Hayden Bishop

The race starts near the crossroads of the main gravel tracks of the area.  Runners will exit the gravel travel and cross an open grass area followed by a short bridge.  The course then winds in a clockwise direction over the western hill, following the marked tracks.  After approx. 600 m, runners will start descending off the hill using the track network down to the main gravel track.  The course then returns almost to the track crossroads before reaching a turnaround.  At this point the course follows the main Sylvan Circuit track (~1.5 km) in a clockwise direction.  Once the full circuit has been completed, runners will have returned to the track crossroads.  This is the end of the first lap.  The second lap follows exactly the same route from this point.  The finish chute will be next to the Rotunda in the open grassed area to the west of the crossroads.

1. There is smallish carpark at Arboretum.  However, as the site will be open to the general public, we ask members to consider carpooling to the race where possible.  Also, could all members avoid parking in areas other than the car park; this includes not parking along the entrance avenue (starting at the site gates and leading up to the car park).
2. The first 800m of each lap is predominantly single-track grass paths.  These are well marked but there will be limited opportunities for passing.  Please pick you moment and pass safely.  Once the course leaves the western hill the track opens up leaving plenty of space to passing on the back 2/3 of each lap.
3. There are sections of slightly uneven ground and exposed roots on course (first 800m of each lap).  There are also a handful of sharp switchbacks when descending off the hill.  Runners are reminded to take care and run to their limits.
4. The course is likely to be damp underfoot, but there will be no muddy sections.
5. Please respect the site and keep to marked paths and open grass areas at all times.

The two events are conducted concurrently over the same course.  

The races start at 9.30 am at the Turners Beach Football Club, Henry Street, Turners Beach. The course starts with a clockwise lap on the outside of the oval, then  heads out of the ground on Henry Street and runners then turn left onto Susan Street and left again onto Boyes Street. There will be a race official at the junction of Boyes Street and The Esplanade to turn runners left and onto the right-hand side of The Esplanade. Runners continue on the right-hand side of the road and onto the coastal pathway.

NB. The path is being redone from the entrance into Camp Clayton along to Maskells Road. Runners will need to run along Clayton Toad for this section. It is marked with witches’ hats but just watch for traffic.

Continue through to Beach Road and cross to the sea side of Beach Road. The runners join the Fairway Park pathway near the Ulverstone Surf Club, continue along the pathway past Otto’s Grotto and take the top footpath at the wharf and onto the Ulverstone Bridge. The race heads right off the bridge footpath onto the coastal walkway next to the Leven River to Maud Street. At Maud Street runners turn right into Braddon Street where they will see the turn sign and the drink station. The teams’ second runners commence their run at the turn. Runners return on the same course to the finish at the Turners Beach Football Ground.  

The half marathon races will start at 9.30am. Competitors need to wear a race bib, which will be provided, to identify which race they are in and what team. It is a flat, out-and-back course. As sections of the race are on public roads, runners are asked to run with caution and obey any directions from race officials.

Runners need to supply their own drinks in clearly marked bottles. There will be a tub for drinks at the start which will be taken to the drink station at the race turn.  

Post-race presentations will take place in the Turners Beach Club clubrooms. There will be free soup, tea and coffee available for runners, volunteers and supporters. There are toilet and shower facilities available.   

This week’s race is a mix of off road, mountain bike trail, gravel road and asphalt

Runners meet at Dial Regional Sports Complex carpark. Start on main driveway footpath, head south along the driveway and turn right onto footpath that follows Sports Complex Road. Cross the driveway of Athletics Track onto the grassy area. Follow fence line to the dog exercise park and cross Sports Complex Road at the marshalled crossing. Follow Sports Complex Rd on left hand side to where runners enter the mountain bike track immediately prior to the intersection.

The course then follows the track for approximately 1.5 km. This section id mainly uphill. While on the track, cross over the Mountain Bike Club carpark driveway. Continue along the bike track following markings to the Montgomery Road carpark. Turn right and follow Montgomery Road on the right-hand side until it ends at Ironcliffe Road. Turn right onto Ironcliffe Road and staying on the right-hand side follow this road back to Sports Complex Road. Turn right onto Sports Complex Road and cross back over to the left-hand side at the marshal point. Backtrack along the grass area, through the Athletics Track carpark to the Dial Sports Complex driveway. Cross the driveway following the path. Where the path ends adjacent to the Golf Clubhouse continue on the road on the left-hand side down to the intersection with Dial Road. Turn left onto Dial Road and follow this road on the left-hand side back to Recreation Drive. Turn left into and stay on the left of Recreation Drive. Follow this road and finish in front of the Dial Park Community Pavilion.

Safety warnings:
This course takes in 1.5 km of technical uphill track.
On narrow sections of the track be courteous and allow faster runners to pass by stepping to the left of the track.
Trail running shoes are recommended but at a minimum wear shoes to get muddy in as the course will be wet and muddy in sections. Please be careful not to slip.
Recommend runners do not use sunglasses as there are exposed roots and rocks on the track.
This course crosses three carparks (Dial Park, Athletics Track, Montgomery Road carparks) and the mountain bike club driveway. Runners should take due care at all times.

Mountain bike riders have been asked not to use the tracks from 9 until 11 but be aware there may still be bikers there.

The race commences at Wings Wildlife Park, Winduss Road, Gunns Plains.

The Park would prefer we park up near the private cabins. Reach these by driving up between the café and the toilets. Please do not park in the café carpark nor over any gates.

Most of the race is run on public roads. You are responsible for keeping yourself safe. Watch for traffic on the road and also entering onto the road.

The Course: Exit the park using the left-hand side of the road and run to the junction of Winduss Road with South Riana Road. Turn left, cross carefully to the right side of the road and continue over the bridge to Gunns Plains Road.

Turn right and continue approximately 3.5km until turning right into Marshalls Bridge Road.

Continue over the bridge, and turn right again on reaching Lowana Road. Continue on this road which becomes South Riana Road until reaching Winduss Road again, cross carefully then continue along to re-enter the Park and on to the start/finish.

NB: Please make sure you only cross where there are witches hats and/or marshals.

This event is a 9am start.

This race is a relay where each team member covers the same 5 km course.  The race chute will serve as the start and finish (transition for runners 1, 2 and 3) for all team members.

The race starts on the grass between the Penguin Surf Club and the coast, and heads east along the new coastal path towards Penguin.  The path continues up over the hill until the first turn opposite Johnson’s Beach.  The course then returns along the same route to the surf club.  From there, runners avoid going through the race chute, instead continuing west along the new path for another 1 km.  The second turn is immediately before Midway Point at Sulphur Creek.  From here, runners return along the path back the surf club and the transition to the next runner.

Due to unforeseen works on the Coastal Pathway in 2022 runners will be required to cross Preservation Drive at approximately 3.2km and again at the same point at approximately 4.8km. This crossing will be manned by two marshals, runners are reminded to cautious and safe when crossing the road.

Each team will be provided with two race numbers only.  The first number is to be worn by runner number 1 and then given to runner 3 prior to the start of their leg.  Similarly, the second number is to be worn by runner 2 and then given to runner 4. 

The coastal path is 3.5m wide.  However, as runners will be travelling along the path in both directions throughout the race, competitors are reminded that they must keep to the left side of the path at all times.  Please overtake slower runners only when safe to do so.

There is limited parking at the Penguin Surf Club and a large number of entrants. Alternate parking is available at Johnson’s Beach, parking at this location offers a 1.5km warm up.

The Club and Sponsor will provide a BBQ after the event, this will not be sufficient as lunch.