Kep Ultra June 6, 2010, 100km or 75km Ultra Marathon from Northam to Mundaring Weir Options

[knoddie]

I thought it was about time we start thinking about the 2010 Kep Ultra. I have already received expressions of interest from around 20 people who are looking at running Kep in 2010, so it seems the field will be quite a bit larger than in 2009.

For full information, visit:

Kep Ultra Website


The KEP Ultra is an ultra marathon being held just outside of Perth Western Australia on the Kep Track, which runs from the Mundaring Weir to Northam. Two distances are being run, 100km, and 75km.

The run will start in Northam at 7am on June 6 2010 (Foundation Day long weekend) for both the 100km and 75km distances.

The Kep Track has been built mainly on rail reserve, the trail has a low gradient and compacted gravel surface.

The 75km route follows the complete Kep Track, while the 100km run also includes a large section of the Perth Hills Railways Reserve Heritage Trail which runs from Mt Helena down to Bellevue and back up to Mundaring Weir.

If you're possibly interested in running Kep, or helping out on the day, please contact me via email on rdonkers@iinet.net.au and I'll add you to the Kep 2010 mailing list.

This post has been edited by knoddie: Dec 29 2009, 11:40 AM

[trailblazer777]

I'd like to try the 75km one day, although not sure 2010 is the best year with a baby due around that time for my wife...

[djefa]

With another baby due, it might be your last Kep chance for a while TB!?

I'm definitely a maybe for Kep 2010. Would love to have a crack at the 100km, although it conflicts with my annual Melbourne weekend of football - a hard call, plus I'm only back from travelling 2 weeks by the time it comes around. We'll see how much running I can get done in them there Tuscan hills . AND its only 2 weeks before Perth Marathon - BUT there's not much choice for 100km races in WA currently. All up, a hard choice, so I'll do my typical thing and sit back and wait until the last minute.

Sounds like a great event, and if I'm in town, I'll either run or run support.

[BIGKEV]

I could be interested... No Comrades this year so have a gap in my calendar...I'm the same as Djefa..I'll wait until closer to the time..I have the Darlington Half in March and then my favourite race the infamous 40Miler...I'll decided after that 'mother of a run'.oh yeah not forgetting the Bunbury Full or 50K end of May...Keep running, bk

This post has been edited by BIGKEV: Dec 29 2009, 09:47 PM

[trailblazer777]

djefa...guess I'm in 2 minds about it...same as BigKev in that if I nail a good 40 miler race (even if I fail to make the cutoff cos I am too slow) for say 46km or more, and injuries under control, I would be keen on the 75km...BK; what?? you are not doing Comrades??? I'm so sorry to hear that...baby stuff comes first, but I'm a maybe for the 75km...dont care about Perth Marathon much, 2 weeks is enough time to recover, Ive done 6 Perths in a row, and I think my PB chances are better in Melbourne, or maybe Gold Coast anyway, which doesnt clash with Perth this year Yay! Thankyou WAMC! Might do both Perth and C2S marathons as training runs this year...The mostly flat easy course is a lot easier for me to handle than 6 inch, with my injuries, so Kep and the 40 miler both appeal to me a lot...so hope to spend the day doing the 75km if everything works out...

This post has been edited by trailblazer777: Dec 30 2009, 04:08 AM

[BIGKEV]

...BK; what?? you are not doing Comrades??? I'm so sorry to hear that...baby stuff comes first,

tb, done the up and down and got my two bill rowan medals so the risk of going back for a third attempt and a silver run is just too great..it's a long way to go for disappointment...plus there are other races around the globe that need my attention...one's where No 1 Wife and many Daughters can come alone and feel a tad safer than Durban!!!!....keep running (with the Wife's approval)..bk

[AaronP]

I'm in for sure, I'd love to say i'll be doing the 100..but the 75 is a more likley possibility given my current fitness level.
I'm gonna start doing a long trail run every Sunday morning to start getting ready now. (never been a fan of "the taper") I'm thinking about 25-35k if anyone is interested in joining me? I'm thinking Wungong gorge or John Forest n.p. on Sunday (Jan.10) no speed records here, just building some k's.

