After watching Ryan Crawford take out the 2022 event over Kevin Muller in a then Australian record of 59 laps (with both now on two wins apiece), We were anticipating big things in 2023. As it turned out, we got it, and despite the early oppressive conditions, Ryan and James Blanton, running a final 22 hours as the last pair, managed to rack up 60 laps, before calling it a day and DNFing at the start of lap 61.
With Neither wanting to see the other 'lose' while they got the win, it was an incredible and emotional display of sportsmanship. We can't wait to see what 2024 brings. Maybe more from this pair!
Where:
Oxley Creek Common
When:
August 9th, 2024, 9:00 am
Why?:
Why not. Just one more lap ...
The Course/Event
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Run entirely on smooth minimal elevation mostly along Oxley Creek
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1 lap per hour
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6.706 km/lap with 69 metres of ascent/descent each lap
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Be ready to start your next lap on the hour (at the ring of the bell) to continue … inches matter! (see rule 4, it’s as much about management as it is athletic ability)
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Last one standing has to complete another hour on their own to win or they’re also a DNF
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All 'non-winners' get a DNF memento to commemorate their failure.
Course Maps
Facilities
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Cooking amenities
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Food and electrolyte for competitors
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First aid
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6 toilets
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Participants may use their own crew, but it’s not essential.
For the statisticians among you, a matrix of distance and time (a list of distances reached at each hour/lap) can be downloaded from here!
The Rules
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Each lap runs out to the ‘Secret Forest’ and back via Pelican Island in both directions - the time limit for each lap be one hour
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Starting Corral
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Will be measured to fit the starting field
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Will remain the same size throughout the event
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Participants must be in the corral at the bell/horn
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Starts
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Each lap starts precisely 1 hour after the last
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A warning will be issued 3, 2 and 1 minute prior to the start of each lap
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All participants must start at the bell/horn from the corral (no exceptions)
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Laps
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Except for restrooms, participants may not leave the course until each lap is completed
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No non-participants (crew) on the course, including eliminated runners
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No personal aid during the lap, other than from the aid station on course
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Each lap must be completed within the hour, including the final lap
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No artificial aids, including trekking poles
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Participants may utilise the assistance of event crew or other participants crews if available between laps
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Once we have a single participant ‘standing’, he or she must complete a lap alone within the hour to win
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If no single runner can complete a final lap, there will be no winner and thus, all participants will be recorded as a DNF with the amount of full laps completed against their name – if this is the case, the ‘Last One Standing’ will be recognised as such but will be a DNF
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Instruction from any event crew/marshal must be adhered to while on course
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Race directors decisions in all matters are final
Mandatory & Recommended Kit
MANDATORY
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Please familiarise yourself with the course map and course directions, both of which can be found on this page. (maybe print off the map and carry a copy if you’re unsure of directions)
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Water bottle - you'll need it through the daytime hours
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Headlamp - non-negotiable at night
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Spare batteries/headlamp
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Access to a map of the course - either by mobile device or printed map (available from this page)
RECOMMENDED
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Insect repellent
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Bite and sting treatment
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Compression bandage (cheaply available at most chemists)
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Emergency Whistle
Alun Davies - 0407 836 775
AAA racing accept it in good faith that the mandatory list is adhered to by participants, though there will be spot checks on course
During the Event
Course Marking
Course marking will consist of flagging tape, arrows on trees and signage where necessary
Hydration
It is essential, with no exceptions, that each participant carries a water bottle at the very minimum. There will be water at all CPs along with other provisions (specifics to be advised as necessary to participants by email, prior to event day)
Litter
Any rubbish can be taken from you each time you visit a checkpoint. Anything that leaves the checkpoint with you must stay with you until you can dispose of it properly and not on the course. We’d like to set and maintain an example to those less conscientious.
Toilets
Toilet facilities are available at the start/finish area and at some locations along the course (dependent on the event). Please do not remove paper from the toilets.
Withdrawal
If you pull out or have to leave the course for any reason, please advise the checkpoint staff or those at the start finish area.
Practice mindfulness
Regardless of ability, please be mindful of other runners: If you’re a faster runner wanting to pass, advise the runner in front by all means, but be patient and don’t pressurise anyone. It can be unnerving and easily lead to a trip. Conversely, if you are aware of a faster runner behind you, take the utmost of care and allow them to pass when it’s safe. Many a runner/walker’s day can be blighted by the smallest of incidents and we want everyone to leave on Saturday night being a little better for their experience. Look after each other out there.
Health and injury
This isn’t the nanny state by any means but we are out on the trail. As per the waiver agreed to on entry, should you become injured or should event staff consider that you need medical attention or examination, do not continue until authorised to do so. If it’s deemed that it’s not in your interests to continue, you will be withdrawn from the event. We’d rather make the mistake of scratching someone who could continue than letting someone who shouldn’t.
Remember where you are
We don’t like to talk about it, but we are in Queensland and many of the locals aren’t so friendly if they’re frightened or disturbed. Watch where you’re putting your feet and keep a close eye on the ground as well as ahead.
We recommend that you carry a compression bandage and understand how to apply it. Take a look here:
http://www.health.qld.gov.au/poisonsinformationcentre/bites_stings/bs_pressure.asp
The event crew are running the show
Cooperate with event crew/officials/volunteers all the times - they're there not only because they enjoy giving something back or participating in a different way, but because they have event experience. They know what they're doing and they'll be under instruction from the race directors. Under whatever circumstances, the event directors decisions are final ... and they're usually the same as the crew! :)
Finally, have Fun!
It is a compulsory requirement of all participants at AAA Racing events to have fun. Failure to have any fun will be frowned upon by the event management team!