Day 1

Leg #1    The Hazards Circuit Run
Approximate distance: 18.6km
Estimated time: 1 to 2.5 hours
Map: Coles Bay 6033 walk map, 1: 250,000

Briefing time: 7:45 AM                                      
Race Start: 8.00 AM

Course Description

 

The Freycinet Lodge Challenge start will be at the Freycinet Lodge car park. Competitors will run through the Freycinet Lodge grounds before exiting via Honeymoon Bay and joining the road to the Wineglass Bay Track car park. From here, competitors take the Hazards Circuit track and head south contouring around the base of the Hazards to Hazards Beach. Competitors run along the beach for approximately 1km before turning inland (keep an eye out for the steps heading off the beach to the left) on the track to Wineglass Bay . Keeping left past the turnoff down to Wineglass Beach, (i.e. don't go down onto WineGlass Bay Beach - save that for day 2!), runners climb up and over the Wineglass saddle and back to the car park. The track over the saddle is steep and comprising of some rough terrain.

Runners then return towards The Freycinet Lodge, via the same route, and then continue PAST Freycinet Lodge, going out the driveway, turn left on Freycinet Drive, then left again into the little carpark just below the Lodge and head down onto Richardsons Beach. Runners head along the beach to the far northern end where they will be directed onto the little (marked) foreshore track which takes runners along towards the Coles Bay Jetty. From there, the run continues following the Esplanade all the way around to transition in the Village Green Recreation area opposite the Coles Bay Bakery.

The only section of track that will be marked is through Freycinet Lodge and Honeymoon Bay, and the northern end of Richardsons Beach. It is the responsibility of each runner to be familiar with the remainder of the route. Please note the Wineglass Bay section of the run is a very popular short walk and the track is marked by Parks with permanent signage. Considerable track work has been undertaken so there is no scrub and little mud. Some sections, however, are rocky, slippery, and uneven underfoot and care must be taken.

Water is NOT available and should be carried by all runners.

Runners will pass bushwalkers, many of whom are very supportive.   Your courtesy is appreciated.

Equipment Recommendations

• Running Pack - This should be fairly small, hang low on your back, and have a waist strap and a sternum strap. A water bottle holster on the waist band is a good idea.
• A water carrying/drinking system. This can be as simple as the one mentioned above, or utilise a bladder and tube.
• Shoes. The run has been done in everything from walking boots to racing flats without socks. However, please ensure that your footwear is going to be durable enough for the run over rocks, tree roots and mud and will be comfortable if wet for the duration of the run.   While the choice of shoes is very personal, the modern generation of specific trail running shoes are very popular and seem to perform well.   Gaiters are not generally worn, however, watch out for snakes.

Support Crew Information and Parking

Once runners have left, support crews for this section should prepare for the transition at the Village Green Recreation area opposite the Coles Bay Bakery, or may provide moral support for competitors at the Wineglass Track car park. Please avoid parking along the main road, and park along the Esplanade area, and in the Muirs Beach carpark. The weekend will be busy for parking, so please be patient, follow all parking marshals directions and allow plenty of time to park and walk, and get your competitor ready.