115 replies to this topic

[JohnH]

Entries have been open for some time on www.mountainrunning.coolrunning.com.au for this year's Canberra Bush Capital Bush Marathon Festival on Saturday 31 July. However, a reminder that the early entry discount closes soon on 15 June.

There are both bush walking (5k, 10k, 16k, 25k) and bush running (2k, 5k, 10k, 16k, 25k, 42.2k, 60k and marathon relay) events. Of these the 16k is the most popular, with two thirds of participants female. The 60k ultra run has an improved dirt trail circuit over the final 5 kms before the turn around point. Apart from this, the courses are the same as in 2009.

The Festival is organised wholly by volunteers and raises funds to support the Australian mountain running teams for the World Championships in Slovenia on 5 September and World Long Distance Championship at the Pike's Peak marathon in the USA on 21 August. As such we don't offer glossy entry forms and results booklets and other bells and whistles of the major road marathons. We do try and provide a friendly event with some spectacular scenery in Canberra's nature parks.

[RunBare]

I will be doing the 60k, putting my entry in over the weekend.  The turn around point is a nice stroll from my place, so I will be expecting a family cheer squad.  Hope its not as cold as today though!!

[Eagle]

I always find this a tough marathon. Those small inclines that start after going under the bridge just seem that much bigger on the return trip. However always enjoy the run in the cool crisp air of Canberra in winter. Also spotting some wild animals is always a very different experience to the usual road marathon.

I might request an early start as I need to be back in Sydney as soon as I can OR maybe I should just run faster.

Edited by Eagle, 10 June 2010 - 07:00 AM.

[Emma100]

I've entered the full, it will be my second marathon. I've taken the early start option!

[philk]

sounds very enticing.

as much as i prefer off-road, my ageing knees/ankles would like to find out a little more about the profile of the 42k course (short, sharp gradient changes, or long & steady) and what the surface is like (ie, very rocky, or relatively smooth underfoot).

cold is good!

thanks in advance

[cliffold]

philk, on Jun 10 2010, 09:10 AM, said:

sounds very enticing.

as much as i prefer off-road, my ageing knees/ankles would like to find out a little more about the profile of the 42k course (short, sharp gradient changes, or long & steady) and what the surface is like (ie, very rocky, or relatively smooth underfoot).

cold is good!

thanks in advance

philk
Most of the course is fairly gentle slopes. Mainly well groomed trails but I suppose recent rain may have chopped it up a little but it is not a "technical" run and not much (any?) single track
As I recall it there were a couple of sections of loose rocky stuff but only for a few metres

As Eagle says there is a good chance of seeing kangaroos in the early sections & you are not likely to overheat at the start

Sorry I won't be able to make it this year but can recoomend the event whatever distance chosen

cliffold

[JohnH]

cliffold, on Jun 10 2010, 01:22 PM, said:

philk
Most of the course is fairly gentle slopes. Mainly well groomed trails but I suppose recent rain may have chopped it up a little but it is not a "technical" run and not much (any?) single track
As I recall it there were a couple of sections of loose rocky stuff but only for a few metres

As Eagle says there is a good chance of seeing kangaroos in the early sections & you are not likely to overheat at the start

Sorry I won't be able to make it this year but can recoomend the event whatever distance chosen

cliffold

Because the courses are within the Mt Ainslie-Mt Majura and Goorooyarroo-Mulligans Flat nature reserves, there is a requirement to protect the environment and so predominantly well groomed 4WD management trails are used and there is only one big hill, a 150m elevation gain from the eastern foothill of Mt Ainslie to the top of the ridge between Mt Ainslie and Mt Majura. Competitors generally run only about 20 to 25 mins slower than in a road marathon. Last year Alex Matthews won the marathon in 2:46:05.
Recent rain has not chopped up the course, merely dampened the dust and softened the surface!!

