44 replies to this topic

[Chappo]

The third running of this race is in a month's time, and will follow the same course as the beginning of this year, through Royal National Park, across the Sea Cliff Bridge and folowing the bike path from Bulli to the Gong:

Date: Saturday, 19 January 2008
Start: 6am

All other details should be on the GP2G webpage.

I'm still injured so will be able to offer limited crewing for the majority (i.e. not the fastest, not the slowest) of runners.

Chappo

Edited by Chappo, 20 December 2007 - 06:08 AM.

[Jogger]

We are in the process of fixing the database error that is affecting all the fat ass pages at the moment.

[rodthehornet]

Chappo,

What is your pikers option????  Won't be up for 60km by that time, but 30-40km could work for me.  Hopefully say Otford is 30km and I could do the return by train.


Cheers
Rod

[Chappo]

rodthehornet, on Dec 18 2007, 01:54 PM, said:

Chappo,

What is your pikers option???? Won't be up for 60km by that time, but 30-40km could work for me. Hopefully say Otford is 30km and I could do the return by train.


Cheers
Rod

Correct - Bald Hill at Stanwell Tops is the 30km mark, so Otford would be slightly less.

Chappo

[ChookLegsMonkeyBoy]

Mmmmmmm!
I've got my eye on this, since I can't run Beyond the Black Stump on New Year's Day.
I'll decide closer to the day how far I'll run.
Sorry to hear you're injured, Chappo. Hope you recover quickly.
Cheers,
ChookLegsMonkeyBoy.

[milov]

Hey all,

Loved this one last year... definitely there again, hopefully a little quicker than last year too!

Rod, there is a marathon option which I am sure you will enjoy, mostly trail, then a large chunk of downhill road. You also get to run over that ocean roadway... very pretty.

milov

[rodthehornet]

Milov,

That sounds ok.  Just checked the maps and the train timetables.  Trains run every two hours back into the city.  

Austinmer   10.34  12.34  ----  
Coledale    10.37  12.37  ----  
Wombarra   10.40 12.40  ----  
Scarborough   10.42  12.42  ----  

6am start seems to work with the early train.  Want to match my finish with one of the early train - dont want to be spending two hours on a platform.  Do you remember any rough splits last year?????  

These stations look like they will be in the 35-42km mark.  I suppose I can just run and keep an eye on the train times and just finish near one of the stations.


Hornet

[milov]

Hey Rod,

I think a sub 4 hour marathon should be easy enough

[Jogger]

I will be up for at least half of it.

[Chappo]

rodthehornet, on Dec 19 2007, 09:43 PM, said:

Do you remember any rough splits last year?????

The splits are shown in the 2006 results on the GP2G page.
Perhaps one of the runners in 2007 can post their splits?

Chappo

[Becky O]

I'm up for this one, get to finish sorta close to home in the Gong. Looking at the times from last year for the full monty I think you all would have showered and left by the time I will be finishing  

[milov]

Becky O, on Dec 19 2007, 07:32 PM, said:

I'm up for this one, get to finish sorta close to home in the Gong. Looking at the times from last year for the full monty I think you all would have showered and left by the time I will be finishing  

Hey Becky,

if you want to feel better than just look at the times for 2006  

I remember feeling like I wanted to pull out at Austinmer, but though the last 20km were hot, finishing at the light house made it more worthwhile.

point of interest: the finish is a very long way from the train station... but very close to some nice gelato

milov

[Stalky]

Has anyone thought of running through Stanwell Tops through the Christian conference centre along the trail that runs above the northern suburbs on top of the Escarpment, the trail comes out near Sublime point, then go through Sublime point trail to Panorama and Bulli lookout. Then if you want to keep going along past the top of Bulli Pass till you reach the trail off Sherbrook Mountain that eventually leads to Rixons Pass then down through the trails to Tarrawanna then Wollongong.

I think I got myself lost?

[Jogger]

stalky I think we did that on a recent bushies run - but I was running flat out to keep up. the track from stanwell tops (beach level) to the christian conference centre was bush bashing in extremis. Why not do it and report back ?

[Stalky]

JoggerKev, on Dec 21 2007, 07:29 PM, said:

stalky I think we did that on a recent bushies run - but I was running flat out to keep up. the track from stanwell tops (beach level) to the christian conference centre was bush bashing in extremis. Why not do it and report back ?