This post has been edited by AaronP: Dec 31 2009, 12:21 PM

[geoffa]

I'm in for sure, I'd love to say i'll be doing the 100..but the 75 is a more likley possibility given my current fitness level.
I'm gonna start doing a long trail run every Sunday morning to start getting ready now. (never been a fan of "the taper") I'm thinking about 25-35k if anyone is interested in joining me? I'm thinking Wungong gorge or John Forest n.p. on Sunday (Jan.10) no speed records here, just building some k's.

Aaron

I may be interested as I work most Saturdays and can't do the hills run then. I'll let you know after 34km with BigKev tomorrow...

[Suzy]

Hey Knoddie you can put me down to help. I like watching people hurt themselves.

[knoddie]

Hey Knoddie you can put me down to help. I like watching people hurt themselves.

You do that so well Suzy! Thanks for offering. You are on the list!

[AaronP]

I camped in Mundaring last night. I woke up this morning and ran a section of the Bibbulmun track, The Kep, and some unmarked singletrack.....trail runners paradise!!
Can't wait for Recons.

[Coooops]

Aaron

I may be interested as I work most Saturdays and can't do the hills run then. I'll let you know after 34km with BigKev tomorrow...

Geoffa,

I may be up for up to 25k's, but will let you know. Jan 10 is my birthday so it would be nice to thrash out a good run early.

Knoddie,

As dicussed, put me down to assist. I'll need to be near a licensed premises as it is a week after Comrades and I'll be making up for lost time.

Cheers,

Coops

[AaronP]

Okay, for those of you "Kep hopefuls" who might be interested:
"Eagle view" trail (John Forrest N.P.) Jan 10th, 6:00a.m. one or two laps (17.5k or 35k)
Any takers??

[geoffa]

Okay, for those of you "Kep hopefuls" who might be interested:
"Eagle view" trail (John Forrest N.P.) Jan 10th, 6:00a.m. one or two laps (17.5k or 35k)
Any takers??

Hi Aaron

Looks like I'm up for 38k hills run with BigKev on Saturday as I start work a bit later for once, then 12k Christchurch run Sunday. I'll keep an eye out for further instalments though, thanks.

[LTLFTC]

I'm liking the sounds of the 75km. At the moment my training is geared towards the Busselton HIM in April /May. So it would give me a month to recover/ get in a long run.
How long do your long runs need to be when training for a 75km, stick to 35km or go longer????

[knoddie]

I'm liking the sounds of the 75km. At the moment my training is geared towards the Busselton HIM in April /May. So it would give me a month to recover/ get in a long run.
How long do your long runs need to be when training for a 75km, stick to 35km or go longer????

Good stuff, you're on my list! The list now comprises 34 potential starters. I reckon some longer runs out to 4 and 5 hours are good, as well as some back to backs of say 3 hours one day, followed by 4 hours the next.

[danathon]

Okay, for those of you "Kep hopefuls" who might be interested:
"Eagle view" trail (John Forrest N.P.) Jan 10th, 6:00a.m. one or two laps (17.5k or 35k)
Any takers??

Not really a kep hopeful as of yet, usually run roads but really keen to run some trails. i'm training for gold coast marathon in july (my 1st). I would be keen on something like this if it happens again, probably the shorter of the two distances at the moment. Just keen to get out and push myself if anyone would be upto showing a newbie around?

cheers dan.

[AaronP]

Not really a kep hopeful as of yet, usually run roads but really keen to run some trails. i'm training for gold coast marathon in july (my 1st). I would be keen on something like this if it happens again, probably the shorter of the two distances at the moment. Just keen to get out and push myself if anyone would be upto showing a newbie around?

cheers dan.

Hey Dan,
I'm planning to run a section of "the Kep" this Sunday, we are gonna meet at the Mundaring Weir hotel at 5:30a.m. (ealry start due to high weather forcast). We intend to leave cars at the hotel and pile in my car and head up the road to Bellevue (about 20k). then run back to the hotel. Bring plenty of water as i'm not sure there are too many places to re-fuel...most of us use a hydro-pak. let me know if you're keen to come along, offer open to others as well.
I'm keen to do most of my long runs (20-35k+) on Sundays so if this suits you, your welcome to come along.-A

[knoddie]

Not really a kep hopeful as of yet, usually run roads but really keen to run some trails. i'm training for gold coast marathon in july (my 1st). I would be keen on something like this if it happens again, probably the shorter of the two distances at the moment. Just keen to get out and push myself if anyone would be upto showing a newbie around?

cheers dan.

