Running Wild Race Report

Event:              Wentworth Falls short course (13km / 16km)
Date:               19 February 2017

As if on cue, overcast weather and cooler temperatures offered perfect running conditions for the Wentworth Falls race – arguably the most picturesque and technical course on the Running Wild calendar.

To add to the complexity that a huge variation in terrain brings to the Wentworth Falls race – which includes boardwalk, fire trail, technical single trail and of course, stairs….lots of stairs – rain in the days leading in to the race ensured that an already tough course was made just a little more interesting. However, none of that seemed to greatly bother the field in their respective races.

Jasmine Sargeant finished first female and first overall in the 13km race with an incredible time of 1:13:31. Jasmine is becoming a regular on the podium at RW events. Finishing strongly in second and third place were Katherine Costello and Alice Caldwell.

The men’s 13km race also saw a sub-80 minute finish. Andy Grant running in first (1:17:27) ahead of Brett Phelan and Jackson Cosgrove in second and third place respectively.

Where the short course turn right at the top of Empress Falls and continue up the stairs to the Conservation Hut, the long course turn left and continue on an extra testy three kilometres past Edinburgh Castle rock and on to the Nature Track.

The ladies’ 16km race produced a new course record. Meg Reeves (1:32:50), slashed 55 seconds off the previous ladies’ long course record set by Jo Brischetto last season. Saskia Grootemaat (1:37:35) and Rochelle Tregear (1:42:09) battled all the way to finish in second and third place respectively.

The men’s long race almost had a new race record to boast also. With the record in sight Wes Gibson flew along the Charles Darwin track to finish less than a minute (30 seconds to be exact) outside the previous men’s record in 1:23:40 to claim first position. Jaymz Hingert and Marc Person were close behind to round out the podium. The leading three men finished less than 3 minutes apart.

Thanks to Murray and the team at Tempus Sports Timing for providing the race bibs and having the results available so soon after the race.

Congratulations again to all runners! For all of the stunning views and beautiful trails that the Wentworth Falls race is renowned for, this course also presents many challenges to runners at all levels of fitness, experience and ability.

In addition to the ongoing support of the Blue Mountains City Council and NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, our races are not possible without the services of:

  • Lucas Trihey and his team from Event Safety Services who offer tremendous support with their first aid service, knowledge and experience;
  • Peter and Simona from Snax on Trax are amongst the first to arrive and last to leave to ensure everyone gets their fill of pre-race coffee and post-race nutrition;
  • Brett & Lisa Phelan for having RW merchandise available for each event;
  • Chris and the team at XThomas photography for capturing all the action;
  • Murray and the team at Tempus Sports Timing for accurate race times and results; and
  • All volunteers that selflessly offer their time to help make each race a great success.

Apologies to anyone that isn’t mentioned.

The penultimate event on the Season 7 calendar is Mt Portal on 19th March. Mt Portal is also the fifth and final short course race – there being an 11km and 17.5km race in which to register. As is often the case, our races usually sell out well ahead of race day. There were many who missed out at Wentworth Falls, so to avoid missing twice in a row, we suggest entering for Mt Portal sooner rather than later.

PLEASE NOTE: Parking for the Mt Portal event is inside the Blue Mountains National Park, and as such, all vehicles entering the park are required to pay $8 National Park entry fee.

We look forward to seeing everyone at Mt Portal on 19th March.

« previous post | next post »