30 Dec, 2022
Trail Run Australia Snowy Mountains – UTRA70 AND TRA42 COURSE CONTINGENCY
Throughout the year the team have been monitoring the water levels in Lake Jindabyne and liaising with Snowy Hydro after record rains in the region throughout 2022. 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.
The team will continue to monitor the water levels around the lake, however, with higher than usual snowfall in November and December it is likely that the lake will remain at high levels when the snow melt occurs. This is not a certainty, however, to ensure that we, and our athletes are prepared, we have included details of the course contingency plan in this circumstance so there are no last minute surprises and our athletes can plan for both possible contingencies. The contingency course is the same as implemented February 2022.
If the change is necessary, a decision will be made in early February and will be communicated to athletes, via email, the website and socials, so please keep an eye on those. In the meantime full details and maps are included below for your reference.
We sincerely hope that such a change doesn’t have to be made, however, if it is necessary, the decision will be made early and participants will have all the information they need to plan and to have a safe, fun and enjoyable race.
CONTINGENCY START LOCATION
The contingency course for the UTRA70 and TRA42 would 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 contingency 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 is passes waterfalls, creek crossings, wild flowers and includes views to Lake Jindabyne and the mountains before arriving at Gaden Trout Hatchery. Athletes then continue onto the Lower Thredbo Valley Track (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 take in the spectacular scenery along the Thredbo River on the 6k Lake Crackenback Resort and Spa River Trail before heading to the finish.
WHAT WOULD THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CONTINGENCY COURSE MEAN FOR ME AS A PARTICIPANT?
Here are a few things that you’d need to know if the contingency plan needs to be implemented:
NEW START LOCATION
- Bus: The bus which is available to book to travel from Lake Crackenback Resort to the start would travel to the new start location.
- Driving to the Start: Drop & Go Zone – No Parking: Unfortunately, due to space restrictions there would be no parking at the start line, however, a Drop & Go Zone would be set up where athletes could be dropped by supporters at the Education Centre if desired.
- National Parks Charge if Driving: If participants have someone drive them to the contingency start at Kosciuszko Education Centre, 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.
AID STATIONS, SUPPORT BOXES AND CUT OFF TIMES
- Distances & Aid Stations: The contingency course is designed to minimise the impact on runners planning for hydration/nutrition, however if this change is necessary, some of the distances between legs and aid stations would change slightly.
- Support Boxes: On the contingency course, athletes would only require two support boxes.
- Course Cut Off Times: Course cut off times would remain the same, however the times at each of the particular check points would be amended.
STARTS
- Start Times: Start times would alter slightly by approx 15 minutes due to the constraints of the start location.
- Jumpers / Jackets: There would 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.
UTRA70 CONTINGENCY COURSE MAP
TRA42 CONTINGENCY COURSE MAP
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.
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