Sun, 30 May 2010

7.00am

Trail Run, Series, Race 3 of 3

Gold Rush 42k / 21k / 5k

The Boulders campground, Babinda(Just south of Cairns)

The Gold Rush is an out and back foot race over the popular Goldfields Trail and the Culmination of the Dirty Northern Trail Run Series. The Goldfield trail showcases the unique nature, tradition, and history of Wooroonooran National Park. At 79,500ha, Wooroonooran National Park is the largest rainforest park in Queensland. The Goldfields trail travels through lush tropical rainforest with refreshing creek crossings.

Originally the trail was a rough track from the coast over a saddle in the Bellenden Ker Range. Prospectors created the track in the 1930s, eager to reach the north-west slopes of Bartle Frere in search of gold. Although the trail fell into disuse when the goldfield failed to live up to its promise, it was re-opened in 1986 as an international volunteer project and is now popular with visitors, hikers, and mountain bikers. More information about the trail can be found by clicking here. The Gold Rush The Gold Rush is an out and back foot race over the popular Goldfields Trail starting and finishing at the popular ‘Boulders’ Swimming Hole near Babinda. The Goldfields Trail traverses Australia’s wettest rainforest with a multitude of refreshing creek crossings and a challenging climb over the saddle between Queensland’s two highest peaks: Bartle Frere (1622m) and Bellenden Ker (1592m).

The turnaround (for the premier 42km event) is at the Goldsborough Camping Ground in the Mulgrave Valley. The half event turnaround is at the picturesque East Mulgrave River causeway. The 5k event turnaround is 2.5 km along the Goldfield Trail from the Boulders Picnic Area.

The Trail Marathon event can credibly lay claim to being the most scenic marathon event many runners could hope to enjoy. However, claims to being the toughest marathon would hold equal integrity. Around 1100m of vertical ascent, evaporation arresting humidity and the full range of trail surfaces is sure to test even the most well prepared runners. This event is a serious tropical test.

While the large majority of the course is shaded, and regular watercourses provide relief, safety precautions require entry to be at the discretion of the Race Director. As a prerequisite to entry, competitors in the 42km event will be asked to nominate a challenging endurance event they have recently completed successfully or where not possible fully document their preparation.

Shane WhiteCairns Road Runners Trail Run Departmentclick here for email details.0438758862