62 replies to this topic

[sammo72]

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http://jabulanichallenge.com/

Just wondering if anyone has run in this event previously. I was given a flyer at runners last night, apparently I am the only one crazy enough to contemplate such distances and events.

Date: 7 August 2011.

Looks interesting, 43kms of single trail through the Lindfield area and the entry fee is a total tax deduction.

There is also a 23km option and walking is allowed for a change, with a 9 hour cut-off in place.

[seris]

Hi Brett, I have done this and enjoyed the relaxed, friendly, casual atmosphere. I am hoping they can measure the course at 42.195kms so I can count it as official for Bob Fickel.

[Koala1]

I've thought about doing this the last couple of years when I lived fairly close by, but never have as it says teams of 2 or more.  (Although I also vaguely remember someone saying they did it solo one year, but the web site before didn't make any mention of going solo (it might now, I haven't looked through it all properly)).

I do know the trail through there though and it would be a good run to do.

[jdunc]

sammo72, on 26 May 2011 - 03:57 PM, said:

Just wondering if anyone has run in this event previously.

I did the short version last year and really enjoyed it. It's local for me and it was fun to have an organized trail race so close to home.

The event itself was very small and friendly in feel. Seemed like it was mainly the RD and a little handful of volunteers (don't quote me on that, just my foggy remembered impressions from a year ago), but they did a great job with what they had. It'll be good that this year National Parks is letting them mark the course. There was a bit of route-discussion and follow-the-leader going on last year, but no one got lost that I know of.

It was also a pleasant surprise that with it being a lesser known event, my slow self actually placed pretty well in the field. Can't think of any other race where I'd come in 6th over all! Good for over-inflating your ego, but I imagine there will be a bigger and more competitive field this year.

I've been thinking I'll do the 43km course this time.

Here's my hand-plotted version of the short course.

[sammo72]

I am pretty sure solo entries are fine, but just realised it falls only a week after the Bush Capital Marathon (and this is already on my radar, after doing the 25km option last year).

[Minus15]

I did this run in 2009,an excellent course and friendly,laidback atmosphere.
Managed to take wrong turns twice.
Course directions a little vague in places for someone not familiar with the area(me).
Will probably do it again this year,course marking will help.

[philk]

i'll be back for my 4th solo 42k -

very laid back with minimal support/fanfare. quite a few walkers in both options.

fantastic trails, mostly single-track along Bobbin head & Middle Hrbr, all in my backyard - and all for great cause close to my jaapie heart. some may be put off by steep entry for little 'return', but is a fundraising pure & simple

climb on board & get sponsors

[FO5]

I have run this event nearly every year since it started switching between both the 40K+ and 22K+ course.  Solo entries are fine.  I believe the first year the organisers were concerned about people getting lost but have been fine with anyone going solo since then.  I am under the impression that the courses will change slightly this year, more running from Lindfield up towards Wahroonga, but on basically the same trails. The shorter route is apparently going to be a start and finish from Cliff oval in North Wahroonga going to Bobbin Head and back on a loop incorporating several trails.  The courses offer a real nice variety of wide fire tracks and some technical sections thrown in.  The sections around Bobbin Head are absolutely stunning and I wonder why anyone ever chooses to run on the roads if you are lucky enough to live around these areas.  Also as mentioned, it's a fairly relaxed event and if you choose to walk most of it, there is plenty of time.

Yes, all the fees are tax deductible as the event is put on to provide funds for a charity in Africa that feeds, shelters and educates kids.

[Eagle]

sammo72, on 26 May 2011 - 06:21 PM, said:

I am pretty sure solo entries are fine, but just realised it falls only a week after the Bush Capital Marathon (and this is already on my radar, after doing the 25km option last year).

... and your not running the M7 Marathon the day after the Bush Capital  

[Eagle]

The same weekend as the Brisbane Marathon. I would prefer a home town trail run in the lead up to some longer ones later in the year. It would be nice if it was advertised as 42.185 so the Bobby Fickle would not have to be feared and not recognoise it in the count of the 100 Marathon Club.  

[Timdock]

seris, on 26 May 2011 - 05:37 PM, said:

Hi Brett, I have done this and enjoyed the relaxed, friendly, casual atmosphere. I am hoping they can measure the course at 42.195kms so I can count it as official for Bob Fickel.

Ran the longer version last year as a training run for the world 100km championships in Gibraltar - great trails, spectacular scenery and a good challenge!

