77 replies to this topic

[Maffrew]

At today's Newy Parkrun Scott Westcott handed out flyers for a new event in Newcastle, called the Fernleigh 15. It's being organised by a combination of Athletics NSW and H Events and is a point to point race from Adamstown to Belmont, running the whole length of the Fernleigh track.

I've lived in Newcastle 4 years nearly now but I've never made the effort to go and run the track but i'll definitely be in for this. It sounds like just the kind of event that Newy needs. I have no idea how popular it will be but it's limited to 1000 participants according to the website, presumably because of the relatively narrow track.

Anybody else like the sound of this?

Edited to add the url: http://www.fernleigh...sp?PageID=22928

Edited by Maffrew, 07 July 2012 - 10:01 AM.

[Chelbub]

I love the sound of this and was excited at the parkrun when they announced....this is my regular running track and the slow rise gets me everytime!  glad to know they have put the gradual hill first and then downhill....looking forward to this one.

[DaveRobbo]

Yep, should be a cracker. Scott was heard talking up the Fernleigh15 on ABC 1233 Newcastle this morning and the event also got some good coverage on NBN News earlier in the week:

http://www.nbnnews.c...lake-macquarie/

If they get wheelchair legend, Kurt Fearnley along to race it, they are considering changing the name to the 'Fearnley Track'...!

Stay tuned for when entries open...

[SirRatty]

Hmmm... looks good. My dad rides Fernleigh basically every week - will start doing it with him in the next couple of weeks, might have to think about at least climbing to the tunnel and back for a few training runs in my leadup for the Coffs half and then this race.

[Chelbub]

DaveRobbo, on 07 July 2012 - 04:50 PM, said:

Yep, should be a cracker. Scott was heard talking up the Fernleigh15 on ABC 1233 Newcastle this morning and the event also got some good coverage on NBN News earlier in the week:

http://www.nbnnews.c...lake-macquarie/

If they get wheelchair legend, Kurt Fearnley along to race it, they are considering changing the name to the 'Fearnley Track'...!

Stay tuned for when entries open...

Fearnley track sounds good to me.....i have seen him a few times on a saturday morning working hard on the track...such a legend!

[Jason75]

This sounds good. I have never run on that track either and I have been in Newcastle for 20 years :-)

Nice categories..

I will run in the MASTER category.

Edited by Jason75, 10 July 2012 - 03:42 PM.

[otisr]

One week prior to Melbourne Marathon, could be good for a training run.

After many runs up and down this track, it will literally be in my backyard.  So why not go for a race ?  But, at 52, why am i a "Master" ???? Please !!! You are making me feel old, but not slower........

Chelbub, on 07 July 2012 - 12:31 PM, said:

I love the sound of this and was excited at the parkrun when they announced....this is my regular running track and the slow rise gets me everytime!  glad to know they have put the gradual hill first and then downhill....looking forward to this one.

Hils ??? What hills ?  You should eat them up Chelbub..

[Jason75]

otisr, on 10 July 2012 - 04:41 PM, said:

  But, at 52, why am i a "Master" ???? Please !!! You are making me feel old, but not slower........

You are a MasterS category.. You forgot the S :-)

Few more years you will be running in the GRAND MASTERS. That sounds excellent.

[CessnockRunner]

I'd love to do this one but will be overseas at that time. Sounds like a great run & should be super fast. Too flat for you though Otis

[aussy]

fernleigh track... you beauty! cant get more local then that! good prep for melbourne! i reckon it will attract a decent turn out

[lvesey]

I've clocked up over 1000ks on this track and was so excited to see the event. Damn that it's the one weekend in October I can't make it!

[MarkNorthcott]

Haven't clocked any kms on it and I've now booked this weekend for it. Looking forward to it

[tonedbutt]

It looks awesome.  I'm very tempted to enter.  I think there should be more runs of 15km.

[Isthisnametaken]

I am registered. Will be my first event after the family trek to Europe. Not sure what shape I will be in but the plan is to take my shoes with me on the holiday....

So can someone share what the track is like? Is it all paved or is through the bush, etc?

