60 replies to this topic

[buzzlightyear]

Looks like the guys (and gals) at Mountain Sports out done themselves again.
This is going to be an AWESOME and glowing race

Only read about the Glow Worm Cave but never been there. To now have a marathon through the cave is WICKED (It certainly wouldn't be a PB as I would need to slow down and have a really good tour of the place, just like a tourist)

==============

The Glow Worm Trail Marathon Weekend is a new event in 2012. The weekend includes a Trail Marathon, Trail Half Marathon, The Ted English Bolt (5km) as well as  entertainment for all ages. While the running is fair dinkum and there are some great prizes including cash for the winners – the atmosphere is all about family, friends and great running in a special part of the world.
The event course is spectacular and includes creek crossings, long sections of single trail, old mine cuttings and some long forgotten railway easements to run along, not to mention a passage through the Glow Worm Tunnel. The terrain is exciting, challenging, picturesque and just plain awesome. You really need to see it to believe it!

Website will be live on 15th Feb and entries will be open from 15th March.
Join our mailing list now to receive any updates on this event …. info@mountainsports.com.au

[Brick]

A post I put up on the 6' track thread.
Agree with Buzz will be a cracker and no PBs unless you have never run a HM/Marathion before some big hills in the second half of the Marathon.
And if you like climbing bring your gear with you some great cracks mostly natural gear saying that the mine cliffs do have some bolted climbs which will get the heart pumping.

Brick, on 13 March 2012 - 07:28 AM, said:

runhard, on 12 March 2012 - 08:05 PM, said:

Colin, on 12 March 2012 - 07:23 PM, said:

A few events have offered discounts to entrants on the 6FT  list when it was canceled so probably good idea to start a separate thread. Respective RD's can add their own info too.


Glow Worm Tunnel Marathon, discount TBA, contact http://www.mountainsports.com.au/

Nice to see support from the other RD's!  This one looks interesting. Cant get much from the website though except June 3 and a brief description. Might put it in the diary!

The mountain goats will love this Marathon, held out at Newnes camp ground also called the Wolgan Valley.
Many years ago some bikies had a riot at the old pub some might remember that, shame the pub closed after that.
And the bridge also go washed away many years ago.
Lovely area for camping, rock climbing and canyoning.

Back to the race, I hope the RD does not mind me putting up the details I know about the race.
The first half is a lot eaiser than the second half but still superb going through the glow worms tunnel. (Bring a light.)
The second half going up the pipeline track and down to Glen Davis and back, one real big hill to say the least.


Could be really cold 2-3 June out at Newnes the hilsl keep the sun out of the camp ground for at least half the day.
I was told you will be able to hire tents which will be put up/down for a you at a reasonable price.
Sounds like a real fun weekend for the family as long as you don't mind camping and bringing everything you need with you no amenities at all out at the camp ground except one drop loo.
Most of the time camp fires are allowed but you will need to bring wood in, not much to get in the bush climbers have used most of it.
Maybe need a porta loo in the area that weekend if lots of people enter.

[B1orB2]

After hearing about this last weekend it’s definitely an event that I’ll be doing in 2012. I like the idea of camping out there before the start and exploring the ruins.

By the way, it will be the old train tunnel that we trudge through. My preference would be to do the tunnel with a stick, but without a light, to be able to fully appreciate the glow worms. The traverse would go something like tap, tap, splash. All part of the fun.

[philk]

^{Love the valley & camp @ Newnes with the kids every year.
Will absolutely do this one-  BOP but loving every minute}

[Eagle]

Sounds a very interesting course. The logistics might take some planning but I will be there.

[sammo72]

Yep, definitely in for this one. Just need to decide on the half or full.
Spent a lot of time 4wd'ing this area, so will be nice to run those trails.
Just hope we dont get much rain, as the tracks do not stand up to a soaking.

