80 replies to this topic

[cliffold]

For some strange reason I feel drawn to enter this event  Deep Space Marathon

I may however be kidding myself on my ability to finish within the 5hr 30 cutoff as its profile looks tough

Would love some guidance from anyone who has run this before or has other comments

Is this an event for seasoned marathoners only
How would times compare with say Fitzroy falls (I ran around 4:20 there)

They do have a 25k run starting with the marathon and sharing the same course
Would it be "a bad thing" mentally to enter the marathon knowing I could stop at the 25k if I found it too tough (assuming I was within the 3hr 10 cutoff at 25k anyway)

I know this would be a massive challenge
Is it better to try & fail (Damn - No Foot ) or forever wonder if I could have done it

Any advice greatly appreciated

[IDW]

Cliffold

I did this event last year in 4h 26m
And Six Foot Track marathon last year in 4h 24m
I haven't done Fitzroy, so cannot compare.

While it looks very hard going on the course profile, it didn't seem as hard as Six Foot Track. We started early though and it was a cool morning.

[cliffold]

 IDW, on Oct 17 2008, 06:04 PM, said:

Cliffold

I did this event last year in 4h 26m
And Six Foot Track marathon last year in 4h 24m
I haven't done Fitzroy, so cannot compare.

While it looks very hard going on the course profile, it didn't seem as hard as Six Foot Track. We started early though and it was a cool morning.

Many thanks IDW
Your times sound very fast - guess you must be close to 3hr road mara
Had not appreciated it was anywhere near 6ft track in difficulty
At least I can be mentally prepared

[Twopennys]

5.45am start??? Good grief it should be called The Middle of the Night Marathon. Intrigued by the thread title I've suddenly lost all interest......

[cliffold]

 Twopennys, on Oct 20 2008, 01:10 PM, said:

5.45am start??? Good grief it should be called The Middle of the Night Marathon. Intrigued by the thread title I've suddenly lost all interest......

2p
The early start time is to ensure I finish before dark
For a second there I thought you'd gone soft ... but as I'd love to run your Hellgate one day I'll refrain

[Sir Runalot]

Early entries close Nov.11, then the price goes up.

I'm quite likely to be a starter. Course looks challenging, as are the cut-offs. Just hope it's not too hot.

[BoySam]

booked my flights!
hopefully see you guys there

[Eagle]

Clifford;
After speaking to you on Wednesday night it sounds like you are ready for this one. Good luck.

[Sir Runalot]

Only 15 entrants for the 'full Monty' to date. Top 15 finish looking good!

[djbleakman]

Tempted to enter this one... the missus is away and look like a great reason to have a jaunt around the bush...

[cliffold]

Eagle
Thanks, & yes I will be finishing the marathon, any thoughts of stopping at the 25k have been erased as you would expect
Pleased to hear that Emjay & Mr D will also be there

[Eagle]

Clifford

Have fun    as well as the others.

[MrD]

Wow, word gets around quick on the CR grapevine! Was going to keep a low profile going into this one!  

This is a tough run from all accounts, on par with 6 foot track from the look of things. I've run Mt Tennent before and well let's just say it's the toughest thing I've ever done. Might be easier the 2nd time around  

[emjay]

 cliffold, on Nov 18 2008, 10:45 AM, said:

Eagle
Thanks, & yes I will be finishing the marathon, any thoughts of stopping at the 25k have been erased as you would expect
Pleased to hear that Emjay & Mr D will also be there

yeah lets not get too carried away here, i'm only up for the 18km bushwalk, with maybe a bit of running thrown in.

still hoping to be there, but work commitments and a bit of car trouble may get in the way.  fingers crossed it works out.

 MrD, on Nov 18 2008, 01:44 PM, said:

Wow, word gets around quick on the CR grapevine! Was going to keep a low profile going into this one!

This is a tough run from all accounts, on par with 6 foot track from the look of things. I've run Mt Tennent before and well let's just say it's the toughest thing I've ever done. Might be easier the 2nd time around

no chance of that - they publish the list of entrants

[djbleakman]

I'm in for this... was going to see how I pulled up after the GNW 100 last week, but given I withdrew at 103kms (plus another 10kms for getting lost), then thought I should give this one a go... looking forward to it.

[emjay]

weather forcast for the weekend

Quote

Fine conditions will persist until a front brings isolated showers as it approaches and crosses the region tonight and into Saturday. An intense low is expected to develop with this front off the Victorian east coast on Saturday producing unseasonally cold, windy and wet conditions across the region, particularly along the south coast of NSW and snow to the Snowy Mountains. Conditions should ease in the ACT on Sunday and Monday with another trough expected to bring more unsettled conditions to the region late Tuesday and Wednesday.