Dan, PM me your email address and I'll add you to my trail running mailing list. I send out an email every Thursday advising of known trail runs happening over the weekend.

Aaron: That's drive down to, run back up I'm afraid. And I checked the distance, it's 23k.

Nothing like the conveyor belt back to Del Park Road though

There are a few water stops, probably about 8km is the longest stretch without.

This post has been edited by knoddie: Jan 14 2010, 06:05 PM

[danathon]

Hey Dan,
I'm planning to run a section of "the Kep" this Sunday, we are gonna meet at the Mundaring Weir hotel at 5:30a.m. (ealry start due to high weather forcast). We intend to leave cars at the hotel and pile in my car and head up the road to Bellevue (about 20k). then run back to the hotel. Bring plenty of water as i'm not sure there are too many places to re-fuel...most of us use a hydro-pak. let me know if you're keen to come along, offer open to others as well.
I'm keen to do most of my long runs (20-35k+) on Sundays so if this suits you, your welcome to come along.-A

I'm keen on around 20. my long run's are only 10-15km at the moment, not that i can't do more but i'm trying to get back into running in the past few months and don't want to go too hard too early. If it's not any trouble for you guys i may need to end up walking a bit plus i havn't run a trail/anything like a trail in ages.
Also i'll need the wife to take me up there (funny i know), we only have one car and she needs it. We live near rockingham so it'll be a bit of a drive. Is there any time i can aim for her to pick me up when where done?

If your looking at a huge fast paced run i don't mind waiting for another time. just let me know by tommorrow or saturday.
thanks.

Dan, PM me your email address and I'll add you to my trail running mailing list. I send out an email every Thursday advising of known trail runs happening over the weekend.

Aaron: That's drive down to, run back up I'm afraid. And I checked the distance, it's 23k.

Nothing like the conveyor belt back to Del Park Road though

There are a few water stops, probably about 8km is the longest stretch without.

cheers, message sent!

[danathon]

Looks like its a bit further away and harder to get to than i thought. keep me posted on your runs and if i can attend one week i will. just PM me anytime.

thanks.

[AaronP]

(knoddie)
Aaron: That's drive down to, run back up I'm afraid. And I checked the distance, it's 23k.


...does that mean hills? goodie!

This post has been edited by AaronP: Jan 14 2010, 08:43 PM

[trailblazer777]

seriously thought about being there for this one...
If it had been an out and back I might have been there, I dont like point to points...
But the solid almost 3hrs I got done on the saturday with the hills group means I am ready again, so maybe will rock up for an out and back on a sunday soon...keep at it...

In a lot of ways Kep is a bit like Poor Mans Comrades in the eastern states...

was cool to see Mighty Mick, Big Kev, Knoddie, AURA vice pres (visiting Perth) all up there on Saturday, along with the regulars like Richard,Jane,Kate,Gary, Don & Christine, young Phil, Terry and others...

This post has been edited by trailblazer777: Jan 17 2010, 03:12 PM

[knoddie]

This weekend is the first of the recon runs for the Kep Ultra. Even if you are not intending to run the event, you are more than welcome to come along for the run.

The plan is to run 30km from Mundaring Weir to Mt Helena and back. This will give 75km Kep runners a good look at the last 15km of the course. 100km event runners will experience the last 8km of their course.

Meet on Sunday ready for a 6am start at the Mundaring Weir Hall, corner of Hall Road and Weir Village Rd, Mundaring (opposite the Mundaring Weir Hotel).

If you want to run a shorter distance, you can always turn around earlier.

