Top 5 Trail Events for 1st Timers
Making the transition from the track or road to trail running can be a daunting one. Apart from the increased physical demands of the off-road world, there’s also a whole new wardrobe involved! It’s easy to see why some folks never take the plunge and stick to what they’re use to. So to help get you across we’ve put together a list of our favourite events for you to take your first few steps into the dirty world of trail running.
UTA Pace 22 – 22km – Katoomba, NSW
As far as big event atmosphere goes, you won’t beat this race! It’s part of the Ultra-Trail Australia festivities and the best way to get your first mountain trail race experience. The course is stunning and the organisation exemplary.
http://www.ultratrailaustralia.com.au/races/pace-22/entry-details
Roller Coaster Run – Mt Dandenong, VIC – 10/21.5/43km
It’s a big event with a great community feel to it. Brought to you by the team from Mountain Sports, famed for extremely challenging events like The Hounslow and Buffalo Stampede, this particular event isn’t too technical or tough, but just the right mix.
http://www.rollercoasterrun.com/
Coastal Classic – Royal National Park, NSW – 29km
It’s scenic, flat and really well organised. The course is on the edge of Sydney, which also makes access very easy. Highlights include amazing coastal scenery and a real sense of camaraderie you get as athletes and staff support each other throughout the course.
Sydney Trail Series – Sydney Area, NSW – Various distances
These events are held on courses in various parts of the Sydney suburbs and provide a variety of distances for people to test themselves on. The courses mix a little bit of fun, technical terrain, the occasional steep hill, plenty of nice scenery and are always well marked and marshalled.
http://www.sydneytrailseries.com.au/sydneytrailseries/index
Hoka One One Trail Running Series – Victoria – Various distances
Like the Sydney series, these events are perfect for newcomers thanks to not only the locations and the type of terrain the races are held on, but the fun atmosphere that surrounds the events. It’s not all about the elites or how fast you are, it’s just about being part of the fun and doing your best.
http://rapidascent.com.au/hokaoneonetrailseries/