2009 BUSH CAPITAL BUSH MARATHON FESTIVAL NEWSLETTER No. 1
ENTRIES
If you have not already done so, please enter as soon as possible, preferably securely online at the Australian Mountain Running Association website www.mountainrunning.coolrunning.com.au
The event website is http://www.mountainrunning.coolrunning.com.au/events/bmarathon
A listing of pre-entered competitors to date can be found by clicking on the online entry button.If you are unable to run/walk this year, helpers are needed and will receive a bottle of wine. See further information below.A race highlight this year will that American attorney Edwin (Win) Apel has run a marathon on 6 continents and if he finishes the Bush Marathon will be completing his 7th marathon on his final continent (Australia). He has also run a marathon, or longer, in every one of the 50 states in the USA. He has a personal best of 4:41:18 and his most memorable marathon was in Antarctica on 26/2/2005. You can read about his marathons on www.winapel.com
CHEST NUMBERS
After you enter, to make it much easier for you (and for us) on the day, your chest numbers will be mailed out. When you finish, make sure your chest number is recorded, then take the chest number to the registration tent and collect your race mug.
WEATHER
The Bureau of Meteorology weather forecasts for Canberra can be found at http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDN10035.shtmlPlease check the forecasts during the week leading up to 25 July so that you come appropriately prepared, whether for cold or wet or windy or sunny weather.
REFRESHMENT STATIONS
At the refreshment stations (see the map on the website) there will be water, Sports drink, lollies such as jubes and jelly babies, and fruit cake (mainly for substance for the longer distances).
PARKING ON RACE DAY
We don't want to upset the War Memorial by filling up their car park which can be busy on a Saturday with visitors to the Memorial. Preferably park in the Campbell High School car park, in Treloar Cres or in Euree Street, Reid at Reid Oval.
SPORTS MEDICINE SUPPORT
There will be two Sports Medicine ACT trainers who can provide assistance to anyone who suffers an injury during the event.
COURSE CHANGES SINCE 2008
Courses are the same as in 2008 except for the marathon and 60 km ultra. Within Mulligans Flat nature reserve an 11km long, very high, predator-proof fence has been constructed to keep out feral animals and to allow rare and endangered animals to be re-introduced and protected. The fence has 20 gates which can be opened and shut by runners. However, to avoid the fence and the gates altogether the course will now run through the reserve only along the northern boundary fence 4WD trail. The marathon turn will be 1.7 kms along this trail in Mulligans Flat reserve. Ultra runners doing the 60k will follow the trail until it meets the Bicentennial National Trail at Gundaroo Road. Runners will run north along Gundaroo Road (bitumen surface) for 3.7 kms then turn left into Tallaganda Road (dirt) and run 2 kms to the turnaround drink station. They will then retrace their steps back to Mulligans Flat reserve. See the map on the website.
CHANGING YOUR RACE DISTANCE
If you find on race day that you are not having a good day, you can change to a shorter distance (eg. from 25k to 16k, or 60k to marathon) but you MUST inform the race recorder as you cross the finish line of the correct distance completed.
WEDNESDAY TO FRIDAY BEFORE RACE DAY
I will be out on the course for most of the last few days before race day ensuring it is fully marked with arrows, kilometre signs etc. And each evening until late doing last minute liaison with helpers, updating the race day entry lists, packing gear etc. So please avoid phoning or emailing queries during this period unless absolutely necessary. Detailed event information is on the website:
HELPERS
We are looking for extra helpers at drink stations and in the start/finish area, so if you have a spouse/friend who would like to help out while waiting for you to come in, please contact me on hackettrunner at hotmail.com
NEXT EVENTS
Keep in mind our next major events which have both run and bush walk options: Orroral Valley Classic (18 October), Mt Majura Vineyard events (7 November), Deep Space Mountain Marathon events (22 November) and Tour de Mountain (20 December).
John Harding
Race Director