Was approached by the organisers this year for suggestions on how to increase the appeal of the event to the wider running fraternity. Looks like they have implemented a number of the changes which should see the event establish itself as a major fixture on the local running calendar moving forward. The most notable change being:

1. Reversing the direction of the longer event - East Linfield to Cliff Oval, Wahroonga
2. A spectacular new circular course for the shorter event (starting and finishing at Cliff oval).
3. Route changes to incorporate a large number of wide open fire trails (both courses are now predominantly wide open fire trails with a few technical single track sections)
4. Measured courses - marathon and half marathon respectively

For those of you that enjoy running off road it doesn't get much better.

Enjoy  

[seris]

seris, on 26 May 2011 - 05:37 PM, said:

Hi Brett, I have done this and enjoyed the relaxed, friendly, casual atmosphere. I am hoping they can measure the course at 42.195kms so I can count it as official for Bob Fickel.

I'm in contact with the organisers and am confident that they will have a marathon distance for us tragics.

Eagle, on 08 June 2011 - 03:17 PM, said:

The same weekend as the Brisbane Marathon. I would prefer a home town trail run in the lead up to some longer ones later in the year. It would be nice if it was advertised as 42.185 so the Bobby Fickle would not have to be feared and not recognoise it in the count of the 100 Marathon Club.  

Fear not my friend, I will be running this one. Great trail and a nice recovery run after our double marathon weekend the week before. um, remember your keys this year? ......and I'd prefer the 42.195, you want 42.185? Really???

Timdock, on 08 June 2011 - 09:52 PM, said:

Ran the longer version last year as a training run for the world 100km championships in Gibraltar - great trails, spectacular scenery and a good challenge!

Was approached by the organisers this year for suggestions on how to increase the appeal of the event to the wider running fraternity. Looks like they have implemented a number of the changes which should see the event establish itself as a major fixture on the local running calendar moving forward. The most notable change being:

1. Reversing the direction of the longer event - East Linfield to Cliff Oval, Wahroonga
2. A spectacular new circular course for the shorter event (starting and finishing at Cliff oval).
3. Route changes to incorporate a large number of wide open fire trails (both courses are now predominantly wide open fire trails with a few technical single track sections)
4. Measured courses - marathon and half marathon respectively

For those of you that enjoy running off road it doesn't get much better.

Enjoy  

The organisers are doing their best to keep us runners happy. Thanks!

[EXE]

Having chosen the 42km option last year I can thoroughly recommend this run.  A nice little step up from the 15km Great Sloshy Nosh from last Sunday.  

Same flavour just longer lasting!


EXE

[Eagle]

Seris

Okay looks like with a measured marathon at 42.195 I will run this and not Brisbane. You remember to remind me to remember my keys  

[Timdock]

Eagle, on 09 June 2011 - 11:34 AM, said:

Seris

Okay looks like with a measured marathon at 42.195 I will run this and not Brisbane. You remember to remind me to remember my keys  

Great decision Eagle....  

[Timdock]

EXE, on 08 June 2011 - 10:52 PM, said:

Having chosen the 42km option last year I can thoroughly recommend this run.  A nice little step up from the 15km Great Sloshy Nosh from last Sunday.  

Same flavour just longer lasting!


EXE

The new "runner" friendly course introduces a significant number of wide open fire trials similar to the one you run on towards the end of the Great Nosh.

Awesome combination of wide open fire trails and single file tracks - the scenery is simply stunning.

[ShanksPony]

The short version of this is right up my street in terms of my ideal running event- only problem is that it's SO up my street that the exact course is a run that i sometimes do already!!  So not sure whether i want to do it on the day it costs $80 (i know it's a good cause and all...)?  Great run for anyone else considering it though with a couple of steep bits!

[Timdock]

ShanksPony, on 11 June 2011 - 11:13 AM, said:

The short version of this is right up my street in terms of my ideal running event- only problem is that it's SO up my street that the exact course is a run that i sometimes do already!!  So not sure whether i want to do it on the day it costs $80 (i know it's a good cause and all...)?  Great run for anyone else considering it though with a couple of steep bits!

Sure $80 is quite steep but it is all for an extremely worth while cause with every cent going to feeding children in a township outside Cape Town.

Don't forget your entry is tax deductible so you get some back...

ShanksPony - your knowledge of the course will be an added advantage (particularly on the 'big' climbs)

[ShanksPony]

I'm too slow to benefit from any course knowledge!  But i'm considering maybe doing the long one now though, since that would be a real challenge for me and there's the option to walk plenty of it!  Hmmmmm.......