Cheers,

John

[Troy8]

Completely paved.

[Chelbub]

Entries are open everyone ...remember they are limited to 1000...I am in !

John, the track is a walking path/bike track - so it is sealed the entire way.  The first 2km are a slow, gradual ascent, then it is flat for 1km , 2km of gradual, very gradual ascent and then 10km of gradual downhill...the best part!   It winds in amongst bush and some sections through Redhead have an housing estate on one side. Most of the track used to be a rail line years ago and it is nice to see bits of the track left along the way.   I have run 3/4 of the track and will probably go on Sunday and run the entire track.

[MarkNorthcott]

I kinda wish this was before the Forster Half Marathon. Not after

2km of ascent.... That doesn't sound very fun

[Chelbub]

Mark, dont worry too much...it is a very gradual but just gets me everytime...a hill that you dont really realise is there..if you know what i mean...not explaining it very well sorry.

[Chelbub]

I ran tnis course today....will be fast for the elites and faster runners...i had a tough run of it because i am unfit!   Have only been runningup to 6km in recent times and it showed...  City 2 surf in a month or so ...i had better do some work!!  But it is a lovely run through the track....there is a smallsection in the last third that goes over a marshy area and the surface is llke sleepers made out of cement....i found this quite uncomfortable underfoot as it was really hard...felt odd but it is not a long section.  Hopefully by october i will have a lot more km under the belt.

[Maffrew]

For anybody that hasn't seen it (if you'd signed up already there should have been an email, I certainly got one), the date of this event has been changed to October 21st. Sounds like there's a BikeFest weekend promoting the use of the areas many paths and I guess the council have decided they can't have the run happening while promoting the bikes heavily that weekend.

Not sure if I can edit the title of the thread, don't think I can so if a mod could do it to prevent people having the wrong date, that would be great.

[otisr]

Maffrew, on 20 July 2012 - 04:01 PM, said:

For anybody that hasn't seen it (if you'd signed up already there should have been an email, I certainly got one), the date of this event has been changed to October 21st. Sounds like there's a BikeFest weekend promoting the use of the areas many paths and I guess the council have decided they can't have the run happening while promoting the bikes heavily that weekend.

Not sure if I can edit the title of the thread, don't think I can so if a mod could do it to prevent people having the wrong date, that would be great.

A week after Melbourne M, and three weeks before GNW - perfect.  Mrs O and I should be there.  Nothing better than chasing Chelbub down to the swamp.

Otisr

[Chelbub]

Excellent Otis...just the motivation i need...fun fun fun!

[Jason75]

Damn, the old date was perfect for me. Will have to look at what else is on during October/November and see whether its still a goer.  

[SirRatty]

Thanks for the reminder this morning chelbub, I have entered now so there's no turning back.

Will have to head out and run the track soon. I did manage to ride with my dad and all the rises were what I would describe as "false flats" rather than real hills, but I know the momentum effect can make a big difference to how hills feel running vs. riding. And I must admit riding that corrugated section towards the Belmont end I had images of riding the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix (in my dreams...).

[Chelbub]

No worries Sir Ratty...good to bump it because it is limited to 1000 entries...it should be a great run!

[DaveRobbo]

Just under 6 weeks to go...

You can follow the Fernleigh15 on Facebook now: http://www.facebook.com/Fernleigh15

Also Twitter: @Fernleigh15

[Jimboy]

It is a good course,quite demanding from Adamstown to Whitebridge for 6Km or so,the rest is fairly easy with lots of downhill.All tarmac or concrete cycle path apart from a couple of hundred metres of corrugated section over the Belmont marsh area.
The Km steel post markers are out on the course already,seem uniform in distance apart as far as my training times on the course suggest
.Not quite sure where the start line will be as the path first Km is about two minutes short by my reckoning..

[Maffrew]

Jimboy, on 11 September 2012 - 09:55 AM, said:

It is a good course,quite demanding from Adamstown to Whitebridge for 6Km or so,the rest is fairly easy with lots of downhill.

