FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
important dates
EQUIPMENT
What do I take with me out on the course (mandatory gear)?
TRAINING
How fit or skilled do I need to be?
With three distance options you have the choice to enter the event that best suits your skill and fitness level. We recommend a combination of road miles and off road running to develop endurance and technical skills over a variety of terrain. The course is predominantly on single track so the trail has everything to offer from waterside tracks, rainforest, bushland, steep hill inclines and creek crossings. Nothing that can’t be walked if you are uncomfortable running all the way. If you need some help with training, check out our Training Plan on offer.
Do you offer a training plan?
Am I able to run the course before the event?
You will be able to run sections of the course in the Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park. However, you cannot download the course map and run it as is. The section around The Landings private property at North Turrumurra on Bobbin Head Road as you enter the National Park is off-limits. If you wish to train on sections of the course, send an email to us so we can suggest the best locations to access the course.
Do you have a GPX route file available for pre-event training?
Refer to the 45km, 22km and 12km course maps for gpx files.
Please note that the section around The Landings at North Turrumurra on Bobbin Head Road as you enter the National Park is private property and should not be accessed prior to race day. It can easily be avoided using nearby streets. If you wish to train on sections of the course, send an email to us so we can suggest the best locations to access the course.
entry & merchandise
Can I change from one distance to another distance?
Can I transfer my race entry to another person?
Can I get a refund if I withdraw from the event?
Will my pre-purchased merchandise be mailed to me prior to the event?
Will my race bib be mailed to me prior to the event?
What is the Charity associated with this event?
travel
What time does the event start?
Where does the event start?
Is public transport available to the event?
Is there parking available at the event?
Competitors are also strongly encouraged to carpool with fellow runners to help reduce congestion.
Please note that parking is extremely limited at Bobbin Head where the Start & Finish will be located. We ask all runners to carpool with fellow participants wherever possible. Please follow the directions of marshals and be courteous of other users as parking is not reserved for event participants. Signage will be in place reserving some car parking spaces for non-event participants, runners are asked to please respect these signs and not use these spaces on race morning. Please take care on the narrow and twisting road to Bobbin Head from both North Turramurra and Mt Ku-Ring-Gai when driving to the Start & Finish. Both access roads to the Start & Finish are very popular with cyclists, take special care when passing cyclists. Parking at Bobbin Head is limited and will fill-up quickly; overflow parking is available at Apple Tree Bay where you can either walk the short distance back to the Event Centre, or wait for the shuttle bus service that has been arranged. Competitors are asked to give themselves plenty of time to park and register before their start time, especially for the 22km and 12km course competitors.
PLEASE NOTE: The $12 National Park entry fee is NOT included in your race entry fee. You must pay this at the toll booth when you enter the park or at one of the parking machines in the park or otherwise risk a fine.
Where can I stay in the area?
Is a support crew needed for the event?
Are spectators allowed to come and watch me race?
Spectators are welcome at the Start and Finish area. You will also be able to drive to the Sphinx Aid Station to see the competitors in action. Please note that parking is limited at the Sphinx Aid Station and to take extra care when driving around runners. Remember though that no outside assistance is permitted at the event.
race day
Will I be given a start wave time for my respective course distance?
How will I know where to go?
On the day of the event, the course will be marked with brightly coloured markers for easy guidance. Marshals will also be positioned at critical points along the course for extra guidance where needed. The trail outline and markings will be discussed at the briefing prior to the commencement of the event.
What if im a slow runner, will I be able to walk the course?
Are there any time cut offs?
There are no time cut offs for the 12km or 22km course. However both courses will be closed at 4:00pm. For the 45km course there is a time cut off that will be enforced at the start of the out and back section behind “The Landings”, approximately 1km after the Aid Station at the Sphinx, 25km into the event. Runners will need to be here by 12:00pm, runners arriving after this time will be directed to continue along the rest of the race route as per normal, skipping the out and back section. This course also closes at 4:00pm if you make it past the time cut off point. For further information see our Rules page.
Are there any aid stations?
There are marshalled Aid Stations along the course. At the aid stations, runners will have access to the following:
- First Aid
- Water
- Tailwind Nutrition
- Selection of fruit
- Selection of lollies
- Potato chips
Are earphones allowed to run with for the race?
Is there a Runner List published before the event?
Where can I leave my bag?
Will I receive a medal for finishing the event?
Will I receive a finishers t-shirt for finishing the event?
No, we do not give out complimentary finishers t-shirts. If you would like to purchase a limited edition event t-shirt, this needs to be pre-purchased with your online entry, or added online after entering, see Merchandise for further information. Orders must be placed by the cut-off date. Merchandise is to be collected on race day (no merchandise is mailed out prior to the event).
Are there prizes for this event?
Yes. Prizes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place getters in each age category for the 12km, 22km and 45km events courtesy of our event sponsors. Winners must be at the prize giving to receive their prize, nothing will be posted. Any prize vouchers are available to be emailed to podium place getters upon request.
