July 13, 2024
ENTER!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

important dates

DATES
DATE
DETAILS
5/2/2024
Entries Open
5/2/2024 – 4/3/2024
Early Bird Pricing
5/3/2024 – 12/6/2024
Standard Pricing
13/6/2024 – 10/7/2024
Final Pricing
30/6/2024
Refunds Close
10/7/2024
Online Entries and Transfers Close
13/7/2024
Race Day!

EQUIPMENT

What do I take with me out on the course (mandatory gear)?

You will need to carry a minimum 500ml water bottle or hydration pack (or similar) to refill at the Aid Stations out on course. There will be NO CUPS at the aid stations. There are aid stations positioned around the course where runners can fill up with water and Tailwind Nutrition. There will also be a selection of sliced fruit such as bananas available at the aid stations so take that into consideration when planning your nutrition strategy. Please be sun smart – much of the route is exposed and even on cloudy days you can get sunburned so please take a hat and sunscreen. Please note that the trails in the Wallarah National Park and Munmorah State Conservation Area will not be closed for the event, so runners need to be careful when overtaking each other and be courteous to other track users.

training

How fit or skilled do I need to be?
With three distance options you have the choice to enter the event that best suits your skill and fitness level. We recommend a combination of road miles and off road running to develop endurance and technical skills over a variety of terrain. There are a few stiff hills, sand sections and the odd steep descent. Nothing that can’t be walked if you are uncomfortable running all the way. If you need some help with training, check out our Training Plans.
Do you offer a training plan?
Yes, please refer to our Training Plan page for updates on the current offer.
Am I able to run the course before the event?
You will be able to run sections of the course in the Wallarah National Park and Munmorah State Conservation Area. Some areas around Raffertys Resort and Murrays Beach are private property and should not be accessed before race day. If you wish to train on sections of the course, send an email to us so we can suggest the best locations to access the course.
Do you have a GPX route file available for pre-event training?
Refer to the 12km, 22km & 36km course maps to work out where the course goes and to train on parts of it before the event. Note that certain sections around Raffertys Resort and Murrays Beach are private property and should not be accessed before race day. If you wish to train on sections of the course, send an email to us so we can suggest the best locations to access the course.

entry & merchandise

Can I change from one distance to another distance?

Yes, if you are registered for the 36km, 22km or 12km distance, you can either downgrade or upgrade. For details on how to upgrade your registration, please refer to the following Active FAQ and if you wish to downgrade in distance, please email us.

Can I transfer my race entry to another person?
Yes, please refer to the Transfers section of the website.
Can I get a refund if I withdraw from the event?
Will my race bib be mailed to me prior to the event?
No personalised race bibs will be mailed to participants prior to the event. All participants will need to attend Registration during the Registration opening times to collect their race bib for the event. Safety pins will be available at registration on race day. Please wear your race bib on the front of your shirt, on your chest, where it is clearly visibly or by using a race number belt if you prefer.
How will I find out my race number?

Participants will be emailed their race bib number after entries close, 1-2 days before the event in the Last Minute Info email. A Runner List which includes runners allocated race bib number will be published on the event website in the Last Minute Info Latest News post.

Will my pre-purchased merchandise be mailed to me prior to the event?
No. All pre-purchased merchandise will be available to collect on race day at the registration / merchandise tent.

travel

Where does the event start?
The event starts and finishers at Raffertys Resort, Lake Macquarie NSW. Further information on food/beverage services available at the venue will be provided in the Event Program emailed to all participants prior to the event.
What time does the race start?

Please refer to the Race Schedule for further information.