For more info, visit the Kep Ultra website

Other upcoming Kep Ultra recon runs are:

Sun - 14-Feb - Clackline to Northam & back - 38km
Sun - 7-Mar - Wooroloo to Clackline & back - 48km
Sun - 18-Apr -Mt Helena to Wooroloo & back - 36km
Sat - 8-May - Mt Helena to Mundaring Weir Night Time Run - 42km

[knoddie]

The latest news on the Kep Ultra:

Things have been a little quiet for updates on the Kep Ultra front for the last 4 weeks or so, that's mainly because the approval process is unfortunately taking a little longer than I had originally hoped.

We had planned to have all the race approvals out of the way by Easter, however this hasn’t happened. We have received three approvals and are still negotiating with two parties, though our feeling at the moment is quite positive to getting it across the line with both. AURA have been very supportive with their assistance with insurance and the like which has been a fantastic help.

We now hope to have all this tied up in the next two weeks. If for whatever reason the approvals don’t happen, we’ll run Fat Ass like last year.

Ultra legends put their name down for Kep

There is now a list of some 60 people who have indicated their interest in running either the 100km or 75km events at Kep. We estimate we’ll end up with a start list of around 30 or 35.

Some big names on the Australian ultra scene have let us know they are interested in the 100km race including Australian 24 hour team representatives Mick Francis and Robert Boyce, 40 Miler and 6 Inch winner Colin Francis, and recent 12 hour track winner and last year’s second place finisher Dave Kennedy. Dan Kehoe, the winner of the 75km last year is stepping it up to 100km, and he could be another one to watch out for. We have also been in touch with last year’s winner Alex Stuart, and Alex indicated he is keen to run again, subject to the Navy not shipping him off somewhere on June 6.

With a bit of luck, all these guys will be fit for June 6 to make it a fantastic race at the sharp end.

[knoddie]

Just wanted to let everyone know, that this morning I received official sanctioning for the Kep Ultra from AURA.

It's been a long time coming, but we've finally got this over the line as an official race.

We started the process back in September, and it has taken from then to secure the necessary approvals from:

- City of Swan
- Shire of Mundaring
- Shire of Northam
- The National Trust
- Department of Environment & Conservation

Huge thanks to the psychochicken for doing a brilliant job with the documentation, and to Bernadette for stopping me from throwing in the towel when yet another authority claimed to need a Traffic Management Plan, and I would need to spend two weeks convincing them they didn't really want this.

For everyone on the Kep Ultra email list, I will be emailing you re the opening of entries in the next couple of days. Also look out for updates on the kep ultra website.

This post has been edited by knoddie: Apr 15 2010, 12:19 PM

[Mister G]

Not likely to do this one this year, but it is on the list. Nice work all.

[trailblazer777]

well done ! on getting past the red tape, could be a legacy for many years/decades to come as a result of your perseverence, and BBC's never say die attitude...way to go!
Have to say this one is on my radar if it remains an annual event...

This post has been edited by trailblazer777: Apr 15 2010, 10:54 PM

[rubberchicken]

Congrats to all involved in making this one official. I really think this is a great thing for Ultra and Trail running ( yeah ok albeit manicured trail for you diehards ) in WA and with AURA sanctioning I would expect a few interstaters to come and have a go. Hopefully there will be a big turnout.

So after totally ballsing up my attempt at the short course option last year I will hopefully redeem myself and complete it this year. I am still not going to be lighting up the world with my cracking red hot pace but hopefully I can get home in around 7:45 give or take 15 minutes.

Anyone else looking at doing the 75km this year?

[LTLFTC]

The 75km is on my todo list really depends how I pull up after Busso HIM and how much running I can get in post busso but before the event

[sandeater]

Just wanted to let everyone know, that this morning I received official sanctioning for the Kep Ultra from AURA.

It's been a long time coming, but we've finally got this over the line as an official race.

We started the process back in September, and it has taken from then to secure the necessary approvals from:

- City of Swan
- Shire of Mundaring
- Shire of Northam
- The National Trust
- Department of Environment & Conservation

Huge thanks to the psychochicken for doing a brilliant job with the documentation, and to Bernadette for stopping me from throwing in the towel when yet another authority claimed to need a Traffic Management Plan, and I would need to spend two weeks convincing them they didn't really want this.