[Timdock]

ShanksPony, on 11 June 2011 - 09:35 PM, said:

I'm too slow to benefit from any course knowledge!  But i'm considering maybe doing the long one now though, since that would be a real challenge for me and there's the option to walk plenty of it!  Hmmmmm.......

Slow or not local knowledge of the climbs will be a huge benefit... walk those run the rest and you will kick ass (I mean pony)

[Slug]

I just entered this, should be a good hit out 3 weeks before Trailwalker.

[philk]

Did a couple of the new hills on the course yesterday (up Sphinx track/steps and up from Gibberagong track) - the new course certainly has more hills than the old, but will be interesting. Will be a fair bit of walking/scrambling along some of the tech bits & hills.

Looking forward to it.

[Slug]

Entries still open. If you're keen to explore some of the nicer trails in Sydney, jump in. Good hit out for any Trailwalker teams, 50% discount too.

[Eagle]

I will be running entering. I need the 42.195k option  . Should be interesting getting back onto trails  

[seris]

Eagle, on 01 August 2011 - 06:15 PM, said:

I will be running entering. I need the 42.195k option  . Should be interesting getting back onto trails  

I'm in

[halfwaydown]

From the organisers in response to my query:
"The course is just over marathon distance, however, there will be a marker at the marathon distance point and we can provide a certificate on the day to state that you ran the marathon distance if required"
My understanding is that its only about 100+ metres too long (or good enough in old money/pre garmin).
Will try and make it - but got a tough day Saturday ( )to get through first.

[Slug]

Is the 43k course well marked? I know every section well enough except the last 6 or 7kms from North Turramurra. Preference would not be to carry maps.

[Eagle]

halfwaydown, on 03 August 2011 - 02:00 PM, said:

From the organisers in response to my query:
"The course is just over marathon distance, however, there will be a marker at the marathon distance point and we can provide a certificate on the day to state that you ran the marathon distance if required"
My understanding is that its only about 100+ metres too long (or good enough in old money/pre garmin).
Will try and make it - but got a tough day Saturday ( )to get through first.

to the organisers for the 42.195 marker. 100 meters might be 100 meteres too far for Bobby Fickel.   Now entering

Edited by Eagle, 03 August 2011 - 02:41 PM.

[buzzlightyear]

Lots of luck to those entering, esp to Worswick and Alex Mathew. The FOP would be VERY interesting to watch.

[philk]

I'll be very much BOP - soaking up the trails (literally)  - still a teeny bit of water about (as I discovered slipping off  stepping stones just after Cascades this pm).

Clearly the courses of previous years have been short. (Distance from Davidson to Lindfield Oval used to be shown as 9k, now 6k in reverse).

I may be Fickel, but I couldn't be bothered being  too hung up about precise distances over this type of event & I'll be the arbiter of my own 100 hundred club (err, make that 50 club)

[Sarge]

Just realised that I have entered this event. It was a spur of the moment decision and then I forget all about it. They say that it is better to run in pairs. Seris or Eagle, want to make it a triple header instead?

[seris]

Sarge, on 03 August 2011 - 07:10 PM, said:

Just realised that I have entered this event. It was a spur of the moment decision and then I forget all about it. They say that it is better to run in pairs. Seris or Eagle, want to make it a triple header instead?

So what are you really saying Sarge? You want a threesome? Fine with me. Ray? We can share just this once? Yes?

[Sarge]

seris, on 03 August 2011 - 07:26 PM, said:

So what are you really saying Sarge? You want a threesome? Fine with me. Ray? We can share just this once? Yes?

  I bet you wish there was a gutter to run in.So that your feet and mind could be as one.   Bad girl !!!!

See you there.

[Poonie]

Out of interest has anyone got a vertical profile of Jabulani? I've had a decent look at the maps and have a reasonable idea about the significant up / down, but as I'm going into the course sight-unseen the more information for (mental) preparation the better...

[Zed]

That was a cracker day out!

A long day, but enjoyable in every respect.

Superb organisation, stunning trails, great venue for the finish. Good company all the way. Rain, shine, rainbows, mud.

Well marked trails.

Tough course.

I have now done 07, 09 and 11 editions of this and urge you to put this one on your list for next year.

Great run Philk. Thanks Seris and Eagle (I believe) for the trudge up those stairs to the Sphinx.