I was wondering what this was like after looking at the elevation map posted on the events facebook page. I'll make time to go and run the course I hope as I haven't been able to construct an idea of what the incline is like.

[Mick]

A friend pointed out that there are wave starts for this race, 5 minutes apart based on age, with walkers to start at the back.

Not a concept I have seen used before in running.

It does say if you can do under 60 you can go in the first wave though.

I'm guessing like the signs on the path say, you will be encouraged to stay to the left.

Not complaining, just commenting ...

[Chelbub]

Bump

This event is getting closer...looking forward to it....so close to home!

[Maffrew]

I'm looking forward to it too Chelbub. I cycled the track for the first time yesterday and I think Jimboy is right, the first 6km will be challenging.

It's shaping up to be a great addition to the local calendar though. Hope it all goes well on the day.

[Chelbub]

It is Matt...how good are the local events now?

First 5km challenging..after that ok.  
You will be on for a great time ...

[otisr]

Not a challenge people.  The hills are quite gentle and really the first 2 kms is the climb up to the tunnel and then it flattens and heads up to Borwood rd, then for another easy climb to Whitebridge then all downhill and flat to the finish.  A good run.  Looking forward to pacing duties again, maybe 5:20 - 5:30 pace with Mrs. O.

Mick - i agree with your comments on the start.  The wave starts will be interesting, there are some quicker runners in the older age groups who will look for a passing opportunity, and it is not a super wide track.  Not me, i will be settling down for a nice stroll.

[Jimboy]

Jimboy, on 11 September 2012 - 09:55 AM, said:

It is a good course,quite demanding from Adamstown to Whitebridge for 6Km or so,the rest is fairly easy with lots of downhill.All tarmac or concrete cycle path apart from a couple of hundred metres of corrugated section over the Belmont marsh area.
The Km steel post markers are out on the course already,seem uniform in distance apart as far as my training times on the course suggest
.Not quite sure where the start line will be as the path first Km is about two minutes short by my reckoning..

Just to clarify,I have been advised that the actual RACE Km markers will be separate and a little distant from the steel post markers mentioned above.A small loop off/and return to the path at Redhead will be used to ensure correct 15Km distance.
All age category medallists will be determined on the basis of time run irrespective of wave that they start in.

[Shankate]

Really looking forward to this event! Got to love being able to run to the start from home for a 2k warm up :-)

[Chelbub]

Jimboy, on 03 October 2012 - 03:09 PM, said:

Jimboy, on 11 September 2012 - 09:55 AM, said:

It is a good course,quite demanding from Adamstown to Whitebridge for 6Km or so,the rest is fairly easy with lots of downhill.All tarmac or concrete cycle path apart from a couple of hundred metres of corrugated section over the Belmont marsh area.
The Km steel post markers are out on the course already,seem uniform in distance apart as far as my training times on the course suggest
.Not quite sure where the start line will be as the path first Km is about two minutes short by my reckoning..

Just to clarify,I have been advised that the actual RACE Km markers will be separate and a little distant from the steel post markers mentioned above.A small loop off/and return to the path at Redhead will be used to ensure correct 15Km distance.
All age category medallists will be determined on the basis of time run irrespective of wave that they start in.

I think they have marked the kms on the track now...in white paint on the left side of the track as you head south...i used them this morning to check some km splits for myself.

Mmmmm i think Mr & Mrs Otis might have a tag-a-long again...me!  Can I join the Otis bus please?

Rach

[otisr]

Always happy to have passengers on board.  Pace unknown at this stage.

[WhyNot]

Will be interesting to see the turnout given there were over 700 entrants between the 3km and 5km transplant games fun runs last sunday - wonder if the distance will scare off anyone who has been tardy on the training of late. Should be good fun in any case but really need to get a practice run in to gauge my pace on the ascent section - can get a bit excited at the start so dont want to burn myself out in the first 6.

[clanrunner]

I won't be there for the race but when I'm back home in December I'm keen to do it as a training run. I look forward to hearing about how the race goes!

[Isthisnametaken]

Only a couple of weeks to go....better get a wiggle on in regards to training. Ran a bit on the European holiday but not overly. Time to get cracking...

