21 replies to this topic

[runningphysio]

I'm wanting to do a few ultras this year - 50 to 100km - and was wondering if those seasoned ultra runners out there could share some insight into their ultra experiences. I am a big believer in natural running and I run because it feels good and to me it is the most pure form of exercise. With that philosophy in mind, I'm only interested in running scenic ultras - somewhere that is easy to let the mind wander as you trot your away along the course. Any suggestions?

[Rico]

I haven't done it, but this one comes up nicely on video.

TNF100 is my favourite for scenery etc that I've done.  Will report back on Mount Solitary Ultra in about a month.

(just realised 2/3 of those are outside your distance range)

[Kathymac]

Personally, I love the high country runs but you do have to work a bit to get the great views. And the views can be zero if the weather isn't playing its part (although I find snow gums in the clouds pretty atmospheric). Razorback run is late Nov/early Dec, B2H early Jan and Alpine Challenge mid March. Bear in mind that these are 'slow' runs. 64k in the high country often takes only a little less time than the flatter 100k runs.
For coastal runs, GOW100 in mid October is pretty good. I haven't run it yet but have walked in the area so I have high expectations of the Prom run which will be run late Oct this year.
Interstate, Cradle Mountain in Tas in Feb is spectacular.

[undercover brother]

mountain - anything in vic alps.
coastal - gow and prom.

[Rico]

Meh, I did B2H this year and could rarely see more than 2m in front of me.

[Davo]

Kathymac, on 06 July 2012 - 07:54 PM, said:

Personally, I love the high country runs but you do have to work a bit to get the great views. And the views can be zero if the weather isn't playing its part (although I find snow gums in the clouds pretty atmospheric). Razorback run is late Nov/early Dec, B2H early Jan and Alpine Challenge mid March. Bear in mind that these are 'slow' runs. 64k in the high country often takes only a little less time than the flatter 100k runs.
For coastal runs, GOW100 in mid October is pretty good. I haven't run it yet but have walked in the area so I have high expectations of the Prom run which will be run late Oct this year.
Interstate, Cradle Mountain in Tas in Feb is spectacular.

What's Walhalla like?.....Both as to terrain and scenery?

[Kathymac]

Davo, on 06 July 2012 - 08:21 PM, said:

What's Walhalla like?.....Both as to terrain and scenery?

After an initial few hundred metres on bitumen, there is about 8-10k single track, then a few kilometres on a rail trail and the rest is on dirt road or 4WD tracks (there is the occasional vehicle but it is not generally a problem).
It is a very fast course (I think the only ultra I have ever run under 6mink) but there are some sections of 4WD track with mud and giant puddles that you have to be careful of. Usually at least one runner goes for an impromptu swim each year. There is a long, long uphill beginning at about the 37k mark that is a real mental challenge and sorts the wheat from the chaff but the last few kilometres are a really nice downhill if you still have the legs to make use of it.
Walhalla does lack good views because the tree cover is pretty dense on the hills.
But the town itself is very scenic and its worth spending the whole weekend there if you have the chance. Make a trip up to the cricket ground and visit Long Tunnel Extended - the old gold mine.

[Kato]

First to fifth, in this order:

• Tarawera
  
• Tarawera
  
• Tarawera
  
• Tarawera
  
• Tarawera

[Baldric]

Kato, on 06 July 2012 - 10:04 PM, said:

First to fifth, in this order:

• Tarawera
  
  
• Tarawera
  
  
• Tarawera
  
  
• Tarawera
  
  
• Tarawera

Agreed.

After that, the 50km runs through TrailsPlus - Maroondah Dam, Mt Macedon and You Yangs.

[Davo]

Kathymac, on 06 July 2012 - 09:37 PM, said:

Davo, on 06 July 2012 - 08:21 PM, said:

What's Walhalla like?.....Both as to terrain and scenery?

After an initial few hundred metres on bitumen, there is about 8-10k single track, then a few kilometres on a rail trail and the rest is on dirt road or 4WD tracks (there is the occasional vehicle but it is not generally a problem).
It is a very fast course (I think the only ultra I have ever run under 6mink) but there are some sections of 4WD track with mud and giant puddles that you have to be careful of. Usually at least one runner goes for an impromptu swim each year. There is a long, long uphill beginning at about the 37k mark that is a real mental challenge and sorts the wheat from the chaff but the last few kilometres are a really nice downhill if you still have the legs to make use of it.
Walhalla does lack good views because the tree cover is pretty dense on the hills.
But the town itself is very scenic and its worth spending the whole weekend there if you have the chance. Make a trip up to the cricket ground and visit Long Tunnel Extended - the old gold mine.

