36KM TRAIL RUN

36km runners are in for a wide variety of terrain and trails as you journey from the calm shores of Lake Macquarie over to the rugged coastline and back again.

After exiting Raffertys Resort and winding through Murrays Beach, you will emerge back on the lake shore for some flat easy running. Turning right and up the fire trail, you will soon cross Murrays Beach Rd and follow the fire trail up to the footbridge and the first aid station.

Following Scenic Drive towards Caves Beach and the ocean, you will be rewarded with views in both directions along spectacular coastline. Dropping down next to the ocean, along some rocky trails and across a small creek – you’ll keep heading south and the ocean views continue. Before long you’ll head out onto the rock platform south of the infamous Shark Hole for an exhilarating run along the edge as the waves crash alongside. Soon you will reach Aid Station 2 and the 36km/22km split point.

Runners continue south along Catherine Hill Bay Beach and under the impressive historic jetty. Around the next headland and across Moonee Beach for a bit more sand. Then the climb up the fire trail starts to really put the pressure on, hopefully with the help of a cool ocean breeze. At the top you’ll reach the second aid station. From here turn left, check for whales at Snapper Point and the views over Frazer Beach, before turning back to the Aid Station (course change from previous).

Through the aid station for a second time, before retracing your steps back to Moonee Beach. Cross the headland via the ‘upper’ path this time, back under the jetty and along the beach (possibly high tide diversion if required), fingers crossed the tide is on your side so the sand is hardpacked!

After crossing the beach back to the split point, head up the fire trail – keep an eye on course markings as numerous 4WD tracks enter from each side.

The finish is near. A course chance in 2026 eliminates the dreaded Scenic Trail climb, instead you will follow the highway for a short distance back to Aid Station 1, cross back over the footbridge and follow the trails back to Raffertys Resort and your finish line on the shores of Lake Macquarie!

There are three marshalled aid stations on the 36km course:

• 5.5KM
• AID STATION 1 (FOOTBRIDGE)

• 14.6KM
• AID STATION 2 (MIDDLE CAMP)

• 20KM
• AID STATION 3 (SNAPPER POINT)

• 22KM
• AID STATION 3 (SNAPPER POINT)

• 27.5KM
• AID STATION 2 (MIDDLE CAMP)

• 33KM
• AID STATION 1 (FOOTBRIDGE)

There are no time cut offs for the 12km or 22km course. However both courses close at 3:00pm.

For the 36km course the following time cut-offs are in place to ensure all runners are finished at a reasonable time:

1. Middle Inlet (14.5km): This is the split point for runners on the 35km and 22km course. 36km runners must reach this point by 11.00am or will be redirected onto the 22km course.
2. Snapper Point Aid Station (20km): Runners must reach this point by 12:15pm to complete the full course Frazer Beach loop. Runners who miss this cut-off will skip the loop and turn around at the aid station (running a total distance of 34km) and will be ranked as a 22km finisher.
3. The course closes at 3:00pm even if you make it past the short course time cut-offs.

Triple Trail Challenge runners who do not complete the full 36km will not be ranked as finishers for the purposes of the Triple Trail Challenge.