Kevin I know there is a good trail that starts at the Christian conference centre at Stanwell tops and proceeds along the top of the escarpment to just past the Boomerang golf links on maddens plains then it connects to a trail that ends about 400metres from sublime point lookout. The trail you are thinking about starts around the Coal Cliff to Stanwell park area I will have a look.

[Stalky]

Stalky, on Dec 21 2007, 08:42 PM, said:

Kevin I know there is a good trail that starts at the Christian conference centre at Stanwell tops and proceeds along the top of the escarpment to just past the Boomerang golf links on maddens plains then it connects to a trail that ends about 400metres from sublime point lookout. The trail you are thinking about starts around the Coal Cliff to Stanwell park area I will have a look.

You could start near the Christian Conference Centre trail follow the trail to just before the golf links on Maddens Plains about 800metres south of Darkes Forest road and head up Darkes Forest road till you hit Dharwahl National Park trails they will take you to Campbelltown or Appin or Cataract dam or visa versa..

[Steve M]

Looking forward to this one. In terrible shape after a virus and christmas took it's toll but there's still two weeks to go so I am hoping for a quick whipping in to shape. Hopefully the marathon option for me but secretly entertaining vain hopes of a full monty.

6am start is pretty fresh, lucky it's not too far from home.

[Chappo]

Steve M, on Jan 3 2008, 10:55 AM, said:

6am start is pretty fresh, lucky it's not too far from home.

The early start is to get the cooler weather in the morning. I realise that it is not practical for those runners further afield, but it is the price of a January Fatass...

Chappo

[Woodenlegs]

I am interested in the Half Gong option. Reading the directions navigation does not seem too difficult. Would this be a fair comment?

[Amigo]

Hi Chappo

Thanks mate for this iconic run.  It has great variety, scenery and lots of shorter options if the 60k is just a bit too far.  Sadly I have been plagued by a multitude of minor aches and pains again in the lead up to this run but.. if it appears that I will be able to manage a respectable distance I will be there.  At best I will attempt to get to Stanwell Tops.

Best of luck to all
Amigo

[Chappo]

Woodenlegs, on Jan 8 2008, 04:23 PM, said:

I am interested in the Half Gong option. Reading the directions navigation does not seem too difficult. Would this be a fair comment?

The navigation isn't too difficult - generally well marked /wide tracks. I should be at the 18km mark (Sir Bertram Drive) and 30km mark (Bald Hill, Stanwell Tops) in a support car, as well as sporadically over the rest of the course.

Chappo

[milov]

Hey Chappo,

Will that be the same support car which made this race so unique last year?

Providing my ankle swelling goes down in time... I will be there for the FM version. Who else is in?

milov

[ChookLegsMonkeyBoy]

I'm hoping to be there (despite a very early start from the Northern Beaches). Haven't run a decent distance since early December and am nursing a stiff left knee, so will probably only aim for the 45k option. See how it goes on the day, though.
Cheers,
ChookLegs....

[Chappo]

milov, on Jan 9 2008, 08:22 AM, said:

Will that be the same support car which made this race so unique last year?

Same support car as previous years.

Who is coming by train? I may be able to schedule a pickup from Sutherland for those not carpooling...

Chappo

[Chappo]

I have looked at the timetables for trains to Sutherland:
- South Coast arrives at 5.27am (departs Wollongong 4.14am)
- City arrives at 5.19am (departs Central 4.48am)
- Cronulla arrives at 5.31am (departs 5.13am)

If you are on these and need a lift from Sutherland, or have any questions please PM me.
I aim to get to Grays Point about 5.45am.

Chappo

[milov]

Hey all,

Is anyone driving to Gray's Point from the eastern suburbs?

milov

[Chappo]

Chappo, on Jan 14 2008, 09:18 AM, said:

I have looked at the timetables for trains to Sutherland:
- South Coast arrives at 5.27am (departs Wollongong 4.14am)
- City arrives at 5.19am (departs Central 4.48am)
- Cronulla arrives at 5.31am (departs 5.13am)

If you are on these and need a lift from Sutherland, or have any questions please PM me.
I aim to get to Grays Point about 5.45am.

I only have one space left in the car - please let me know if you want it.

milov, on Jan 14 2008, 11:34 AM, said:

Is anyone driving to Gray's Point from the eastern suburbs?