Thanks to the organisers and volunteers, a good cause was supported today.

[philk]

Magic day on the trails. Tough, but just as it should be. Bonus is that the course was ' a little long'.

Zed - how you back up for that after Cities is unfathomable.

Next year same again, no question. Now, another lager...

[KiwiMark]

Fantasic trails and scenery. Unfortunately it was a longer day than I expected. A few wrong turns left me running 50ks instead of 43. I found many forks on the tracks were not marked and towards the end I found some crossroads had signs saying to go in differnt directions. It may just be my poor navigating skills, but I will unfortunately not be running this race again. Which is a shame because it is beautiful.

[negsplit]

This was a great trail race nicely located for most sydney-siders. While there were some trail marking issues, the organisers made it clear to take maps or check the course beforehand and were also very interested in feedback on how to continually improve the event. To be able to fill in a race survey immediately upon finishing and make suggestions was fantastic. Even though I agree there was some course marking issues this year,
I will definitely be back to support what could become one of the best trail events in Sydney. Thanks to all involved for a great day out.

[Poonie]

Zed, on 07 August 2011 - 05:57 PM, said:

That was a cracker day out!

A long day, but enjoyable in every respect.

Superb organisation, stunning trails, great venue for the finish. Good company all the way. Rain, shine, rainbows, mud.

Well marked trails.

Tough course.

I have now done 07, 09 and 11 editions of this and urge you to put this one on your list for next year.

Great run Philk. Thanks Seris and Eagle (I believe) for the trudge up those stairs to the Sphinx.

Thanks to the organisers and volunteers, a good cause was supported today.

'Well marked trails?' Ha - were you the one that took down most of the marker arrows as you ran?!
I lost count of the number of times I hit a t-junction or fork in the road with no markings at all, and I reckon I lost 30 minutes from either taking a wrong turn and then backtracking, or stopping to pull out my course map to find out where I was, or else waiting for someone else a few minutes behind me to catch up that hopefully knew where they were going. And I certainly wasn't the only one. Great trails and a good course, but the organisers need to produce about three times as many laminated arrows and mark every fork. I know the organisers said to refer to the course map - but if it was an orienteering event rather than a running event I would have preferred for them to say that from the start. Don't get me wrong, I know organising a run like this isn't easy and I enjoyed the run, but the lack of marking was extremely frustrating.

[Zed]

It's all relative, in the last 5 editions of the event there have been NO trail markings at all. Part of the character of the event, in my view (sample of one back of the packer) is the element of doubt.

[buzzlightyear]

Poonie, on 07 August 2011 - 09:18 PM, said:

... I know the organisers said to refer to the course map - but if it was an orienteering event rather than a running event I would have preferred for them to say that from the start. Don't get me wrong, I know organising a run like this isn't easy and I enjoyed the run, but the lack of marking was extremely frustrating.

Great North Walk 100 , a 176km race from Newcastle to Patonga Beach transverse through some of the region's wildest terrain. It has "ZERO" arrows and ribbions. If runners had bothered to train on the course, and read the map, AND still get lost, it might then just be a case of HTFU and learn to read a map.

[halfwaydown]

Zed, on 08 August 2011 - 02:05 AM, said:

It's all relative, in the last 5 editions of the event there have been NO trail markings at all. Part of the character of the event, in my view (sample of one back of the packer) is the element of doubt.

Zed, you must be familiar with the course.
I really enjoyed the course but it was clearly both longer than advertised - though quite how long I don't know as nearly everyone I spoke to at the finish had 'got lost' somewhere - and it was certainly not 'consistently' signposted to any standard I have run before.
It is better to have no signage at all rather than to have piecemeal signage.  The advice at the start of the race was that it was well marked but we could take maps if we wanted. This was not the case. While it is great to have signage at junctions where there is no obvious direction, there were several places where the lack of signage meant that runner took the obvious straight ahead option on the expectation that left or right turn off would not be the correct route.

There is a lot of empathy with this event. It is all very well to excuse the organisation because it is for a worthy cause and is 'small town'. But Honestly, they would be better to cop the critism on the chin and get some experienced help both to  record the distance (all it takes is a garmin)and provide the signage necessary.
It was certainly a challenge - but also by the end of it, with all the stories of 2, 5 and 9km 'detours' (eg Alex Matthews) - it was something of a farce.