Saturday     A few showers, windy.             Min 7    Max 15
Sunday       Becoming fine.                    Min 5    Max 19

[Tim 2]

So Mr D what inspired you to try to imitate a gazelle for the first 7km???

Suffice to say it was a good day out in the snow and mud.  Solid run without damaging my prospects at C2K was the aim and i think i achieved that.  Died on the final big climb but so be it.
Awesome run by the ladies taking 2nd and 3rd outright.

Did anyone take pictures out on course?

Tim

[emjay]

kinda glad i didnt get there.  i forgot to pack my skis.

[MrD]

Just got back from Canberra from what must be the most testing conditions I've ever run in.

Tim, if I was gazelle like it was only due to trying to warm up! The race started in freezing, snowy conditions and to me I just took off at a normal pace that may have looked quicker due to the first 6km being downhill. My hill climbing is not the greatest, so was putting some distance in the bank.

Seriously the conditions at the top of Mt Tennent were horendous, snow coming in sideways. I couldn't run up some of the steeper hills as my feet were slipping in the ice, the run down was very equally as scary. Must invest in some good trail shoes.

At the Tennent Creek trail entrance on the way back the weather seemed to have cleared so I dumped my heavy waterlogged pants and jacket with the marshall and ran a solid 6km back to the start. Coming into Honeysuckle again the weather was again very sketchy, and only wearing a singlet and shorts at this stage, I didn't think it was wise to continue on so downsized to the 25km option. Managed second place in 2:55 something I think.

The ironic thing is the race started at 5:45 probably to keep the runners out of the blazing sun that usually consumes Canberra this time of year!

Massive well done to everyone that competed today, just to be out there was to experience the extreme side that nature can throw up. Double well done to all the marathon finishers, that's a huge effort and well done too Tim on your victory!

Edited by MrD, 23 November 2008 - 08:36 PM.

[emjay]

mate, you did a great job to go out there at all, especially in a singlet.  takes me back to school hiking trips when i was a wee whipper-snapper back in the uk, trying to avoid hypothermia in the welsh mountains.

does anyone know how Cliffold went?

[Colin]

Well done MrD...you did the right thing...both the gazzelle bit and downsizing when underdressed.

I think you thrive in warm conditions, so another 18km in the freezing conditionms might have been unwise.

See you next week at the Twilight Run.

I'm also keen  on a report from Cliffold.

cheers

[djbleakman]

Cliffold came in around 5hrs 25mins, a couple of mins ahead of me who was holding the back of the pack together First 25kms were shocking... I'm a POM and I dont think I've run in conditions as bad as that in the UK. The two inches of snow up at Mount Tennant took me back to my sledging days up on the hill at my parents house back in the UK. The worst bit was just after we reached the top of Mount Tennant, and you decended back through the snow... I couldn't feel my toes for about 10 minutes! The road climb back to Honeysuckle was totally demoralising for me and I hated every minute of it. The second 18kms was a joy as I found some renewed lease of life and really enjoyed bounding back up the hills. Of course, I'd taken it pretty steady so plenty of gas left in the tank.

Having come off the back of the GNW 100 two weeks ago, this was always going to be a gentle 'run to the cut-off' race for me... some great hills to test the legs, and dare I say it as I saunted in just on around the cut-off... the sun decided to make an appearence... see, if you stay out long enough, the sun will come.

Well done to all who came and had a bash... truely awful conditions, but a great run ahead of Bogong to Hotham in the New Year.

Additionally, a few pictures added here for you. Some of the snow first thing, and then when things got slightly more pleasant on the journey back to Sydney around midday, so you can see Mount Tennent...

Edited by djbleakman, 23 November 2008 - 10:22 PM.

[Eagle]

Thank for the reports. I find it cold at the best of times so I can only imagine how I would have sufferred yesterday. Congratulations each for the run. No more of a survival test that a running event.

[BoySam]

well that was the most interesting running weather ive every experieced! i so wish i had a pair of skins at the start, or even a jackect, but oh well! was just happy enough to get through it! deffinately worth the trip! hope everyone pulled up ok!

just seeing if anyone knows had uploaded any more pics of the run?: thanks



well that was the most interesting running weather ive every experieced! i so wish i had a pair of skins at the start, or even a jackect, but oh well! was just happy enough to get through it! deffinately worth the trip! hope everyone pulled up ok!

just seeing if anyone knows had uploaded any more pics of the run?: thanks

also the results
http://www.mountainr...m...News&id=104

Edited by Raidz, 25 November 2008 - 07:25 PM.

