10 Feb, 2023

Start Location and Contingency Course Confirmed for UTRA70 & TRA42

The 2023 UTRA70 and TRA42 Contingency has been confirmed with the new start location at Kosciuszko Education Centre.

Since the media release in December 2022 the team have been monitoring the water levels in Lake Jindabyne and liaising with Snowy Hydro after record rains in the region throughout the year.  Like in February 2022 Lake Jindabyne is at its highest level since 1998 and throughout the year has reached 100% capacity at times.  This means that currently much of the lake foreshore is underwater, including the magnificent trails that make up part of the first 10km of the UTRA70 and TRA42 courses.

We have held out in the narrow hope that potentially the Lake level may have lowered enough to maintain the original course, however, based on the current lake level, with much of the trail and bridges still being underwater we have made the decision this week to move forward with the contingency plan outlined in December to start the event at Kosciuszko Education Centre.

This announcement was initially flagged in December and has now been confirmed with the aim to provide as much certainty to runners in their preparation for the event and to ensure everyone has a safe, fun and enjoyable race.

Although we are so happy for the region that much needed rain has revitalised the area, we are also sorely disappointed that the UTRA70 and TRA42 courses in 2023 will not be able to include the trails around Lake Jindabyne.

With the help and assistance of many people and businesses including NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service we have been able to implement the contingency plan while retaining the original distances and taking in even more spectacular Snowy Mountains Trails.

Full details have now been updated on the website and on the event app and full details are listed below.

The Contingency Start Location

The contingency course for the UTRA70 and TRA42 will start from Kosciuszko Education Centre at 7637 Kosciuszko Road, Wilsons Valley, NSW, 2624.  Koscisuzko Education Centre is approx 22min drive from Race HQ at Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa.

The Contingency Course

From the Education Centre the course follows Sawpit Track and Pallaibo Track to Gaden Trout Hatchery.  This is a 4.5k picturesque single-track trail which descends following the banks of Sawpit Creek. Along the way you will pass waterfalls, creek crossings, wild flowers and enjoy the views to Lake Jindabyne and the mountains before arriving at Gaden Trout Hatchery to check in and top up with water before heading out along the Lower Thredbo Valley Track (TVT).

This is an amazing trail to start the run as it offers a chance for legs to warm up on the undulating descent before the challenge of the Lower TVT.

After this point the course remains the same for both the UTRA70 and TRA42 until runners return to Bullocks Hut from Thredbo (UTRA70) or Diggings (TRA42).  At this point runners will take in the spectacular scenery along the Thredbo River on the 6k Lake Crackenback Resort and Spa River Trail before heading to the finish.

Check out the Course Maps

• View Revised Course Map UTRA70
• View Revised Course Map TRA42

What Does the Change Mean for Me as a Participant?

Here are a few things that participants need to know that relate to the changes.

New Start Location

1. Bus: The bus which was originally available to book to travel from Lake Crackenback Resort to the start will now travel to the new start location. View details and book online here.
2. Driving to the Start: Drop & Go Zone – No Parking: Unfortunately, due to space restrictions there is NO PARKING at the start, however, a Drop & Go Zone will be set up where athletes can be dropped by supporters at the Education Centre if desired.

If using the Drop & Go, please drive into the centre, drop off the participant and depart immediately.  Unfortunately, spectators will not be able to stay at the start as there is not sufficient room to accommodate other vehicles safely which we know will be disappointing as the original start at Claypits Park allowed this, however, for the event to proceed and not be cancelled this has been a necessary change and we thank you for your understanding.

3. National Parks Charge if Driving: If participants choose to have someone drive them to the start at Kosciuszko Education Centre, please be aware that National Parks charge a fee of $17 per vehicle per day(24hrs). The pass is purchased at the toll point on Kosciuszko Road to Perisher.  Find out more here

Aid Stations, Support Boxes and Cut Off Times

4. Distances & Aid Stations: We have made every effort to minimise the impact on runners planning for hydration/nutrition, however because the course has had to be revised, some of the distances between legs and aid stations has changed. Full details can be viewed online here.
5. Support Boxes: Athletes will now only require two support boxes on the course. Please see details here.
6. Course Cut Off Times: Although the cut off times for each course remains the same, obviously the times at each of the particular check points has been amended.  Please see revised cut off times for each check point here

Starts

1. Start Times: The original start line at Claypits Park was chosen for its wide open foreshore.  Unfortunately, the only alternative start which could facilitate the course at the Education Centre does not offer this option.  Therefore, to manage this and to better disperse runners onto the trails the starts have been split.  Please view revised timetable online here.
2. Jumpers / Jackets: There will be a collection point so runners can wear jumpers/jackets to the start to keep warm and then deposit them just prior to the start.  The bags will be returned to Race HQ in the late afternoon and can be collected from the Freestyle room then.

Thank You

We know that changes can be disappointing, however, as we hope you will understand, making changes is not something we take lightly as we fully understand the impact on participants, volunteers, providers and supporters.

This decision has been the result of much planning and forethought to ensure that we deliver a high standard course and experience for participants.  So many people have worked tirelessly to keep the event on track and we would like to say a very special thank you firstly to NSW Parks and Wildlife Service and Destination NSW who have supported us to be able to make this change and utilise the contingency trails.  We would also like to thank Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa and the In2Adventure team who have worked with us to keep the events on track in this ever-changing and dynamic environment.

And most importantly we would like to thank each and everyone of you in advance for your understanding and support and we so look forward to welcoming you to enjoy the Spectacular Snowy Mountains.

Find out more

• Visit | trailrunaustralia.com.au
• Watch | Snowies video action

About In2Adventure

In2Adventure are Asia-Pacific’s premier adventure event specialists, and the proud hosts of the 2016 ITU Cross Triathlon World Championships. With a full calendar of national events scheduled throughout Australia, including cross triathlon, XC Mountain Bike, trail runs and corporate events, In2Adventure fully embraces all things ‘off road’ and ‘off the beaten track’ and offers a unique, individual experience for all ages and skill levels.

For more information visit In2Adventure here

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