[yondi]

Have a great run Chelbub.

Run well and enjoy.

Yondi

Edited by yondi, 06 October 2012 - 08:29 PM.

[Chelbub]

Thanks Yondi...I will...not heading to Newcastle for this one yourself?

I hope you have recovered nicely from your debut marathon!

[Hoary]

I'm considering this one....I had a demanding winter calendar with a lot of racing culminating in my first marathon at Sunshine Coast end of August...since then I've eased off a fair bit just doing Newypark each Saturday ( which is fantastic ) & a few runs up to 12km only..... I ran the Fernleigh track out & back in a long run 2 months ago & you don't realise until you head home at 15 km, how uphill most of  the 15kms is on way home from Belmont to Adamstown ..... so I'm suggesting there are going to be some pretty quick times posted in this event...the heat shouldnt be a problem as its very shaded all  the way.....just one more thing with those people like me that run with iphone app ..... there is a long tunnel in the first couple kms & your GPS will probably play up a bit, so dont rely on it too much.

[greyhoundracer]

Am still deciding whether to enter or not to enter. . . . butf it sells out soon, that makes my decision easy.

I probably should, as after this I cannot find much on (excluding Park Run) in Newcastle after this until next year ?

[Shankate]

C'mon greyhound racer! I can just tell this is going to be a cool event, i'm really looking forward to it.

Have been doing interval training for the first time in my life to try break out of my marathon / ironman plod pace so i'm hoping for a pace breakthrough!

[Chelbub]

Bump!

Only four sleeps to the inaugural Fernleigh 15...shaping up to be a great weekend...starting with Friday's Fernleigh Fire Up at the Adamstown Club!

So excited...it is so close to home it's great..

To the organisers - Scott Westcott and co, including Dave Robertson - good luck!  I hope it all goes well and proves to be a great success although it is already a success simply by its inception!

Good luck everyone running!  

[DaveRobbo]

Cheers Chelbub. Yes very exciting...not long to go now!

Anyone that is in town on Friday night we'd love to see you at the Fernleigh15 'Friday FIRE UP!'.

We've got an unprecedented panel of elite athletes coming along including Kurt Fearnley, Marty Dent, Scott Westcott (recently crowned Aussie Marathon Champ), & a host of other local stars.

The night will be a chance to hear from these guys as well as honour the awesome recent achievements of the athletes from the region.

Tickets are $45 & are available online via http:fire-up.eventbrite.com or on the door. Includes dinners, drink, prize draw entry, tea/coffee & cake.

6:30pm, Friday 19th Oct, Fernleigh Room, The Adamstown Club, 282 Brunker Road Adamstown.

Hope to see lots of you there otherwise will be cheering you all at the start line on Sunday!

Edited by DaveRobbo, 18 October 2012 - 04:39 PM.

[Shankate]

Only 15 (ish) hours to go until the start of the inaugural Fernleigh 15 & I'm excited!!

Really enjoyed the Fernleigh Fire Up last night & nice to see some Cool Runners amongst the crowd. What an awesome running 'community' we have developing more & more in Newcastle, it's great.

Tomorrow will be the shortest 'race' I've done to date so I'm hoping the speed interval sessions that I started (also for the first time in my life) 6 weeks ago will see that I might be able to run (just a bit) faster than standard marathon pace ha ha!

Well done to those who sandwiched Newy Parkrun in the middle. All the best for tomorrow & here's to a tail wind from Adamstown to Belmont ;-)

Bring on the F15!!!

[Chelbub]

Shankate..you will have to reveal your identity..i was there last night too?
Very excited about tomorrow too...good luck everyone and enjoy!

[Shankate]

My identity is certainly no secret! I am the girl in my avatar he he ;-)

Unfortunately i wont be wearing any CR gear tomorrow as I purchased a lymphoma awareness singlet which will be making it's debut.

Have a great race all (are you running Chelbub?) & see ya at Belmont!!

Edited by Shankate, 20 October 2012 - 05:48 PM.