[Sir Runalot]

Toughest conditions I've ever encountered on a course that was no walk in the park (even though it seemed like I spent quite a deal of the time walking). Glad to have finished in one piece.

Top marks to John and his team - especially those hardy souls who manned the aid stations.

Thanks to Barney for driving most of the way back to Sydney.

Congratulations to all finishers. It's one none of us are going to forget in a hurry.

Race report now loaded on my Race Blog

[Gadfly]

Much as I love the cold...I don't think I would like to run through it....especailly when you weren't expecting it!  
Well done to all who started and attempted the race.   Jolly well done to those who finished.  
Has anyone heard from Cliffold?

[cliffold]

Well that was quite an experience!
Started a few minutes late, shoes untied, no watch and only one gel as I half expected the race to be called off due to the weather.  Went too fast at the initial 5k downhill just to try and catch up.   Was quite surreal approaching the top of Mt Tennent where the woods were blanketed in fresh snow and saw a couple of roos watching as I went past.  Being at the back of the pack I was singing Good King Wenceslas at that stage (the servant is able to tread more easily through the snow by following in his master's footsteps).  Was slippery coming down again and was certainly woken up by the splash through a half frozen creek.  Keeping going through the start line at the 25k mark was a little tough but I was10 mins ahead of cutoff and could see I still had 2 legs (even if couldn't feel them) so couldn't think of a valid excuse to stop.  At about the 30k mark began a long steep descent into the valley and below the snowline.  The uphill return was quite brutal and I must have walked most of the ascent and began hoping the sweeper would come along soon and carry me home (was onto Swing Low Sweet Chariot by then). Once at the high point managed a good burst of speed for the final few km and made it home 5 mins inside cutoff - mission accomplished  

Spent some time with Dan and Tim2 who was happy to share some tips

Perfect end to the event was sitting in the campground, sun shining, drinking a beer, cooking lunch and enjoying the runner's high* long after everyone had gone.  

Drove straight off to country Victoria where I'm working this week. Have some very smelly wet shoes to try & get dry somehow

*Just saw the photos which confirm absolutely that runner's high occurs immediately you stop running

[Gadfly]

 cliffold, on Nov 25 2008, 10:25 PM, said:

mission accomplished

Well done Cliffold  - great stuff  

[Rico]

No thread for the 2009 version, so I thought I'd bump this one for the results/report: http://www.mountainr...m...News&id=133

I do a lot of running on hills, but this one was off the chain.  And I only did the 25km, so I missed the full experience.  While I was going I kept thinking it should be banned by whatever authorities ban stuff like dog fighting and bullfighting and other blood sports, but afterwards I thought I really should have staggered on for a couple more hours and to do the whole thing.  Hopefully next year.

Low key and small numbers, but seems like a great event with its own personality.  And possibly the coolest name of any marathon in the world.

[MrD]

 Rico, on Nov 23 2009, 04:36 PM, said:

No thread for the 2009 version, so I thought I'd bump this one for the results/report: http://www.mountainr...m...News&id=133

I do a lot of running on hills, but this one was off the chain.  And I only did the 25km, so I missed the full experience.  While I was going I kept thinking it should be banned by whatever authorities ban stuff like dog fighting and bullfighting and other blood sports, but afterwards I thought I really should have staggered on for a couple more hours and to do the whole thing.  Hopefully next year.

Low key and small numbers, but seems like a great event with its own personality.  And possibly the coolest name of any marathon in the world.

ssshhhh...low key and small numbers...just the way we like it!

Terrific event, actually just started a thread in the trail forum about the toughest trail race around...I nominate this!

[rodthehornet]

BUMP FROM LAST YEAR.....

Just signed up for this one.  Convinced the family that Canberra is nice for a weekend away.  Now I have checked the location and start time and my options appear somewhat limited.

Is there any family accommodation anywhere near the start????
Alternatively is anyone drivng out from Canberra CBD early Sunday morning that I can grab a lift with???

Keen to leave the car with the family and then they can meet me at the finish, if I get there.......

[run2work]

 rodthehornet, on Oct 27 2010, 10:15 PM, said:

Is there any family accommodation anywhere near the start????

tent

[djbleakman]

Hmmm I might do this one too. Did it in 2008... it's a toughie and we had snow at the start - was awesome if rather cold too. Will bring a tent if I'm in.

[Rico]

Lots of people seem to camp.  The start is a fair drive from just about anywhere, and at a crazily early hour.  Just one of things, along with the course itself, the small numbers and the unpredictable weather, that make it the event it is.