John Harding
Race Director

[Berichan]

JohnH, on Jun 10 2010, 06:17 PM, said:

Because the courses are within the Mt Ainslie-Mt Majura and Goorooyarroo-Mulligans Flat nature reserves, there is a requirement to protect the environment and so predominantly well groomed 4WD management trails are used and there is only one big hill, a 150m elevation gain from the eastern foothill of Mt Ainslie to the top of the ridge between Mt Ainslie and Mt Majura. Competitors generally run only about 20 to 25 mins slower than in a road marathon. Last year Alex Matthews won the marathon in 2:46:05.
Recent rain has not chopped up the course, merely dampened the dust and softened the surface!!

John Harding
Race Director

Just wondering, how many people enter this race?

[JohnH]

Berichan, on Jun 18 2010, 01:55 PM, said:

Just wondering, how many people enter this race?

Full results for all years are on the website www.mountainrunning.coolrunning.com.au
Last year there were 450 people in total, with 500 to 600 expected this year.

[philk]

Thanks for the replies JohnH and Cliffold, much appreciated.

If training continues injury-free for the next short while, I am 'so there' (as my 13 yo would put it) for a steady run on the trails  - beewdiful.  Lets see how W2G goes next weekend.

[Chili]

I'm with philk
Lets see how i pull up after W2G.

[Khat]

Hi all, I am thinking of entering this event perhaps the 16km as training for my first city to surf. I am new to running having only ever entered one event the 10km mothers day classic this year I ran  a 48.32.

I am 28, weigh 83 kilos ran a 10.3 on beep test few weeks ago and do bootcamp three days a week, I do longer runs in my own time but not as much as I should.

My question is, is this 16km run suitable for begginers? I dont expect to finish near the top, however I dont really want to be left behind by the whole pack, ideally i would like to find myself in a group of runners about the same pace as me.

[Rico]

If it helps, from what I saw last year, the 25km and 16km groups get quite mixed up, which decreases the chances of anyone getting left alone.

I really enjoyed this event last year and will be back for the 25km again.  Plan to do the marathon or even the 60km one day, but the planets definitely aren't aligned for that this year.

[JohnH]

Khat, on Jun 27 2010, 03:25 PM, said:

Hi all, I am thinking of entering this event perhaps the 16km as training for my first city to surf. I am new to running having only ever entered one event the 10km mothers day classic this year I ran  a 48.32.

I am 28, weigh 83 kilos ran a 10.3 on beep test few weeks ago and do bootcamp three days a week, I do longer runs in my own time but not as much as I should.

My question is, is this 16km run suitable for begginers? I dont expect to finish near the top, however I dont really want to be left behind by the whole pack, ideally i would like to find myself in a group of runners about the same pace as me.

The 16k is very much geared for beginners trying their first long run and two thirds of the 16k participants are females. There are both 16k run and 16 walk events. The times last year ranged from 60 minutes to 2hrs20mins in the 16k run (with several participants aged in their 70s), while walk times ranged from 2:20 to 4:50.

[Khat]

Hey thanks.
Sounds exactly like what I am after, Ill be there and will hopefully drag a couple of mates along with me.

[sammo72]

After falling in love with the trail running scene at Woodford 2 Glenbrook, I would love to give this a go.

With the Mudgee Marathon only 4 weeks after this event, I will most likely enter the 25km run.

Can anyone advise how hilly this run is. Dont want to blow my legs up before Mudgee.  

[Running Angel]

I'll be there for the 60k, good training for Glasshouse in September

[JohnH]

sammo72, on Jun 28 2010, 08:33 PM, said:

After falling in love with the trail running scene at Woodford 2 Glenbrook, I would love to give this a go.

With the Mudgee Marathon only 4 weeks after this event, I will most likely enter the 25km run.

Can anyone advise how hilly this run is. Dont want to blow my legs up before Mudgee.  

The 25k is an undulating trail run, nearly all on well surfaced 4WD management trails in Canberra nature park, and is the kind of bread and butter long run I would expect you would want to be doing each week anyway leading up to Mudgee. there is only one major climb, a 130m elevation gain between the 7k and 9k points from the Mt Ainsli foothill to the summit of the ridge between Mt Ainslie and Mt Majura.
You can trash your legs in any race if you hammer yourself, especially on downhills. Cruise it and enjoy yourself if Mudgee is your number one priority and you should have no problems.

