Southern Highlands Challenge Preview

With only a couple of days until one of the newest events on the trail calendar is underway, we took the time to chat to race director and brains behind the Southern Highlands Challenge, April Palmerlee, about what the event is all about and what we can expect on race day.

What inspired you to start the event?

Two things inspired me to plan the Southern Highlands Challenge: one, the desire to share this beautiful part of the world with fellow runners who might not be aware that such gorgeous trails are so close at hand; and, two: the strong feeling that there needed to be more opportunities for the under-represented minorities of trail running, namely women and children. Men always outnumber women in trail runs, and there are very few opportunities for anyone under 18 to take part. I wanted to do my part to start changing that, so we looked for female-led companies to work with us on the race, we encouraged ladies, under 18s and beginner trail runners to “have a go”, and we tried to provide a family-friendly event where everyone could have a good time.

What makes the location so good?

The location of the Southern Highlands itself is fantastic: it’s equidistant from Sydney, Canberra and Wollongong – an easy day trip or a fantastic mini-escape for the weekend. There is heaps to do in the Highlands, so holding a race — in fact, any event — in the Highlands is an easy decision to make. Also important, however, is the forest. Having access to several fantastic tracks in the middle of a beautiful forest is wonderful for the runners, and the fact that we have been able to work with Forestry NSW to close the forest for the whole weekend for our event is remarkable. We feel very fortunate to have been welcomed so totally by the local community.

How many people are expected to run?

We are expecting at least 600 people across the four events. There are about 100 women signed up in the 6km — that’s more than the total number of runners in some of the well-known trail races in Australia. We also have a great turnout from the local schools as well as school kids from Sydney and Canberra. And the bit that pretty much no one can believe is that we have more women than men signed up in the halfmarathon. This whole day is going to be a testament to the interest and ability of women in trail running. Hopefully, our success will inspire others to provide welcoming opportunities for those who haven’t had a lot of experience on the trails.

Who are the race favourites? 

Chris Truscott and Sarah Fein in the 50km.

In the half, there are at least three ladies I know who will be right up at the pointy end: Cecily Butler, Mel Criniti and Greta Truscott.

For the boys, It will be very hard to beat Dave Criniti, but Brendan Davies may have the edge if the conditions of the trails on the day is a factor. Alex Rogers and Garth McInerney are strong contenders for podium positions as well.

For the Women’s 6km, Olympian and Commonwealth Games athlete Victoria Mitchell will most likely lead the field. Claire Ashworth is tipped to enter on the day, so watch out for her, and Louise Arnott has been showing fine form lately.

In the juniors’ race,  we have the 16-year-old 3000m national champion lining up (Josh Phillips) as well as a super-star 13-year-old named Thomas Davies. The girls’ field is a little harder to categorise, but there are probably some very strong local runners lined up who will surprise us all.

The website says there’s over $6,000 in cash prizes! What is the breakdown across events?

We have $500/$250/$100 for each of the podium finishers in the 50km, 21km, 6km women’s and 6km juniors’, plus some additional cash prizes for the kids. We also have over $10,000 in products to give away. Sponsors have been extremely generous and have really gotten behind this idea fully.

What’s the date for 2015?

It’ll be the last weekend in August again (30 Aug 15)

Are there any special surprises install for competitors?

They wouldn’t be surprises if I told you! But it’s going to be heaps of fun. The most fun you’ve had in a weekend for a while, to be sure.

For more info: www.southernhighlandschallenge.com