Course Overview
Our vision is to create an exceptional trail running experience for the entire family. In its first year we are offering four running event distances ranging from 12km right through to the 102km course. In addition to this there will be a juniors only fun run through the winery in which parents can also take part alongside their budding young runners.
The trail running courses will allow runners of all abilities to take on a challenge and complete a visually stunning off road running event. Starting and finishing at Draytons Winery in Pokolbin , this event will ensure runners needs are met pre and post event whilst supporters can revel in the Race HQ activities across the weekend.
The Event Expo is a short 10km drive away at the Crowne Plaza Resort offering the ideal venue for Registration, Presentations and an after Party celebration on the Saturday evening and of course a range of accommodation options for participants and their families.
All events will start by running out of Draytons Winery, through the adjacent Ivanhoe Winery and then out to Pokolbin Mountains Road
Course description
102km
Run through the night! The ultimate challenge and reward. This is the longest course of the event with an elevation gain of 3200 metres and a maximum elevation of 588 metres. With a start time of 4pm on Friday, you will be running through the night, just like some of the epic international trail running events. Runners will be challenged by both terrain and the elements, making that finish-line the ultimate reward when you complete the course some time on the Saturday!
For you, we have designed a course which will allow you to climb out of Pokolbin heading past Mount Bright and Mount View towards the township of Millfield, before heading into the Pokolbin State forest via Cedar Creek. As the sun sets and you begin your journey, you will have some great views across across to your left, but your focus will surely be steadfast on what lays ahead.
After departing from Pokolbin and Draytons Winery, you will head south initially towards Mt view taking in sections of the great North Walk before heading East along Mt View Road and then up and out towards Cedar Creek.
From here you will then begin traversing through the Pokolbin State Forest, densely wooded with large magnificent forest trees and single track and fire trail only. A large section of your run is through here and you will cover lots of challenging but runnable terrain on marked tracks and its not until the 87km mark where you will run out of the Forest State Forest and back past Cedar creek on your return journey.
From here you will continue on towards the finish taking a similar direction but alternate course as you took on your first 13km. For most runners along here the sun will be rising and you will be taking in exceptional Hunter Valley Views across to your right likely white with frost!
The final 2.5km will be all joy – you will be able to see the finish line from up high and run down into Draytons Winery having taken on one of the most spectacularly challenging running trail ultra Marathons to be offered in Australia.
Course description
60km
The run that has it all! The ultimate test of your endurance experience or a longer training event for future longer races!
For you, we have designed a course which will allow you to climb out of Pokolbin heading onto the same route initially as the 30km run before heading deeper into the forest and returning via a runners paradise. Untouched trails and previously unexplored Northern sections of the great North Walk which will challenge and excite all runners.
After departing from Pokolbin and Draytons Winery, you will follow the first half of the 30km course before turning left and completing an anticlockwise route back to the finish.
Runners will take on sections of Fire trail single track and technical single track as they head across towards Cedar Creek, from here you will hit a solid technical trial but before long you will drop down into “Gokola Farm”! A Dash across open pastures and slightly undulating gravel roads will allow you to recover before you hit the Northern sections of the Great North Walk and head up taking in sweeping views across to your right as you pass My View and then the last checkpoint at Mt Bright.
A final 2km of technical single track will test you before the final rewards.
The final 2.5km will be all joy – you will be able to see the finish line from up high and run down into Draytons Winery having taken on one of the most spectacularly challenging running trail ultra Marathons to be offered in Australia.
Course description
30km
The first of the serious runs. An event for which you will be required to train up for those new to trailrunning but absolutely possible. A great shorter endurance test for the experienced runners alike too.
After departing from Pokolbin and Draytons Winery, you will head straight up Pokolbin Mountains Road and into the Pokolbin State Forest via the shortest possible route.
Initially stunning Winery and Farm will be on your right although this will be quickly replaced by the Gum tree forest from the 3km mark.
Single track running commences from 10km with some testing terrain as you head through the depths of the Forest in a Clockwise direction. The hard work of this route is predominately in the first half, allowing you to stretch out and really enjoy your return home on the great North walk.
The final 2.5km will be all joy – you will be able to see the finish line from up high and run down into Draytons Winery having taken on one of the most spectacularly challenging running trail ultra Marathons to be offered in Australia
Course description
12km
Short and sweet, but not to be underestimated. This is the perfect event for those looking for an introduction to trail-running or just a shorter hit-out. Keeping in mind the runners experience, you will be challenged with elevation gains and losses and cover multiple types of off-road running terrain. Your views will be exceptional as you turn at the lookout and then head home into the Winery.
With an ascent of 375 metres and a top altitude of 440 metres runners will run up Pokolbin Mountains road and then onto the Northern sections of the great North walk including technical single track as you head towards the turnaround point at Mount Bright lookout.
Runners will then return taking a slightly different route in sections as you then drop down and into the finish precinct with spectacular finishline view across to your right.
There is one single Aid station at your turnaround point at 6km.
Kids Race
KIDS CHALLENGE
A shorter run of approximately 2km will be offered on the Saturday based within the Draytons Winery precinct.
Take it on!