[buzzlightyear]

B1orB2, on 14 March 2012 - 09:49 AM, said:

..My preference would be to do the tunnel with a stick,

I can picture the race director handing out a glow stick to every runner as they enter the tunnel.

Don't know the area at all and thus cannot comment on the terrain. But I am certainly keen to bring along my rock climbing shoes and gears to do a few lead climbs. Grade 20s??

[ScamBullant]

Very keen on this one, having heard rumors a while ago it was on the cards. Will need some expertise in negotiations with SWMBO, especially with June camping along with a 1 1/2yr old.

I know which 2 of 'us' will be happiest

[runhard]

A 600m walk (no running according to the site) through the tunnel should get the heart rate down to get going again at the other end.    Dont forget to carry a torch.

[hillclimb]

Can someone please comment on the condition of the dirt road between Lidsdale and the race start area in Newnes? Is it accessible for a city car with lowered suspension?

I had a DNS due to pot holes in the access road at last year Terrace Falls race, so don't want to suffer a similar fate again.

[walker1st]

glow cave ? - my initial thought was the Tambourine mountain above GC, never new about this area.

[Brick]

hillclimb, on 14 March 2012 - 12:37 PM, said:

Can someone please comment on the condition of the dirt road between Lidsdale and the race start area in Newnes? Is it accessible for a city car with lowered suspension?

I had a DNS due to pot holes in the access road at last year Terrace Falls race, so don't want to suffer a similar fate again.

I would not try it.
Last time I was camping at Newnes a few dips in the road that might be a bit tricky.
Also the road has a creak crossing that you can pass no worries with a normal Toyota Camry towing a trailer but a lowered suspension car I don't think would make it.
Just need to borrow a different car for the weekend it will be worth it.

Only problem I have is it is only 1 week before Macleay River Marathon which I have already payed accomodation for. Bugger!

[halfwaydown]

hillclimb, on 14 March 2012 - 12:37 PM, said:

Can someone please comment on the condition of the dirt road between Lidsdale and the race start area in Newnes? Is it accessible for a city car with lowered suspension?

I have driven the road several times in a city car but not with lowered suspension and had not found it a problem to date - it has a (well deserved) reputation for ruting rather than potholes though like all dirt roads it will be subject to the weather and the number of cars previously on it. I'd suggest giving Thomas (newnes 'hotel' owner) a call for an update on road condition - details on website under accommodation if you have concerns - he is very ameniable.

I am in - it is a beautiful part of the world and have enjoyed secret training weekends there in the past
Second half of the marathon will be brutal.

My one Tip would be - if you want to see anything in the Glow Worm Tunnel - you need to turn your light off, stand still and a whole galaxy of wonder appears before your very eyes.  All for the price of a few meagre seconds added to your race time. Think of it as a once-in-a-race-time rest/drink stop.

EDIT: Brick's point about creek crossing - right at end of line - I'll be parking near the Newnes hotel and walking over.

Edited by halfwaydown, 14 March 2012 - 01:07 PM.

[Nickelass]

hillclimb, on 14 March 2012 - 12:37 PM, said:

Can someone please comment on the condition of the dirt road between Lidsdale and the race start area in Newnes? Is it accessible for a city car with lowered suspension?

To back up Brick's comment.  My car is fairly low (although not lowered) and only managed to scrape through on a couple of spots.  Could be touch and go with lowered suspension.

[Paul Every]

Brick, on 14 March 2012 - 12:59 PM, said:

Only problem I have is it is only 1 week before Macleay River Marathon which I have already payed Domestic Harmony Index points for. Bugger!

Fixed that for you , Brick.

[sammo72]

hillclimb, on 14 March 2012 - 12:37 PM, said:

Can someone please comment on the condition of the dirt road between Lidsdale and the race start area in Newnes? Is it accessible for a city car with lowered suspension?

I am more then happy to drive anyone in, if the track is a little worse for wear.
Carpool from Lidsdale ?.