[bmac]

Sammo after what you have just put your legs thru at W2G you will find the BC 25k a nice run (though not as quick).  as John has said it has one long climb - nice grade easily runable, and a few short climb pitches.  There are of course downhills to match these.  It is a lovely run (you will get more chance to look around than you did this weekend - or than I did) and certainly if you are fine after your latest 25k this will not trash you for mudgee.

[sammo72]

Ok, I have just entered the 25km. When my legs work again, i will add a trail run to my weekly program.

Looking over the course info, it details 9 drink stations, but for the 25km, there does not appear to be any after the turn-around point. This appears to be a long way home without a station. It looks like you may be able to use #2 on the return leg, but again this is a long way from the finish from this point.

I gather from this, it may be an idea to be self sufficient.

[Two Fruits]

The turn around for the 25 km is not at half way. There is about 9 kms to go after turning under the Federal Hwy. The previous D/S is the same one you have been thru, then only about 4 kms to the finish. No need to be self sufficient unless you really want to carry your own. Plus, dehydration will not be a problem. Bring plenty of warm clothes as well as gloves & beanie. Huge frost this morning, - 6 degrees southside of town but a nice sunny day, no wind. Will be similar at end of July hopefully.

[Eagle]

Two Fruits, on Jun 29 2010, 01:30 PM, said:

.... Huge frost this morning, - 6 degrees southside of town but a nice sunny day, no wind. Will be similar at end of July hopefully.

Some frost around Balmain this morning as well. That doesn't happen often with it being so close tot he water. The etmp was about 3 degrees. I hope in a month the morning is not a fresh as it was this morning. The event usually starts cold but soon develops into a clear still sunny day.

[gogirl]

I will back again this year for the 60km option. Backing it up with the SMC presentation night back in Sydney that night if I can stay awake for it.  

[sammo72]

Whilst in Canberra for a weekend with the family, decided to check out the first 1/2 of the 25km course. Looks like a great course, although the tracks were a little eroded from the recent rains and the local horse riding club.

I was there at 8am and my car temp showed it was minus 3.  

[Bunyip]

sammo72, on Jul 5 2010, 08:52 PM, said:

Whilst in Canberra for a weekend with the family, decided to check out the first 1/2 of the 25km course. Looks like a great course, although the tracks were a little eroded from the recent rains and the local horse riding club.

I was there at 8am and my car temp showed it was minus 3.  

Minus 3, must be similar to the weather in Orange? Did 14km on the circuit last weekend and the track is generally in good condition.

[damyanos]

I did the 60k last year and any puddles on the track still in shade at midday were still frozen.This is one of my favourite events for the year and will be back for the 60 this year.

[sammo72]

I am in for the 25km and really looking forward to my second attempt at this trail distance.

As I only ran on the lower section of the track near the school, I was wondering what the remainder of the track is like.

Are trail shoes neccesary or not and is it single file type track or wider bush tracks most of the way.

Looking forward to seeing plenty of CR on the track and before/after the event.

I am now off for my weekly 15km trail run up my local mountain, and with a peak of 1400m, really gives a good workout.

[Running Angel]

In for the 60k, took the early start option if only to finish around the same time as some other people as I'm guessing will be near the BOP!

Anyone wanting to stay down in Canberra on Fri or Sat night I found a brand new hotel in Dickson which only opens the week before and it looks pretty good value. Only $105 for the cheapest room which isn't much more than you would pay for a motel. Anyway it's called the Aria if anyone is interested, we are staying Fri and Sat eves to make a weekend of it

[gogirl]

Sammo you will not need specific trail shoes. From memory the course is very compact open trails not technical, slippery or rocky. Id say road shoes would be fine.

[enduro]

Just entered the 60km ultra. With those recent sub zero temperatures in Canberra I'd better get out of bed earlier and start training in the cold.

Edited by enduro, 10 July 2010 - 01:06 PM.

[Rico]

Anticipation++

[stoneman]

Looking at bouncing back into some distance work  - would anyone have a profile of the ultra, I understand it to be mainly undulations than hills but I wouldn't mind to get a feel for it by way of a profile???