[halfwaydown]

buzzlightyear, on 08 August 2011 - 08:52 AM, said:

Great North Walk 100 , a 176km race from Newcastle to Patonga Beach transverse through some of the region's wildest terrain. It has "ZERO" arrows and ribbions. If runners had bothered to train on the course, and read the map, AND still get lost, it might then just be a case of HTFU and learn to read a map.

Buzz, were  you on the marathon course yesterday?
The reference to GNW100 is irrelevant. Keep the ultra-running chest beating to threads that are relevant - we know how tough you guys are already  
PS Ask Alex Matthews whether he'd have rather run 42 (43? 44?)km and won the race - or the extra 9km he did and came third. The tell him he should have followed the map.

[EXE]

halfwaydown, on 08 August 2011 - 09:36 AM, said:

Buzz, were  you on the marathon course yesterday?
The reference to GNW100 is irrelevant. Keep the ultra-running chest beating to threads that are relevant - we know how tough you guys are already  
PS Ask Alex Matthews whether he'd have rather run 42 (43? 44?)km and won the race - or the extra 9km he did and came third. The tell him he should have followed the map.

I'm with Buzz on this.  If you want perfectly marked courses stick to The North Face 100 or Trailwalker.  The event organisers spend a fortune in map preparation, check points, food, markers and their placement and removal.  Consequently the events are very expensive.  

The unique character of the Jabulani is that ALL your fee goes in as a tax deductable donation.

I was able to run the entire course yesterday without a single navigational mistake nor reference to instructions or map. The signs weren't perfect but they were adequate providing you had done some pre-reading and previously run key parts of the course.  The route was terrific and I hope the organisers can lock it in so that runners can sort out the navigational challenges in advance .... just like the GNW.



EXE

[Poonie]

@EXE: '..and previously run key parts of the course...'

That's just it. Some people didn't have the luxury of getting to run the course beforehand - and I think the course was marked only for those who had.
As I hadn't run any of the course before I DID do quite a bit of route study prior to the event, and I'll give an example of where it went wrong: From the course word description:

'shortly afterwards cross the creek again and then take the next right turn onto Bare Creek Track. Take another right and cross the creek again. Follow this track and take the second turn left where you immediately cross the creek and then climb up a hill...'

There were arrows for some of the turns but not others. I don't recall seeing a sign saying 'Bare Creek Track' so didn't know when I was on it. On reaching an intersection with no markings four separate runners were standing around with our course guides trying to work out how many creeks we had crossed - is this the first left we were meant to ignore? No idea. Only when another runner came up and said 'I ran this last week - you have to keep going straight' did we have a clue.

I'd rather there have been NO markings and I would have more closely followed the route description the whole way. Either mark the course properly or not at all - anything in between just messes the runners around.
If the organisers want to keep the event low key then keep pitching it at locals only who know the course. If they want to create a great event that attracts more entrants and raises more $$ for a good cause then they have a little more work to do. I was impressed that the organisers were very receptive to feedback, and I intend to provide some. It's not emotive or critical - it's simply trying to improve the event. I don't think another 20 or 30 laminated arrows at the remaining intersections should be that difficult to achieve, and will make all the difference next year.

[halfwaydown]

EXE, on 08 August 2011 - 10:05 AM, said:

I'm with Buzz on this.  If you want perfectly marked courses stick to The North Face 100 or Trailwalker.  The event organisers spend a fortune in map preparation, check points, food, markers and their placement and removal.  Consequently the events are very expensive.  

The unique character of the Jabulani is that ALL your fee goes in as a tax deductable donation.

I was able to run the entire course yesterday without a single navigational mistake nor reference to instructions or map. The signs weren't perfect but they were adequate providing you had done some pre-reading and previously run key parts of the course.  The route was terrific and I hope the organisers can lock it in so that runners can sort out the navigational challenges in advance .... just like the GNW.



EXE

EXE, I don't want to start an unneccesary arguement and go into minutae.  I want to support this event, AND I want more people to take part. It was a terrific course. But far too many runners got lost - I had one guy pleading to me that he had 48km on his garmin and ALL he wanted to do was finish.
I have now run the course once - thats all I need to know I can run the course again and not get lost NEXT TIME. Familiarity is everything.
The cost thing is irrelevant. They were 10-15 arrows short of adequately marked. Next year's budget should cover that additional. BUT they won't do it - if everyone just pats them on the back for a job that could have been better.
You're with Buzz, great - but unless he did the half, Buzz wasn't even there.

Edited by halfwaydown, 08 August 2011 - 10:39 AM.