Not that I'm aware of Milov. Unfortunately, no trains run from Bondi Junction to meet the 4.14am from Central.

The Sydney Forecast for Saturday is a few showers.
City:  Min:   20  Max:   23

Remember the Bodyglide!

Chappo

[milov]

Hey all,

Thinking about scratching myself from this weekend's fun. It seems that my stumble at the Beyond the Black Stump has left me with a torn ankle ligament. Will re-assess the situation on Friday night

milov

[ChookLegsMonkeyBoy]

Chappo,
Unfortunately I shall be pulling out of the run - I have a knee injury which hasn't responded as well as I'd like, and I'm not willing to test it over 45+ km.
Sorry - hope everyone has a great day.
Cheers,
ChookLegs....

[milov]

what happened out there?

milov

[Steve M]

Chappo will have more of the details but I chip in a few. I think it was nine starters, no doubt a few contemplating a start suffering from a rain allergy, I know I was borderline the night before.

Great start for me with a ride from sutho to grays point in the worlds greatest support vehicle, not every day you jump in a rolls royce to get to a race. To think if I can just knock 1hr 25 off my marathon time it could happen more often.

The race started on time in the dry, we settled in to a few groups early and it was nice to have a chat a meet some new people along the way(sorry the rain washed the names out of my head), seemed like most people were aiming for the half gong, although Phil mentioned that he was aiming for somewhere after stanwell. Gentle rain started after about 10mins and pretty much didn't stop.

Phil caught back up to the back group I was in at Audley and there was four of us together for 3-4 k's before phil and I pulled away a bit, then at the turn off Lady carrington drive I pulled away from Phil, expecting him to catch me on the big hill I knew was coming up.

On the way up the hill I ran into two others who had started early from sutho, I was probably not very responsive to you guys sorry about that, I was in uphill mode. Getting to Bertram stevens drive felt great although I was a little confused by the black commodore station wagon that chappo was in but I'll let him explain that.  There were some beautiful sections on the cliff top track although the hills were killing me, I was hanging to get to the pie shop to have a coke and a longish walk. Imagine the devastation to run up in victory to the pie shop to find it closed. It is about the 28.5k mark and I was there in a little under 2:50 so that buoyed me a little as i was expecting over 3 hours.

Just as i started pounding down into Stanwell the rain got heavy, I am screaming downhill totally saturated with limited leg control absolutely loving it. At the bottom I got my coke and suddenly the world seemed like a nice place. I ran the sea cliff bridge with a smile on my face and then the grind started. It was surprisingly hilly, although I guess that gave me an excuse for a bit of walking. Just when I was ready to call it quits at Scarborough the Rolls Royce turns up. Armed with jelly beans and a few motivational words about how Austinmer is a great place to stop and "about" marathon distance (43. I had the goal in focus.

The finish was glorious got there in 4:12 which I was quite happy with, there was a great cafe by the beach. Got to relax over my victory lunch and watch Phil finish. Seems the majority finished up at the pie shop (opened 10mins after I left there) while the guys up front were unknown at that stage.

Great event, well organised chappo, thanks again.

Edited by Steve M, 21 January 2008 - 01:04 PM.

[Chappo]

After crap weather for the back half of the week preceding the run, I wondered whether anyone would turn up to the run. We ended up with six starters from Grays Point and two from Sutherland. A little after 6am, the Grays Point starters were off.



I got to Sir Bertram Drive a little late, but managed to see all the runners come through, with a few stopping to remove the local leeches. There had been a fair bit of rain, on and off, and everyone was in good spirits.

Michelle had knee problems, so I was able to collect her from Garrawarra Farm and take her to the Apple Pie Shop at Otford to wait for the majority of the runners (as Paul and Steve had already gone past). It was here that Hooray, Cath and Sue called it a day. I left Michael in the Apple Pie shop waiting for a tea and headed south to catch up to the front runners.

Paul had decided he'd had enough of the rain at Bald hill so had gone before I got to him. I passed Phil at Stanwell Park and caught up to Steve at Scarborough.

Steve and Phil both decided the 'Austinmerathon' would be a good distance so I joined Steve at the cafe to wait for Phil and have a coffee - you can't beat the view to the surf out over the park.