[gogirl]

stoneman, the course is different this year but I can not remember any significant hills to note that were particularly long or steep. The long slog up the road has been removed this year and it's all on trails. I have no idea what the new part of the course is like and there is no elevation profile on the website, I guess we will all just have to run it and see.

Will be nice to finally meet you after I stole your quote from 6ft this year.

Edited by gogirl, 12 July 2010 - 02:18 PM.

[allrounder]

there's a hilly bit in the new section...I'll see if I can find the elevation image I produced for someone else...

edit: this is what I wrote in April -

"Covered the section from DS9 to DS7 today, so from the turnaround point (so reverse the info to get from DS7 to DS9!).

From DS9 you follow a footpath (approx 360m) then you go on a dirt/gravel road (approx 900m) before hitting DS8 at the step through gate into the nature park.

The 4WD isn’t that defined  – the track was grassy in most places, with some slightly rocky bits and a couple of gravelly bits over watercourses but it’s all going to be pretty good to run on as bush runs go.  The section in the nature park has a few hilly bits but you will probably find it all pretty runnable."

DS = drinks station

Elevation from DS9 to DS7
 DS9_to_DS7_Elevation___Distance.jpg   53.26K   27 downloads

Edited by allrounder, 13 July 2010 - 12:18 AM.

[stoneman]

Thanks for the profile pic - appreciated - looks steep, but short...

[MrD]

I'd encourage everyone to come along and get involved in this event. John is a tireless supporter of trail/mountain running in Oz and his courses are the best going around. It's a no fuss, no fanfare sort of event, but remember, it's a fundraiser for the Oz Mountain running teams that are going to USA for the long course and Slovenia for the shorter event.

[JohnH]

stoneman, on Jul 13 2010, 08:48 AM, said:

Thanks for the profile pic - appreciated - looks steep, but short...

On the ground, it is far easier than what it looks like in the graph. There is a climb as the ACT-NSW border follows the spine of a hill. On the plus side, if it is not foggy, there are some great views.

[JohnH]

Running Angel, on Jul 9 2010, 12:08 PM, said:

In for the 60k, took the early start option if only to finish around the same time as some other people as I'm guessing will be near the BOP!

Anyone wanting to stay down in Canberra on Fri or Sat night I found a brand new hotel in Dickson which only opens the week before and it looks pretty good value. Only $105 for the cheapest room which isn't much more than you would pay for a motel. Anyway it's called the Aria if anyone is interested, we are staying Fri and Sat eves to make a weekend of it

Olim's Hotel across the road from the start/finish (www.olimshotel.com.au) has had quite a bit of interest from interstate runners (thank you!) and advised today of the following race weekend special:

"we have a great weekend special which is $125.00 Bed Breakfast Movie deal – in a superior room for 2 with full buffet breakfast and unlimited movies from a great selection. This is also available as a family deal in our deluxe loft for 2 adults and 2 children for $175.00."

The hotel is also now throwing in a barrel draw prize of overnight accommodation for 2 or a family of 2 adults and 2 children on the (value $199) Dinner Bed and Breakfast package, with 2 main meals and 2 kids meals with complimentary soft drink per child and full buffet breakfast in the morning.

[sammo72]

I am bringing my family (2A +2C) and have also booked into the Olims. BUT, we are paying $199 and I mentioned that I was running in the event.

Might have to give them a call and remind them of this great deal.

edit - email just sent, lets see what their customer service is like. (fingers crossed)

Edited by sammo72, 15 July 2010 - 10:16 PM.

[sammo72]

Just heard back from the Omlis Hotel.
The price we were quoted ($199) includes brekky and dinner for the family both nights in a loft apartment. Cant complain.

[JohnH]

sammo72, on Jul 16 2010, 04:21 PM, said:

Just heard back from the Omlis Hotel.
The price we were quoted ($199) includes brekky and dinner for the family both nights in a loft apartment. Cant complain.

If anyone has queries about deals for the race weekend, talk to Suzie Martin, the Reservations Manager. She is keen for the Hotel to build up a good relationship with the race over the next few years.