[buzzlightyear]

halfwaydown, on 08 August 2011 - 09:36 AM, said:

Buzz, were  you on the marathon course yesterday?

No I wasn't - But I think living near the start of Great Nosh and having that area as my "local" run for 3 years is enough for me to know the course is "pinchy" and offer a great degree of navigational challenge ! I don't need to be at the race to see the lack of signs - You guys said it all!

halfwaydown, on 08 August 2011 - 09:36 AM, said:

The reference to GNW100 is irrelevant. Keep the ultra-running chest beating to threads that are relevant - we know how tough you guys are already  

IT IS Relevant! I wasn't highlighting Ultra Runners are "Tougher"  - I merely highlighted there are longer races with NO marking. It is the nature of This race.

I think having a go at the Organiser for a race that ask you to "follow your map" IMO not a fair comment.  Ask Worswick how often he trains on the course (at least 3-4 times in the last many weeks)

I don't see AlexM coming into the forum and whinge he came in third cos the poor marking. (Nor from his facebook update)

I however find irony in my posting as I am perhaps the MOST navigationally challenged person in CR! Just ask anyone else who knows me...esp you halfwaydown )

Now back to the Celebration of this race....

Edited by buzzlightyear, 08 August 2011 - 11:20 AM.

[halfwaydown]

buzzlightyear, on 08 August 2011 - 11:14 AM, said:

No I wasn't - But I think living near the start of Great Nosh and having that area as my "local" run for 3 years is enough for me to know the course is "pinchy" and offer a great degree of navigational challenge ! I don't need to be at the race to see the lack of signs - You guys said it all!



IT IS Relevant! I wasn't highlighting Ultra Runners are "Tougher"  - I merely highlighted there are longer races with NO marking. It is the nature of This race.

I think having a go at the Organiser for a race that ask you to "follow your map" IMO not a fair comment.  Ask Worswick how often he trains on the course (at least 3-4 times in the last many weeks)

I don't see AlexM coming into the forum and whinge he came in third cos the poor marking. (Nor from his facebook update)

I however find irony in my posting as I am perhaps the MOST navigationally challenged person in CR! Just ask anyone else who knows me..

Buzz, it would be much easier if you advised on threads at runs you actually took part in on the day as you would have a better idea of the additonal challenges we all faced and just how many people carrying maps still got lost because of the partial signage. Particularly if you're going to have a pop at me in the process (whinger!).  the website advertises the course as 'now with course markings'. the intro talk at the start of the marathon we were cleary advised (as I wrote above) that we shouldn't need the map but copies were available. Alex may not have said anything on his facebook - he's too nice a guy anyway - but he did explain to the organisers at the end about the issue of getting lost.
If I come across as heavy handed in my critism I apologise, but there was genuine disappointment amongst the marathon runners who had taken detours, and it could have been avoided with a litle bit more experience involved in setting out the directional signs in the first place.  
And don't forget you don't have to be navigationally challenged to get lost, half the runners that got lost - didn't make the mistake themselves - the simply followed the runner in front.
If I can't post a 'whinge' about issues with signage on an event where so many runners got lost and no-one believed the actual distance for the longer run was as advertised, then what right does anyone have to complain about anything.
Is the purpose of coolrunning threads to be completely sycophantic or to be honest in the hope of small improvements that will make a big difference to everyones enjoyment - not just those that knew already where they were going.
AND to Repeat I thought it was a TERRIFIC COURSE, I had a great time. (but I still don't know how far it was)

[EverReadyBunny]

I was at the finish for the event and I am not surprised to see this issue come up. Although a couple of friends ran the shorter event and made it around okay. I heard too many incidents of people getting lost and I saw some pretty crushed people arrive at the finish line.

Exe you are a crack orienteerer and almost a local so I would hope you would be okay.

Sounds like they could do with some people to put some more markers out next time. Looked like a nice group/event and shame to mar it with people getting lost and running additional distance.

[Spud]

Interesting discussion, my take and note I did not participate in the event:

If the organiser is advertising the run as a marked event well then make sure it's marked approppriatley, no half measures, creates too much ambiguity.
If it's a self sufficiency thing with map and directions then fine it's up to the participant to navigate their way around the course.

Begs the question- how was the event advertised to begin with?

Anyhow sounds like a terrific trail run, I hope to get involved next time.

Edit: Just checked the website quickly and couldn't see any mention of a 'marked' trail.

Edited by Spud, 08 August 2011 - 01:56 PM.