Link to road conditions and route to Newnes from Lidsdale:
http://users.tpg.com...es/g/access.htm

Edited by sammo72, 14 March 2012 - 01:54 PM.

[Paul Every]

buzzlightyear, on 14 March 2012 - 12:09 PM, said:

Don't know the area at all and thus cannot comment on the terrain. But I am certainly keen to bring along my rock climbing shoes and gears to do a few lead climbs. Grade 20s??

Sounds like a great weekend, especially with some camping and climbing or canyoning thrown in. From memory, Tiger Snake Canyon should be doable at that time of year.

[Brick]

Word of warning:

Climbing and canyoning in the newnes Valley is not for beginners.
You should only try any climbs and canyons if you have experience.
Most canyons and climbs are done very infrequently and need to treated with respect.

Buzz if your leading 20+ climbs on natural gear with the chance of limit placements then go for it.
If not then start with some easy 12s and see how hard they can be first.

IMHO

[halfwaydown]

You don't have to camp if you want to stay nearby ...
http://www.wolganval...rvations/rates/

[runhard]

halfwaydown, on 14 March 2012 - 02:48 PM, said:

You don't have to camp if you want to stay nearby ...
http://www.wolganval...rvations/rates/

I just booked the wolgan suite. should be quite nice  

[halfwaydown]

BUMP!!!

Just spotted this 'teaser' from Mountain Sports......


Familiar Faces?

[ruben]

Hi everybody, I'm new to this forum (and to Australia). I arrived in Sydney last month. Searching for good trail runs I found out about this marathon and signed up.
The only thing is that I don't have a car, but will take the train to Lithgow the day before. I'm staying at a hotel in Lithgow. Is anyone driving from Lithgow to the start on Sunday morning who is willing and able to take 2 more people along in their car (me and my girlfriend)? This would help us out tremendously! Sorry to be so direct even though I just got to this forum, but this is the only part of my journey I still need to figure out, and I thought this forum might be a good place to ask.

[philk]

Would offer a lift Ruben, but I'm booked in @ Newnes, sleeping in.

Really looking forward to this. Slow 20k trail this a.m with a mate who has now confirmed he will be in for the 21k (plus another mate who has climbed literally all of Wolgan Valley will sign up for 42k. Should be a top weekend, probably AL on Monday .

Loving the training , although a touch concerned that Voltaren 25 is the main ingredient.

[Eagle]

Just about to sign up for the marathon. Now all I have to work out is the logistics. I guess the excitement would be sleeping at the start the night before and enjoying the 'outdoors'. No doubt basic but an interesting option..

[volunteer]

Just almost signed up for the marathon's volunteers.  I'm looking for someone going up with room in their car.  Flexible with arrangements.

[Eagle]

This one is just overa week away. Race Information emailed over night. I am looking forward to a weekend in the mountains. Lets hope it is dry - cold I can handle - almost.

[sammo72]

Just wondering what shoes are recommended for the half, considering the rain we are expecting all week and also most likely on race day.
Is it single trail, or 4wd type tracks.

Cant wait...

[Addison]

Hokas!!!!!

[seris]

Ditto.... HOKAS!

[Addison]

didnt think it would take you long to agree!.....its going to be good fun, but very cold!...bought some thermals yesterday..are you going to the public camp ground or the private one?

[halfwaydown]

sammo72, on 27 May 2012 - 06:12 PM, said:

Just wondering what shoes are recommended for the half, considering the rain we are expecting all week and also most likely on race day.
Is it single trail, or 4wd type tracks.

I walked the course some 6 years ago - the trail mosty follows the old train track and was clearly seldom used as it was barely single track then other than the last few km to the tunnel. It hugs the valley sides as a constant slight gradient (train couldn't climb any steeper). The train line was partially abandonded because the track was always in constant need of repair due to rockfalls and getting swept away in rain. When I walked it there were a few sections where the train track had gone completely and you had to scramble up and down some steep embankments.  Beautiful route and quite overgrown - I'm hoping they haven't 'improved' it much since then.  Should be fun.
I'll be wearing trail shoes.