For everyone on the Kep Ultra email list, I will be emailing you re the opening of entries in the next couple of days. Also look out for updates on the kep ultra website.

Well done on getting through (and surviving) the paper work and approval processes. Looks like I moved to Perth at the right time - the Kep looks like a great run. I will be there for the 100km - no where near the medal end....do you give out elephant stamps for those that tried hard?

Cheers

[AaronP]

Well done on getting through (and surviving) the paper work and approval processes. Looks like I moved to Perth at the right time - the Kep looks like a great run. I will be there for the 100km - no where near the medal end....do you give out elephant stamps for those that tried hard?

Cheers

haha..don't worry Sandeater, I'll be right there with you.....if not behind you by several km's

[knoddie]

I'll make sure all the aid stations have elephant stamps.

Entries are now open for this years race.

or see the Kep Ultra website.

Note that entries close on 22 May, 2 weeks before the event.

[sandeater]

I'll make sure all the aid stations have elephant stamps.

Entries are now open for this years race.

or see the Kep Ultra website.

Note that entries close on 22 May, 2 weeks before the event.

Based on the proimise of elephant stamps I have registered and paid for the 100km. I suppose a bit of training will now be in order.

Cheers

[rubberchicken]

In for the 75km! Just registered and paid. Great system Knoddie and Co - very easy.

Training is going well at last. Not been able to get much in the way of long runs for a while now but things are looking up. Going to break 80km's for the week which is an alltime record for me and hopefully I can get my weekly total in the region of 100km by mid May before backing off.

Still a few things to sort out but I'm feeling good and starting to get excited.

[knoddie]

Thanks for entering early guys. Quite happy with the way the entries are coming in, I think we'll have a good number of starters by the time entries close on 22 May.

After last weekend's recon runs we were able to make some final decisions regarding the Kep Ultra course, as well as establish the exact distance of each race.

Using data from Garmin GPS (including a small allowance for normal Garmin inaccuracy) , we have now been able to determine reasonably accurate course distances. The 100km course comes in at 101.8km, however the 75km course came up 1.2km short, and as such we have now included a loop of that distance to get a 75km total.

The loop will be located at Mt Helena, where the course now requires 75km runners to run West on the trail for 600 metres before turning around and returning to Mt Helena, to head South to Mundaring.

An accurate course map has been developed in Google Maps.

[knoddie]

With the Kep Ultra just 5 short weeks away, we are now actively looking for people to help out on race day as volunteers.

If you are planning on running, hopefully you may have some friends or family who would like to assist. If you have decided not to run Kep this year, volunteering is a great way to still get involved.

With a race of this distance, it takes a lot of people helping out to make it happen on the day. In fact, the number of volunteers required comes close to the number of runners participating. At the moment I'm expecting about 35 to 40 entries in the race.

Bernadette Benson who is race directing on race day, and managing the volunteers has put together a little website which explains what's involved with volunteering, what jobs are available, and what times of the day need to be covered.

The race registrations start at 5:45am in Northam, and the last cut off time for the 100k race is midnight at Mundaring Weir, so for a few volunteers, as well as the 100km runners, it's going to be a long day. That doesn't mean people volunteering need to be involved the whole day, there are jobs available which will take just 3 or 4 hours. Even if they could help with just one of these, that would be terrific.

We're looking for people to help out with:

* Race day registrations
* Aid stations
* Road Marshaling (no traffic control stuff)
* Time recording
* Sweeping (following the last runners on a mountain bike)
* First Aid
* manning (or womanning) the barbecue

...and more

For information on volunteering at Kep, and a form to register your interest to help out, click here.

[Gone2thepack]

Hi guys,
Decided to post and meet a few new friends.Think thats what ive been missing over the years, like minded runners. Took me a while to work out long distance running isnt a solo sport. Will be bringing wifey with me, hope to meet you all there

[rubberchicken]

Hi guys,
Decided to post and meet a few new friends.Think thats what ive been missing over the years, like minded runners. Took me a while to work out long distance running isnt a solo sport. Will be bringing wifey with me, hope to meet you all there

Welcome and I will see you there (not long to go now). I am relatively new to this sport and have found the ultra folk to be a great crowd. You doing the 75 or 100k?

