Overland Track Run
Posted: Sat 24 Jan, 2015 11:23 amFrom todays Advocate
http://www.theadvocate.com.au/story/283 ... her/?cs=88
Competitors from every corner of the globe will descend on the North-West Coast for Australia's oldest endurance mountain running event next month.
The Cradle Mountain Run is a single day's traverse of the iconic Overland Track, uninterrupted for 82 kilometres through Tasmania's famous world heritage wilderness area.
The run, to celebrate its 35th anniversary on February 7, is not only autonomous, but competitors have to carry strict mandatory equipment such as waterproof clothing, emergency food and equipment.
Due to the physical challenges it presents there is strict entry requirements, however, this year's run still sold out in around 20 minutes.
Sixty starters are confirmed, including runners from the UK, USA, Japan and New Zealand, as well as many from interstate. Endurance machine and two-time winner Stuart Gibson, of Hobart, said the brutal terrain set it apart it from similar events on the mainland and made it one of the best mountain runs on the planet.
"The underfoot conditions are just so different to anywhere else," Gibson, 37, said.
"There's tree roots, there's mud, there's rocks — it's not these nice groomed fire trails that you tend to get in most other mountain runs throughout the country.
"It's pure mountain trail running in the purist sense."
Gibson won last year in a time of seven hours and 59 minutes but it pales in comparison to the race record set by trail running legend Andy Kromar in 1996.
The Victorian's effort of 7h25mins is widely regarded as the best in the sport over the distance, with a number of his other records still standing today.
"No one has really touched that time. The closest is still 20 minutes off," Gibson said.
"It would have to be the run of your life to be able to get close but someone might if the weather conditions are right and the right preparation is done."
The Cradle Mountain Run, from Waldheim Huts through to Lake St Claire visitor centre near Derwent Bridge, will be held on February 7.
http://www.theadvocate.com.au/story/283 ... her/?cs=88
Competitors from every corner of the globe will descend on the North-West Coast for Australia's oldest endurance mountain running event next month.
The Cradle Mountain Run is a single day's traverse of the iconic Overland Track, uninterrupted for 82 kilometres through Tasmania's famous world heritage wilderness area.
The run, to celebrate its 35th anniversary on February 7, is not only autonomous, but competitors have to carry strict mandatory equipment such as waterproof clothing, emergency food and equipment.
Due to the physical challenges it presents there is strict entry requirements, however, this year's run still sold out in around 20 minutes.
Sixty starters are confirmed, including runners from the UK, USA, Japan and New Zealand, as well as many from interstate. Endurance machine and two-time winner Stuart Gibson, of Hobart, said the brutal terrain set it apart it from similar events on the mainland and made it one of the best mountain runs on the planet.
"The underfoot conditions are just so different to anywhere else," Gibson, 37, said.
"There's tree roots, there's mud, there's rocks — it's not these nice groomed fire trails that you tend to get in most other mountain runs throughout the country.
"It's pure mountain trail running in the purist sense."
Gibson won last year in a time of seven hours and 59 minutes but it pales in comparison to the race record set by trail running legend Andy Kromar in 1996.
The Victorian's effort of 7h25mins is widely regarded as the best in the sport over the distance, with a number of his other records still standing today.
"No one has really touched that time. The closest is still 20 minutes off," Gibson said.
"It would have to be the run of your life to be able to get close but someone might if the weather conditions are right and the right preparation is done."
The Cradle Mountain Run, from Waldheim Huts through to Lake St Claire visitor centre near Derwent Bridge, will be held on February 7.