[TCMB]

Reminder that the medical formshould be completed by tomorrow. For those that haven't checked their emails or if it went to spam.

[Eagle]

I think to trail shoes. Good reliable Salomon's.

[philk]

Can anyone describe the 2nd half ?

Obviously pretty steep going up Pipeline track - but is it rocky/tecnical/single-track or open fire trail from Newnes to Glen Davis, or a mixed bag?

Thanks

[halfwaydown]

philk, on 28 May 2012 - 12:58 PM, said:

Can anyone describe the 2nd half ?

Obviously pretty steep going up Pipeline track - but is it rocky/tecnical/single-track or open fire trail from Newnes to Glen Davis, or a mixed bag?

Haven't descended into Capertree Valley side but the way up from Newnes was single trail, steep and there was a scramble as you got up to the gulley that squeezed between the escarpments.  I suspect the other side will be much the same.
The marathon has been pencilled in as a 6ft qualifier with a time of 6hrs 15min - compare that to 4hrs 20min for a flat road marathon gives some idea of the adventure at hand.

[halfwaydown]

weather forecast for Sunday:  Cold - Wet - Windy.
I'll be taking my time in the tunnel...

[Eagle]

For those who want more weather:

http://www.weatherzo...blelands/newnes

[Brick]

FYI:

If it is going to rain any place in the mountains it will rain in the Wolgan Valley.
Many years of Rock climbing in the area has told me that.
And it can be kind of cold even if the sun does come out this is because the camp site in winter is generally in a shadow so not much direct sunlight.

So make sure you are prepared for a fun but cold weekend.
Love the area so don't tell anybody about it don't want lots of people going to it, it can be our little secret.


Wolgan Valley

[transfer161]

ruben, on 03 May 2012 - 06:31 PM, said:

Hi everybody, I'm new to this forum (and to Australia). I arrived in Sydney last month. Searching for good trail runs I found out about this marathon and signed up.
The only thing is that I don't have a car, but will take the train to Lithgow the day before. I'm staying at a hotel in Lithgow. Is anyone driving from Lithgow to the start on Sunday morning who is willing and able to take 2 more people along in their car (me and my girlfriend)? This would help us out tremendously! Sorry to be so direct even though I just got to this forum, but this is the only part of my journey I still need to figure out, and I thought this forum might be a good place to ask.

Hey Ruben have you scored a lift yet.

I'll be driving thru Lithgow Sunday Morning.

Can pick you up at the MacDonalds on the highway.  Can you be there for 6 - I should be through between 6 and 6:30

[halfwaydown]

transfer161, on 02 June 2012 - 08:40 AM, said:

Hey Ruben have you scored a lift yet.

Already organised transfer 161.  Provided my car makes it down the dirt road.

[transfer161]

halfwaydown, on 02 June 2012 - 11:34 AM, said:

transfer161, on 02 June 2012 - 08:40 AM, said:

Hey Ruben have you scored a lift yet.

Already organised transfer 161.  Provided my car makes it down the dirt road.

Great - see you on the trail

[TheRev]

Great run out there, yesterday (and Saturday, for that matter), so a big thanks to Sean and Jo for putting it on, and Mel for the fantastic and very welcome food. Incredibly well organised, stunning bushland, great spirit on course and at the finish line and the Glow Worms didn't disappoint, once the helpful camera-man in the tunnel reminded as to turn off the torch for a second and actually look up. Now if the organisers could just sort out for the sun to come out to shine on the escarpments next year, and maybe shortening up that last "kilometre" from the 20km sign, I'll be back.

By far my slowest HM, but I reckon I'd also say my most enjoyable.

[Brick]

Any results from the weekend.
Looked on the website and no results page for any races that I can see.