[Gone2thepack]

Welcome and I will see you there (not long to go now). I am relatively new to this sport and have found the ultra folk to be a great crowd. You doing the 75 or 100k?

Im doing the 75km hopefully at 7min or 7.30 min pace. Never really had a good go at it, but started to get a little bit of a fire burning of late. Have run at bunbury basically since the mid 80,s and it was only about 10 years ago that i started tackling ultras. Took me a while to learn to slow down and just enjoy myself, but im still learning.
Im probably going to pick everyones brains at some stage or another as i think its time to have a good go, and the daggy old trainers and running shorts just dont cut it anymore.Any support or advice is most welcome.
Cheers Ron

[kathmandu]

Any support or advice is most welcome.
Cheers Ron

Hey ron.

I have some advice. I'm the official photographer again. So brush your hair and practise your smile

Perhaps I shoud just stick to encouragement instead. All the best. Hope you enjoy it.

[dave1678]

P Chicken
Hopefully I'll be smiling more this year.
Last year I had a stitch for the whole second half and wasn't having heaps of fun
prior.
What's everyone doing wise? Staying in Northam or travelling race morn?

[kathmandu]

P Chicken
Hopefully I'll be smiling more this year.

good, im sick of cranky bums

congrats on coburg too by the way, that was an excellent effort.

[Gone2thepack]

I need not worry about the hair as the cranium is generally shaved,however ill give one of those mr ed smiles at any opportunity. Not sure about the accomadation but im trying to sell it to wifey as a weekend package deal that she so desperately deserves.

[Gone2thepack]

Morning guys,
Just got in from a run. tested out those A400 skins for 90 mins and no chaffing or anything like that. Was a little bit of irritation from the seams but that was just an annoyance more than anything. Anyone else using these things?, and if so do you wear jocks with em? (still trying to get past the feeling of being a ballet dancer so i got the shorts not the full leg , though judging how my quads feel compared to my calves, maybe i should of done )
Off to brekkie.

[LTLFTC]

Morning guys,
Just got in from a run. tested out those A400 skins for 90 mins and no chaffing or anything like that. Was a little bit of irritation from the seams but that was just an annoyance more than anything. Anyone else using these things?, and if so do you wear jocks with em? (still trying to get past the feeling of being a ballet dancer so i got the shorts not the full leg , though judging how my quads feel compared to my calves, maybe i should of done )
Off to brekkie.

I wore 2xu leggings for the 6 inch trail and had no rubbing etc Jock free as well, a month later I wore them for a 15km and got heaps of rubbing from the seam??? Just lather up on nappy rash cream actually zinc oxide sounds a lot more manly

[dave1678]

I wear speedos under my skins
Works well.

[Bernadette]

Dave - I'm not racing, I'm RDing on the day. So...

I'm staying at Northam motel night before, since I have to be at the start line early. And then camping at the Hills Centre Sunday night.

This post has been edited by Bernadette: May 10 2010, 12:54 AM

[Gone2thepack]

I wore 2xu leggings for the 6 inch trail and had no rubbing etc Jock free as well, a month later I wore them for a 15km and got heaps of rubbing from the seam??? Just lather up on nappy rash cream actually zinc oxide sounds a lot more manly

Did a 2 hr run this morning, without the nappy rash cre......err i mean zinc oxide and had no problems. Felt the seam for about the first hour and felt nothing else after that

[rubberchicken]

Well I find I am checking the Kep website a couple of times a day to see how the numbers are coming along. Looking good so far. I am happy to see that the 75km option is filling up nicely.

I am just wondering how the recon run went the other night. I went for a recon run by myself last Thursday night ( I was working on the weekend) running from Mundaring to Woorooloo and return which yielded mixed results but was overall very worthwhile. I am curious as to the course deviation this year near Mundaring Weir. I am thinking the course change is simply following a the larger track to the left at a certain gate across a section of track a km maybe out from the Weir Hotel. Does this sound about right? Am I likely to stuff this up? I am only really concerned about this turn as I know the section from a few km east of Woorooloo to the Weir and I should be able the follow those in the know from Northam up to that point.