Organiser's Report 2007
From AURA
Back to Cradle Mountain Run
Report on the Cradle Mountain Run 3/2/2007
Note the title – It’s a Run not a race. It is an event where participants are expected to provide mutual support not mutual destruction. The volunteers supporting the event are there to help the runners have a good time; if you can prove that you know what to eat and drink, that you can follow a track and will not get lost, and can finish the 80km in less than14hrs (though 13hrs is preferred), you will probably get accepted.
This Run started in 1981 when a group of nine friends decided they would find out how long it took them to run the Overland track in the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Pak (Tasmania) from Waldheim (Cradle Valley) to Cynthia Bay (southern end of Lake St Clair). The inaugural best time was 9:25hr set by Garth Foley.
This has been subsequently reduced to 7:25hrs (Andrew Kromar 1996) – due in part to improved track conditions. It roughly equates to two marathons in distance but four times the effort because of the difficult terrain.
Conditions vary from hot (32 degrees C) to very wet and cold. Hot conditions have proved to cause the most attrition due to dehydration and associated afflictions like cramps and nausea.
The organizers actively discourage novices; it is an experience for the experienced – perhaps the toughest organised one day run in Australia although some Cool Runners might dispute this! The number of runners is limited to a maximum of about 55.
The 2007 Run was unexceptional; 47 runners started (there was significant attrition as the February drew near). Paul McKenzie was first over the finish line in a reasonable 8:47hrs, given the prevailing hot weather / wet track conditions. As usual the best prepared runners danced through the track and all the privations were suffered by the slower runners. There were seven withdrawals due to heat stress at Narcissus (62km) with only one requiring hospitalization.
The usual convivial post-Run breakfast at Bronte Park Highland Village was attended by the largely captive audience of runners, supporters, and volunteers.