[Eagle]

Brick

I suspect Sean & Mel are still in the valley packing up. I have no idea about results. I don't know the name of the winner or at elast who was in frnt with 5k or so to go but he was followed by Fats and MrD.

It was a pleasant first half and then a pretty challenging second half. I think the splits would have had the second half at least 1 1/2 times the first. I am no person to go by but finished in about 7.20 - yep 7 hours and twenty minutes. In some parts of the second half it was going up on all fours because of the steepness or because of it be slippery and coming down was the same.

The 30k and 35k markers were very close. When I reached 30k with the previous 5k taking just on 60 minutes I thought I was okay and would get to the turn around and back to the 35k in about an hour - two hours later for the 5k was quite depressing. I am not sure if others had similar splits. I was moving all the time and running when possible.

It was a great weekend. Well set up and well worth the weekend away, sleeping out and the challenging very slow run. I enjoyed it and had great company with Seris.

[YEKRUT]

I can add some results info.
Mick Donges won the marathaon.
Angela Bateup won the ladies marathon, Beth Cardelli & Shona took the minor places but I can't remember in what order.
Cassie Fien won the ladies half.

A unique weekend & running experience - one I'll always remember.

[transfer161]

yep

it was brilliant.  Some really great trail running with scrambling.  The pipeline track is super tough.  Good thing someone had done the maintenance and cleared the underbrush to make this section runnable.  Well done.

The 20, 30 & 35 markers would make interesting splits for those who track those sort of things.  For me just getting home after a great day out with spectacular scenery (glimpsed thru rain & mist) safe made the trip well worth while.

[Addison]

Great week end, camping out was great and food was just right.......great organisation....company great too....eagle...serris.....beautiful first half......very challenging second half..almost near vertical in parts.....vertical elevation 2300m !....my splits were 2.15 and 3.30, gives you some idea.....very happy in the circumstances......thanks god it was not raining!!...........sean said that results will be up on tuesday..i imagine when he gets back to civilisation!....

[Kanimbla]

Australia has a new King of Trail Marathons.
This was spectacular.
It felt a privilege to run on this pristine course yesterday.
I have run many different marathons but this will be remembered as one of the very best and memorable.
Thanks to National Parks and the organisers for this opportunity.
The track was amazing – almost all single track. Almost all spectacular ( at the least ! ) The tunnel was mind blowing – pausing in the pitch black to see the milky way in the roof !
The climb over the pipeline – phew ! I loved the different stages, the lush green ferns, the rocky tops, and passing countless relics of the industrial past. We ran past steps from long forgotten parades, old watertanks, and occasionally fell over the pipeline itself. It even reminded me of some of the wilderness tracks in New Zealand.
It was a monster run !
As for the times – I think we should take a leaf out the Top Gear book – and put a big W next to them – Wet Lap !!
Thanks again for what could become my new favourite run !

[Flyingphill]

YEKRUT, on 04 June 2012 - 09:28 AM, said:

I can add some results info.
Mick Donges won the marathaon.
Angela Bateup won the ladies marathon, Beth Cardelli & Shona took the minor places but I can't remember in what order.
Cassie Fien won the ladies half.

A unique weekend & running experience - one I'll always remember.

Beth Cardelli was 2nd female, Shona Stephenson was 3rd female.
Such a good run - loved it (and was very happy with 12 place in 5:15)
I'll definitely be back next year

[halfwaydown]

Kanimbla, on 04 June 2012 - 09:47 AM, said:

This was spectacular.
It felt a privilege to run on this pristine course yesterday.
It was a monster run !

Absolutely agree Kanimbla.
First half was sublime trail running, managed to get to the 25k mark under 2hrs25min.
Second half was just ......well, Sheer.  Where did the time go?
Rolled in to the finish in 5.32 tired, happy, and very muddy.
Difficult to believe I have recorded my slowest marathon time by some way while running one of my best.
Weather turned out to be perfect, very well organised, best Bacon'n egg roll in a long time.