Is public transport available to the event?
You are welcome to catch public transport to the event either the day prior and stay overnight or on the morning of the event. We suggest planning your trip via Transport NSW website.
Can I drive up on the morning of the event?
Runners are encouraged to make a weekend of it by staying over at the magnificent Raffertys Resort. However, if you are unable to stay for the weekend it is possible to drive up from Sydney on the morning of the race. It will take approximately 1.5hrs to drive from Sydney with mostly freeway driving all the way up. From Newcastle it is only a short 35-40 min drive to get to Raffertys Resort. There is parking available at Raffertys Resort, however parking is limited. Further information on parking areas at the venue will be available in the Event Program emailed to participants prior to the event.
Where can I stay in the area?
With 110 self-contained cottages and terraces, look no further than our host venue Raffertys Resort for all your accommodation needs. Refer to Venue and Accommodation & Food for further information.
Is there parking available at the event?
Yes, there is parking available at Raffertys Resort, however parking is limited. Further information on parking areas at the venue will be available in the Event Program emailed to participants prior to the event.
Is a support crew needed for the event?
No, you will be starting and finishing the event at Raffertys Resort with parking and accommodation. You don’t need a support crew for this event.
Are spectators allowed to come and watch me race?
Spectators are welcome at the Start and Finish area at Raffertys Resort. Remember though that no outside assistance is permitted at the event.

RACE DAY

Will I be given a start wave time for my respective course distance?

There are no ‘start wave times’ for each course distance other than the designated course start time. Participants will need to self-seed themselves within the group of competitors for their course distance and will head off at 5 second intervals in pairs. Please line up according to your goal finish time and running ability. Please give way to faster runners behind if asked. Your race time doesn’t begin until you cross the timing mat at the start line therefore there’s no need to worry about being disadvantage if you have self-seeded yourself towards the back of your group.

How will I know where to go?

On the day of the event, the course will be marked with brightly coloured markers for easy guidance. Marshals will also be positioned at critical points along the course for extra guidance where needed. The trail outline and markings will be discussed at the briefing prior to the commencement of the event.

What if im a slow runner, will I be able to walk the course?

There are no time cut offs for the 12km or 22km course. However both courses will be closed at 3:00pm. For the 36km course there is a short course time cut off is in place at the 13km mark. This course will also be closed at 3:00pm. Slowest runners on the 36km course are expected back in 5 hours+. On the 22km course slowest runners are expected back in around 3 hours 30 minutes. On the 12km course slowest runners are expected back in approximately 1 hour 40 minutes.

Are there any time cut offs?

There are no time cut offs for the 12km or 22km course. However both courses will be closed at 3:00pm. For the 36km course there is a short course time cut off is in place at the 13km mark. This is the split point for runners on the 36km and 22km course. 36km runners must reach this point by 11.00am or will be redirected onto the 22km course. Short coursed runners will be classified as 22km course finishers and their results will reflect this. This course also closes at 3:00pm if you make it past the short course time cut off point. Triple Trail Challenge runners who do not make this cut off will not be ranked as finishers for the purposes of the Triple Trail Challenge as the 36km course needs to be completed.

Where can I leave my bag?

There will be a bag drop area available at the event centre.  A volunteer will be present throughout the event to receive and return items to participants on the day. You will need to provide your own bag however bag tags will be available for you to attach to your items on the day. Please make sure your gear is clearly marked with your name and race number. Once you have completed the event, show the volunteer your race number to collect your bag.

Can I run with earphones?

Yes, you may wear earphones to run with if you want to listen to music. However, please be considerate of other runners and trail users and ensure you can hear if people are wanting to get past you. Earphones must be removed for road crossings and when running on roads open to traffic.

Will I receive a finishers t-shirt for finishing the event?

Finishers t-shirts are not included with your race entry. If you would like to buy a limited edition event t-shirt, this needs to be pre-purchased with your online entry, or added online after entering, see Merchandise for further information. Merchandise will be available for collection on race day.

Will I receive a medal for finishing the event?

All finishers will receive a finishers medal after completion of the course.

Are there prizes for this event?

Yes. Prizes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place getters in each age category for the 12km, 22km and 36km events courtesy of our event sponsors. Winners must be at the prize giving to receive any physical prizes, nothing will be posted. Any vouchers available as prizes can be emailed out upon request.

What are the expected finish times?
First runners on the 36km course are expected back in 2 hours 30 minutes, slowest runners in 5 hours+. On the 22km course first runners should complete the course in approximately 1 hour 30 minutes with slowest runners back in around 3 hours 30 minutes. The 12km should be completed in 1 hour by the quickest runners, slowest approximately 1 hour 40 minutes.

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