MARATHON - 42.2km (run only)

Start Time: 7.30am (participant briefing 10minutes prior)

Distance: 42.2km

Total Climb: 1570m

Course Description: A good honest trail marathon that isn’t for the faint hearted, but rewards those who are brave enough, with bucket loads of stoke!
You head south of the event base to begin with (opposite to all other courses), following the Waitawheta River on a relatively technical single track. You’ll cross the river early on (2kms) so don’t worry too much about any mud or puddles after the start.
The trail continues on up into the native bush and eventually you’ll drop down Dean Track to more views of the Waitawheta River, and your first aid station. A short flat section along Franklin Road and through private property will take you back into the bush onto the Bluff Stream Track.
You then head up Daly’s Clearing Track with more quality native bush lined single track all the way, completely the loop and then heading back to base the way you headed out.
Your second aid station is behind the event base and offers a great opportunity for your support crew/fans/family to check in. Immediately after leaving Event Base you approach two swing-bridges: these are load-limited and WALKING ONLY: please wait your turn.
Then you are into the Waitawheta Pipeline and Crown Tramway Tracks, beside the tumultuous Waitawheta River once more: watch for mining ruins and relics as you pass by. Your route takes in one tunnel where HEADTORCHES are compulsory and it is strictly WALKING ONLY, please.
You will then head through the delightful Windows Walk: cross the swing-bridge and head up into the delightful Scotsman Gully, a short, steep climb to test the endurance. Stretch out a little on County Road before the climbing begins in earnest - after your next drink station - as you begin to circle the mountain on the Number 7 Level Track. Settle into a steady rhythm up this gradual climb and keep an eye out for occasional glimpses down into the magnificent Waitawheta Gorge.
Continue climbing on the Number 7 Level Track past Dubbo 96 track: the views get better as you climb higher! Making your way around the back of Karangahake Mountain, prepare for a screaming (though slippery) descent: turn right again back onto County Road to reach the drink station just around the bend. Back onto the Number 7 Level Track, but this time turn left and get ready for another storming technical descent, this time on the famed Dubbo 96 Track.
At the bottom, your homing instincts and the sound of finish line revelry will turn you right and after re-crossing the swing-bridges, there is a final opportunity for flat, fast (if you’ve got anything left) running around Dickey Flat and across our picturesque finish line.

Elevation Profile: Click here to view

Road/Trail used: Mangakino Pack Track, Deans Track, Bluff Stream Track, Dalys clearing track, Crown Track, Waitawheta Pipeline Track, Crown Tramway Track, Scotsman Gully Track, Number 7 Level Track, Karangahake Mountain Track, Dubbo 96 Track.

Drink Stations: Please remember your own cup/bottle/hydration pack as there will be no disposable cups provided at drink stations

  • 8.2km (with PURE electrolyte & water)

  • 21km (with PURE electrolyte, water, chips, biscuits & oranges)

  • 27km (with PURE electrolyte, water, chips, biscuits & lollies)

  • 38km (with PURE electrolyte, water, chips, biscuits & lollies)

Compulsory Equipment: Long sleeve top (polyprop or wool), beanie (polyprop or wool), survival blanket, waterproof seam sealed jacket, Headtorch/Torch (for tunnels).

While some of this gear may seem excessive, it is ultimately for your safety. You may not need it while you are running or walking but if something happens and you have to stop, you will need it. The event is on very exposed, rugged country and it can be very cold if you have to stay in one spot.

Cut-off times:

  • 12.15pm at the event base (21km)

  • 1.50pm at the top of Dubbo's Track (29km - with the option to head down Dubbos Track and not complete the loop around the mountain - but still finish)

Toughness Factor: 9/10

GPX File: Click here to download the Marathon Course GPX file

Participant Briefing: Click here to view