[Khat]

Hi, just wondering Do we pick our shirts up on the day or are they sent out. I ordered mine but not sure where to collect it. thanks

[JohnH]

Khat, on Jul 18 2010, 08:31 PM, said:

Hi, just wondering Do we pick our shirts up on the day or are they sent out. I ordered mine but not sure where to collect it. thanks

Participants who have ordered shirts will have that annotated on their chest numbers with the size. When you finish you report to the registration tent and hand in the chest number to receive both the race mug and shirt.
The last chance to order a shirt when registering is 12 noon Monday 19 July (ie. tomorrow). The orders will then be sent to legendary ultra running guru Sean Greenhill (Mr G to his friends) who runs a sportwear apparel business and will be producing the Coolmax race shirts.

[sammo72]

I will be heading down to Canberra on Friday before the event.

Anyone keen on running/walking sections of the course on Friday afternoon. Nothing fast or strenuous, just to check out the course.

Edited by sammo72, 19 July 2010 - 09:37 AM.

[CCor]

Just Entered. Cant wait.
The last mountain race i did was Stromlo. I was eaten alive by the hills! Fortunately i've trained on some hills this time.

[JohnH]

ccor4981, on Jul 19 2010, 07:49 PM, said:

Just Entered. Cant wait.
The last mountain race i did was Stromlo. I was eaten alive by the hills! Fortunately i've trained on some hills this time.

This isn't a mountain run, as much as an undulating trail run with a few good hills. No peaks are climbed, with the only significant climb the relatively modest ascent of the ridge between Mt Ainslie and Mt Majura.
In contrast if you want to try some genuine mountain running, the Mt Majura Vineyard 12k One Peak, 20k Two Peaks and 26k Three Peaks on 23 October will take in the summits of Mt Majura, Mt Ainslie and Mt Pleasant and the 44k Deep Space Mountain Marathon from Honeysuckle Creek campground in Namadgi National Park on 7 November has 1800m of climb.

[CCor]

JohnH, on Jul 19 2010, 11:18 PM, said:

This isn't a mountain run, as much as an undulating trail run with a few good hills. No peaks are climbed, with the only significant climb the relatively modest ascent of the ridge between Mt Ainslie and Mt Majura.
In contrast if you want to try some genuine mountain running, the Mt Majura Vineyard 12k One Peak, 20k Two Peaks and 26k Three Peaks on 23 October will take in the summits of Mt Majura, Mt Ainslie and Mt Pleasant and the 44k Deep Space Mountain Marathon from Honeysuckle Creek campground in Namadgi National Park on 7 November has 1800m of climb.

Cool, thanks John.
My hill training wasn't specifically for this race, after Stromlo i became aware of how poor my fitness was! So i decided to incorporate some hills into my runs. The Majura run sounds nice. 1800m climb still might be a bit much.

[seris]

I'm in for the early start. Gotta get back to host 21st party for my gorgeous girl.

[RunBare]

seris, on Jul 21 2010, 05:26 PM, said:

I'm in for the early start. Gotta get back to host 21st party for my gorgeous girl.

See you there bright and early seris

[Rico]

JohnH, on Jul 19 2010, 11:18 PM, said:

This isn't a mountain run, as much as an undulating trail run with a few good hills. No peaks are climbed, with the only significant climb the relatively modest ascent of the ridge between Mt Ainslie and Mt Majura.
In contrast if you want to try some genuine mountain running, the Mt Majura Vineyard 12k One Peak, 20k Two Peaks and 26k Three Peaks on 23 October will take in the summits of Mt Majura, Mt Ainslie and Mt Pleasant and the 44k Deep Space Mountain Marathon from Honeysuckle Creek campground in Namadgi National Park on 7 November has 1800m of climb.

I did all of these last year and enjoyed them all.  I only did the 25km version of the DSMM and have fond memories of it though it was a big shock at the time - it seemed like every metre of the course was either steep ascent or steep descent.  I'm really keen to do the full DSMM this year if I can get over my numerous niggles.