid stations, following the same sort of style as the famous Badwater ultra marathon over in the US at Death Valley. The course starts on dirt track, which is where it stays for a good 130kms or so, before moving onto the bitumen and final climbs to the mountains. If you like it long and slow, this is the race for you.

So there’s a round-up of the big four races taking place over the next few months. Here at Ultra168, we’ll be tracking each of them very closely and offering updates through the race, unless of course some of us are taking part, which in all likelihood, we will be!

Compiled by Dan Bleakman