After dropping Steve at Sutherland, we picked up Michael walking to Grays Point - he had run to Stanwell Park and then caught he train back, perfect timing - so was able to take him the last km or so (including up Greenhaven Road for those who like hills).



In hindsight it was a good day for running if you didn't mind the wet – it was never cold and dehydration wasn't an issue. Congratulations to all those who ran – I may get to run it next time!


I have updated the website with the times, except for Michael (please PM me or post here!)


Chappo

[bluebear]

In hindsight it was a good day for running if you didn't mind the wet – it was never cold and dehydration wasn't an issue. Congratulations to all those who ran – I may get to run it next time!
I have updated the website with the times, except for Michael (please PM me or post here!)


Chappo
[/quote]

Chappo,

Hi there and thanks for all your work preparing and running the day.
This is Michael and for the record I had a fairly round 4 hrs 0 mins from Grays Point to Stanwell Park Station.
Congratulations to the two marathoners and thanks particularly to Cath and Sue for the company.

It was an enjoyable, if somewhat draining morning - I mean literally, it took about 6 hours after they had fed for the leech bites to finally stop bleeding.

cheers

bluebear

[nando]

Anyone know of any plans to run the GP2G again in 2009?

[Chappo]

nando, on Nov 13 2008, 04:09 PM, said:

Anyone know of any plans to run the GP2G again in 2009?

Nando

I will focus on the run on 21 Dec this year first!
Realistically with family commitments, I'll probably not be able to hand out GP2G maps this year, but happy for you to take over!

Chappo

Edited by Chappo, 13 November 2008 - 03:20 PM.

[nando]

Chappo,

Sorry, I've only got around to seeing your reply.  I am happy enough to organise it, but I can't guarantee the 5 star supoprt you have provided in the past.  Being a fatass run, I am assuming that there is not a lot to organise (correct me if I am wrong here). As far as I can make out, apart from the bit between Lady Carrington and Otford, the route is pretty straightforward.

So what do I need to do?  Pick a date, get waivers signed, hand out maps and make sure runners know where to go.  Anything else?

All,

Anyone else interested in running this one, please express your interest here, with potential dates in the new year, and I'll see what I can do to get it organised.

[Chappo]

nando, on Dec 18 2008, 08:21 PM, said:

So what do I need to do? Pick a date, get waivers signed, hand out maps and make sure runners know where to go. Anything else?

From a logistics point of view, it would be good if a water drop can be organised for where the wallamurra track meets Sir Bertram Drive (18.4km) - otherwise I think you've summed it up!

Chappo

[Steve M]

I am definitely keen. I did it last year  (Austinmarathon option) and it was very tough so close to christmas, but great preparation for 6 foot.

[trailpuddin]

nando, on Dec 18 2008, 08:21 PM, said:

So what do I need to do?  Pick a date, get waivers signed, hand out maps and make sure runners know where to go.  Anything else?

Sounds like 5 star fatass to me   .  Thanks for taking the initiative nando.  I'm keen. Flexible with dates in 2nd half of January - except Australia Day when the Fatathon is on up at the Blue Mtns.
TP

[nando]

Step 1 - I have mapped the course (as best I can) at MapMyRun.

Only ever having run as far as Otford before, I am not 100% sure about the route after there.

Step 2 - Choose a date.  Sundays in January aren't looking good for me.  I am therefore probably looking at either the first or second week in February.  Preferably Sunday 1st Feb, but it will depend on when my mother wants to celebrate her 80th birthday.  How does 1/2/09 suit people.

[nando]

I have realised I can't make the 1st Feb.  So I am now proposing 8/2/09 as the new date.  Any takers?

[TFive]

I'm keen - I'll need to get in a few long runs before Tokyo. Is it all trails ?

[Paul Every]

I'm also interested.

TFive, on Dec 21 2008, 11:46 AM, said:

I'm keen - I'll need to get in a few long runs before Tokyo. Is it all trails ?

T5, all but 12km is on road or bike path. The trails are fairly civilised, the 6km Lady Carrington section is really an unsealed road.

[nando]

Since it looks like there is at least some interest, I plan to lock in Sunday 8th Feb, starting at 7am.

I will update the Fatass page soon.

[nando]

I've started a new thread for 2009.

Fatass page has also been updated.

Edited by nando, 22 December 2008 - 10:29 AM.