Description

Peaks and Trails is a challenging trail running event, starting and finishing in the heart of picturesque Dunkeld.

The weekend offers something for all levels of trail enthusiast with 6 distance options and the FREE Salt Creek Kids Dash.

All distances include private trails normally inaccessible to the public and take in the beautiful Southern Grampians landscape. The longer run options also include trails within Grampians National Park and cover sections of the newly established Grampians Peaks Trail.  The three most Southern peaks, Mt Sturgeon, Mt Picaninny and Mt Abrupt offer runners postcard views of this stunning area.

Event details and schedule

The 6.4km trail, whilst not technical in nature will require vigilance and will consist predominately of grass trails and river flats. 

The 11km trail will be more varied in terrain and will include some undulations with a challenging 2.5km mid-section. This trail presents a good challenge for those transitioning from road to trail. 

The 22km, 26km and 50km trails will encounter all track surfaces as listed above. The 22km runners summit Mt Picaninny (422m) whilst 26km runners summit both Mt Sturgeon (548m) and Mt Picaninny (422m). 50km runners will summit Mt Sturgeon (548m), Mt Picaninny (422m) and Mt Abrupt (827m). 

Mt Abrupt Challenge runners will test themselves against the rugged terrain of Mt Abrupt (827m). Starting at the Mt Abrupt carpark, runners will climb 3.1km, with a total elevation gain of 430m to the summit of Mt Abrupt before retracing their steps back to the carpark. Due to the nature of the trail, this will be a staggered start. Runners will be given a 4.5hr start time window. Marshals will be present on course for official times to be logged. This challenge will provide runners with a perfect warm up for an action packed Sunday. Ultra runners may choose this option to gain a glimpse of what lies ahead.

All courses have been measured using GPS technology. However, distances may vary slightly depending on track approvals and in the event of extreme weather conditions. The course will be marked and all efforts will be made to make it easy to follow. Track surfaces will vary significantly throughout the course to include river flats, open woodland, technical loose rocky single trail, 4WD track, sand, tree roots and everything in between. Being August, expect mud, water and slippery conditions. Don’t expect to see much bitumen!

THINGS TO KNOW

REGISTRATION

There are NO registrations accepted on the day for all distances. Online entries close at 10pm Tuesday 4th August.

Participants are encouraged to enter online early as entry caps will apply. Please follow our Facebook page to keep up to date on these details.

LIMITED ENTRIES

Due to the nature of certain sections along the trail, entry numbers will be capped and there will be no registrations on the day.  Total entries for the two day program will be limited to approximately 350 runners.  Peaks & Trails Inc., in consultation with Parks Victoria and private landholders, will monitor numbers and will close entries on any distance deemed to have reached maximum capacity.  Participant safety is paramount. Please follow our Facebook page to keep up to date with these details.

QUALIFICATION / ENTRY REQUIREMENT

There are no qualification requirements for the 6.4km or 11km events. The 22km, 26km & 50km trails do not have strict entry requirements, however the following is a guide for those considering entering these distances.

-          22km & 26km trails within 4hrs 45mins

-          50km trail within 10hrs

Cut off times will be strictly enforced by the course marshal on the day.

MANDATORY GEAR

• Mobile phone
• Compression bandage
• Capacity to carry 500ml water
• Water / wind proof jacket with sealed seams
• Long sleeve thermal top
• Emergency space blanket
• Whistle
• Personal medical needs eg, asthma pump
• Beanie or buff
• 
  Thermal gloves
  

CAR PARKING

Car parking is available within close proximity to the start/finish area which is located 100metres from the main street of Dunkeld. Please be aware of road closures and abide by signage for the safety of all participants, volunteers and spectators.

Limited parking will be available at the Mt Abrupt Carpark on Saturday 8^th August for the Mt Abrupt Challenge. Car-pooling from the town centre would be advised.

REFUND POLICY / TRANSFERS

No refund will be given to runners who withdraw prior to the event.  However entries may be transferred to another entrant. A transfer fee of $10 will be charged.

WAIVER

A legal requirement for all participants is the signing of the Peaks & Trails Inc. insurance waiver. It is essential that this be read in full prior to the event. Your understanding of the waiver will be acknowledged when registering online. Participants will also be required to sign the waiver on race day at check-in. Parent / Guardians will need to read and sign a waiver on behalf of any minors participating in the Peaks & Trails Run.