I’ve been keenly anticipating this ever since doing the first 25k version last year, but after spraining my ankle just over 3 weeks ago my preparation has been badly hampered.  I tested it out on the Majura 3 Peaks last weekend and that it seemed to hold up, but and my ankle still has mysterious swellings and pains, so now I don’t know.  I’ll see what the doc says later this morning.

[JohnH]

 Rico, on Oct 28 2010, 08:16 AM, said:

Lots of people seem to camp.  The start is a fair drive from just about anywhere, and at a crazily early hour.  Just one of things, along with the course itself, the small numbers and the unpredictable weather, that make it the event it is.

I’ve been keenly anticipating this ever since doing the first 25k version last year, but after spraining my ankle just over 3 weeks ago my preparation has been badly hampered.  I tested it out on the Majura 3 Peaks last weekend and that it seemed to hold up, but and my ankle still has mysterious swellings and pains, so now I don’t know.  I’ll see what the doc says later this morning.

It is not a good idea for your longer term running future to be considering attempting a 44k run with 1800m of climb unless you are fully fit with no aches and pains. You risk serious damage. At the Bush Capital Bush Marathon in July the Sports Medicine ACT medical lady on duty was horrified by having to treat several runners who should never have started, with some guilty of taking Nurofen and other pain killers along the way to mask their pain. This is crazy stuff. There are heaps of runs on the calendar throughout the year. Far better to take a month off, get fully over any injury, then train and run safely in another event.

[buzzlightyear]

Just to get my day planned (car hire, bus back to sydney etc)

Say I am a slowie - How long approx will it be for BOP to finish? And the drive back from Start/Finish line to Canberra City?

edit - Change in plans

Edited by buzzlightyear, 28 October 2010 - 04:41 PM.

[JohnH]

 buzzlightyear, on Oct 28 2010, 04:17 PM, said:

Just to get my day planned (car hire, bus back to sydney etc)

Say I am a slowie - How long approx will it be for BOP to finish? And the drive back from Start/Finish line to Canberra City?

edit - Change in plans

For safety reasons, there are qualifying standards and a time limit of 5 hours 30mins, which is the BOP finish time. See race information on website for details. www.mountainrunning.coolrunning.com.au

[Rico]

 JohnH, on Oct 28 2010, 04:53 PM, said:

It is not a good idea for your longer term running future to be considering attempting a 44k run with 1800m of climb unless you are fully fit with no aches and pains. You risk serious damage.

Yeah, the doctor said it was a grade 2 anterior something ligament injury that was getting better but he urged "moderation", which isn't really a word you associate with the DSMM.  Frustrating after a year of anticipation, but from what I saw of the course last year, it's not an event to be taken lightly.

[MrD]

Just want to back up what the RD has said already. I hold this race in very high regard, it is much tougher than 6ft track or anything I've done under 50K in Australia. There is simply no relief for the whole 44km, all up and down. Don't think the downs will be a time for a break and a recovery. The gradient is steep and quite technical so its quite quick (which can destroy unconditioned muscles), and will make you wishing for another climb instead.

Also, aid stations aren't every 2.5km like people are becoming used too...this is old skool trail racing at its best. Also be prepared. I learnt the hard way two years ago....it was snowing at the start.

[bmac]

Looking forward to this weekend (perhaps with a little fear), stepping up to full after 25k last year.

Looking like weather not likely to be too hot (or cold), but may be wet, which could make downhills interesting.

BLY I would allow an hour to get back into city, but shouldn't take you that long (though anyone driving out in the morning will need to allow this at least, as can be a slow drive thru the twisty roads looking out for roos and wombats).

[rodthehornet]

Such an interesting race to prepare for.  Do you pack sunscreen and/or thermals.  Will pack the singlet, short shirt, long shirt, thermal top, jacket, beanie, ear warmers, gloves and try and work it all out in the dark before the race starts.

Brendan, you mentioned the aid.  I was going to wear a fuel belt with a couple of extra bottles back at the start/finish for a refill.  In keeping with the old skool, lots of red and green cordial.  Out of interest are there many aid stations out there.  I love a good aid station, so want to know how many excuses I have to stop during the race.

Hornet

[MrD]

 rodthehornet, on Nov 1 2010, 09:21 PM, said:

Out of interest are there many aid stations out there.  I love a good aid station, so want to know how many excuses I have to stop during the race.
Hornet

Rod, knowing your particular love for an aid station, here goes my review. The start/finish has the widest variety. A buffet selection of small bite size morsels and liquid refreshers. RD loves a good rich fruit cake and his prize winning cakes often frequent the tables of the Mountain Running races. For the kiddies and those with a sweet tooth, there are the usual jelly bean/snakes. For replenishment of lost liquid, there is good ol' H20, gatorade and perhaps even soft drink if you are lucky.