Thanks Kathy. I'm going to try and make it this year.

[rohan]

BornToRunFree, on 06 July 2012 - 07:29 PM, said:

I'm only interested in running scenic ultras - somewhere that is easy to let the mind wander as you trot your away along the course. Any suggestions?

If you're a FOP runner then you have more options as you're more out on your own.
If you're more MOP then you want a smaller field ultra if you want to let your mind wander.

If that's the case then I'd be thinking GOW.  Specky scenery.  Small field.

[Ultramouse]

During Glasshouse 100 a couple of years ago I suddenly came over all emotional at about 80k when Mt Beerwah loomed into view. I was running in a postcard of the Glasshouse Mountains. Then my guts started to hurt and I got on with the job in hand.

[Kathymac]

Yeah, scenic ultras are quite dangerous.

So many times have I thought 'Wow, look at that spectacular view...' only to nearly run into a tree or land flat on my face. Dirt boring ultras don't have that hazard.

Rico, on 06 July 2012 - 08:11 PM, said:

Meh, I did B2H this year and could rarely see more than 2m in front of me.

But the flip side is if you run it on a fine day, around the top of Mt Nelse, when your legs are dying after the long push up Duane spur, you can see right across to the finish on the top of Mt Hotham and boy, does it look a depressingly long way away.

[runningphysio]

Thanks to everyone for their input....please keep it coming!

[Whippet Man]

Bogong2Hotham is due for a good weather year.
Come to think of it so is GOW100s.

[42junkie]

Can't beat Cradle Mountain Run.

But if that's full, can't beat Kepler in NZ.

That fills up quick too. So third best would have to be Mansfield to Mt Buller with mountain views and an incredible sense of achievement at the finish.

[Wedgetail]

You could do a lot worse than Yurrebilla!

http://www.sarrc.asn...rail-56km-ultra

[Paul Every]

Another vote for Bogong to Hotham from me. Certainly the most scenic shorter ultra in Aust, among the many that I have run.

42junkie, on 10 July 2012 - 12:21 PM, said:

Can't beat Cradle Mountain Run.

Actually, I believe walking the Overland Track beats running it. (Hence, I am yet to run it!)

The race bypasses the best parts; the views from the summits of Cradle, Barn Bluff and Ossa, many of the waterfalls just off the main path, and the side walk to Pine Valley to climb up to the Acropolis and the Labyrinth.

Also, when you walk it, you can exclude the relatively uninspiring section south of Narcissus by taking the ferry along Lake St Clair. The views of the Lake and Mt Olympus are much more spectacular from Mt Rufus, which also offers views of the Franklin River headwaters to the west.

[halfwaydown]

I have limited experience but would add only that it is not just about the view.  Sometimes something scenic can be no more than a moment in time and ultras that would involve running into the night can be pretty rewarding.
Coming into the Basin in last year's GNW100, fireflies lighting up and drifting through the tree canopy as the gloom descended ; the immediate edges of the track filled with noise and movement as the possums came out; a dwarf crowned snake writhing at my feet that appeared to be dancing to the light from my head torch; then emerging out of the bush into Yarramalong valley enveloped in a heavy soaking ghostly ground mist wrapping up the valley edge backlit by a perfect full moon.

[cameron]

GOW, Prom, Bogong to Hotham all amazing runs with fantastic scenery.

Edited by cameron, 20 July 2012 - 11:28 AM.

[Whippet Man]

cameron, on 20 July 2012 - 11:16 AM, said:

GOW, Prom, Bogong to Hotham all amazing runs with fantastic scenery.

Great to see you making a comeback at GOW this year Cameron.
And Halfwaydown, I was stoked to witness that firefly display at GNW last year. How surreal was that!

[otisr]

GNW has great scenery along the Macleans lookout (first section) and then along the Cabans road.  After that, it is all trail and trail.  But in winter, some magic views of valley fog in early mornings.  Love it.

I also enjoyed the NF100 views along Narrow Neck - hard to beat.