Glow Worm Trail Weekend!

Trail running is on the rise and one of the most exciting events on the calendar (June 14th & 15th) is the Glow Worm Trail Marathon. It’s more than just a 42km jaunt through spectacular scenery. This is a weekend of fun, friends and running, all in one of the most stunning landscapes in the country. We took the time to talk to the defending champ, Tony Fattorini, about what makes this such an awesome event to take part in.

How would you describe the weekend?

This is a really well thought out event. It has something for everyone, even 3 year-olds, and a stunning location. Very family friendly, partner friendly and novice friendly. It reminds me of a rogaine event or some of the European mountain marathon weekends. You drive for 45 minutes down a muddy dirt road and emerge from the mist into a stunning valley full of tents and happy runners looking cold and sloshing around in their gum boots. There’s great food put on all weekend and lots of opportunities for socialising.

It’s not all about the running is it?

Actually the running sometimes seems to be just a good excuse for everyone to congregate and enjoy a fun weekend in an amazing place. There are some fascinating ruins there and an interesting history to the place. As the runners come into the finish from their respective races, they’re drawn towards the warmth and conversation around the open fires and you’re reminded that we’re not just runners, we’re part of a community.

Having taken out the Mystery Mountain Dash and the Marathon, which is your favourite of the events on offer?

The Marathon is the reason the weekend exists and it’s my favourite of the events on offer. The course is tough, varied and beautiful. Having said that, I really enjoyed the utterly ridiculous Mystery Mountain Dash! It’s a real lung-burner, but since it’s all uphill it doesn’t seem to trash your legs too badly for the Marathon the next day. It’s also so short that it doesn’t interfere with carb loading. I highly recommend running the Dash and the Marathon as a double.

How would you describe running in the Mystery Mountain Dash?

It sounds like murder (But fun too!) It’s so steep that your nose is practically in the dirt the whole way up anyway. Basically it’s a case of head down, hands on knees pushing and grabbing at tree roots to haul yourself up, until you emerge onto a small rocky outcrop at the top. If you’ve ever wondered what your lungs taste like, this is the event for you!

What training advice do you have for anyone planning on running the marathon and the Dash?

For the marathon: In addition to all the usual marathon training, run plenty of big steep hills – up and down. Get used to wet and slippery single-track. Get comfortable running for long periods in cold and wet shoes. Practice running with a small pack for the compulsory safety gear. For the Dash: They say the best training is something that replicates race conditions. But really, once a year is enough for me! I have no idea how to prepare for it apart from running something very similar, as hard as possible, a few times beforehand. Probably some rock-climbing might help!

What are the checkpoints like?

The checkpoints are friendly and well marshalled. I would say there are plenty of them for an event in a remote area with access difficulties. You come through the start/finish area at halfway which is a good opportunity to take on some food and water.

Are the courses well marked and easy to navigate, or do you need to have some navigation skills and study the maps?

The courses are well marked with tape, signs and marshals. I think it would be hard to get lost, but it always helps to have a mental picture of the course before you head out.

What’s your favourite thing about the weekend?

The finish line atmosphere is great. Good commentary, good food, big open fires to keep everyone warm and a great opportunity to catch up with old friends and to make new friends too. Oh, and there’s even a coffee van!

Visit: www.glowwormtrail.com