Other aid stations however are of the most basic type and from memory had a limited range of drinks (water, gatorade). No food at these . But there is good company if you are keen for a chat, as I know you are prone to. Trevor Jacobs manned the station at the top of Mt Tennant last year and Kerrie Bremmer, the goddess of Oz Ultra running, was in charge of the one down in the Ororal Valley.

The aid is at (approx) trail head at gate (manned), half way up Mt Tennent (I think just a table with water/gatorade put out), summit (manned), half way down, trail head, start/finish, top of small out/back at tracking station monument, turnoff to Ororal valley (or just after), bottom of valley, turnoff again, finally buffet table at finish.

[bmac]

Hornet, the aid stations are great. Normally manned by only 1 or 2 people, but you will find these to be some fantastic runners & orienteers giving back to the sport - can be tempting to stop for a chat! From memory (there is details in the race info sheets) there is no more than 5k between aid stations, and normally will have water, gatorade, lollies.

From what I saw last year, plenty left extra fluid & gels etc at the start/finish line and picked up as they came thru at 25k. Having run the first 25k (and knowing about where aid is), I will not be taking backpack for it, but will leave it with extra gels at 25k to pick up whatever I feel I need.

Yep, bring gear for all weather to the start - it has been all over place last few weeks here.

Have you worked out your logistics to get to the start?

[rodthehornet]

All sounds good.  Plenty of aid stations, plenty of variety, plenty of interesting characters.  I think I have counted 10 aid stations.  Could be a loooong day.

Lift to start is all sorted.  Lastminute.com.au have come to the party with a great deal in town and Mick Corlis is picking me up.  Fantastic effort back tracking for me.  Seen his name on heaps of result sheets, so finally put a face to a name.  

I was going to give my wife a 5:00eta to meet with the kids.  Might have to stretch it to 5:15 to account for the stops.

[damyanos]

Just entered , taking the Shoalhaven contingent up to four.
Looking forward to seeing some familiar faces and a tough course.

[Rico]

Highlights from the latest newsletter

Quote

1. Updated weather forecast

The forecast is for some rain each day for the next few days. Although this is for light showers in the city, the rain might be much heavier in the mountains. Please be prepared for running in wet weather. Tracks may be slippery in places and your shoes should be trail running shoes with good grip.

.....

2. State of the tracks

As part of the annual bushfire management plan, the firetrail up Mt Tennent was graded last week and the Orroral Ridge fire trail graded this week. Grading loosens the dirt surface and after rain this can be soft. Hot sunny weather is needed to firm up the surface. Consequently Namadgi National Park has said sections of both the Mt Tennent and Orroral Ridge fire trail roads are unsafe for driving.
This means:
A. There will be no drink station on the summit of Mt Tennent. However, former world veterans mountain running champion Trevor Jacobs will be there to turn 44k and 25 k runners around at that point. If you are the last person in the field, please ensure you let Trevor know.
B. The drink station halfway up Mt Tennent will only have water and Staminade which will have to be walked up the mountain tomorrow on a trolley with a garbage bag and cups. There will be no drink station table; cups will be placed on a flat area of ground for you to pick up. Do not waste this water; only drink what you really need.
C. The drink stations at the Apollo Road/Mt Tennent fire trail junction and at the Honeysuckle start/finish will have an enhanced supply of drinks, fruit cake, lollies and bananas. If you have any special personal drinks, these will be the only drink stations at which you will be able to have them.
D. I will be able to drive in from the Orroral Valley to set up the turnaround drink stations at the Orroral river bridge and at the link road/Orroral Ridge road junction.
E. If you are the last person in the field to the Orroral Valley bridge turnaround point, please ensure you advise the drink station attendant John Spooner.
F. If you have entered the 44k, when you get back to the start at Honeysuckle Creek after 25kms, only continue on in the marathon if you are feeling good and confident of running the remaining 19k. If you are cold and wet at that point, change into dry gear before continuing. If you go on and conk out, we will be unable to drive in and give you a lift back.

[rodthehornet]

Very excited to get my 'race bib' in the mail.  Classic stuff.  Love the niche runs.  Looking forward to the wind/rain/snow/hail/heat/cold etc.

[Rico]

Wow this Brent Weigner (entrant from the USA) sure has an interesting history.

[damyanos]

I like the newsletter. It shows how boring road running can be in comparison.

[Perseus]

Good luck tomorrow. Hope it's not snowing , scorching, or showering.