Event #3: Finch Hatton - Flowing Trails
2024 join us for the third event in our 4-part off the beaten track Trail Run Series.
Prepare to get off the beaten track, off-road and onto Australia’s newest MTB Trails!!! This course is guaranteed to get you exploring parts of the Pioneer Valley that you don’t normally venture as a trail runner! There will be flow on and off the MTB trails!
Date: 4 AUGUST 2024
Course: 6km, 12km and 18km.
Start/Finish: Finch Hatton MTB Trails, Anzac Parade, Finch Hatton
Our third event is poised to kick off with an invigorating challenge that awaits all participants, setting the stage for an exciting and memorable experience. Prepare yourself for a thrilling fusion of excitement as you navigate picturesque trails.
Opting for the extended route will treat you to expansive landscapes that showcase a unique perspective of the MTB Trails. The journey will take you through various levels of difficulty, from challenging ascents to fast-paced descents that reveal breathtaking views of the Valley.
Located amidst a mix of terrains, this event in Finch Hatton, just 60km from Mackay City Centre, provides convenient access with just a 50-minute drive from Mackay near Eungella, making it a perfect off-the-beaten-path destination.
Please note, that no running is allowed on the trails outside of this event! We have access once a year to deliver a trail running experience!
-
A fun run that follows the G’day G’day access trail and descends down the Shuttle Trail. This is for beginners or junior cross country athletes who want to challenge themselves on a fast short course.
Starting and finishing at the Finch MTB head!
-
The Intermediate - guaranteed to feel the burn!
Starting at the Finch Hatton MTB Trail Head, athletes will head off onto a variety of fire trails, MTB trails and ascents. Some water and refreshments will be available on course, however runners need to be self-sufficient.
-
Strap your ankles and get ready for a little bit of everything - take on every ascent possible to open breathtaking views of the valley!
The course starts and finishes the same at the Finch Hatton MTB Trail Head. This course provides rolling downhills and punchy ups provides small challenges for any style of runner!
The course will be clearly marked with pink tape, signage, arrows and caution tape. Some water and refreshments will be available on course, however runners need to be self-sufficient.
ABOUT THE COURSE
-
In order for our events to run as smoothly as possible we ask all athletes to cooperate and stick to our rules and regulations:
No rego, No run! – Please respect our event, we have permissions from landowners, local and state authorities and have insurances to cover our athletes. Please do not jeopardise our licences and insurances by running without a registration.
Timing Chip – Please make sure your timing chip is on your left ankle, this ensures the correct detection of your timing chip by the electronic timing system. The timing chip can not be worn on your wrist or carried in your back pack, this might cause the timing chip to not be picked up by the antenna at the finish line. Please return your timing chip at the end of the run - a fee of $50 will apply to any missing timing chips.
No shortcuts – please stick to the marked track, for safety and fairness reasons. All courses are clearly marked and we have marshals out on the course.
Fitness level – please choose the right distance according to your fitness level! This event is not designed to be walked, especially the 14km event (accept a little bit of the uphill). Event officials reserve the right to pull competitors out of the race if they are concerned for their well-being.
Obey traffic regulations unless otherwise instructed by an event official
Treat other competitors, officials, volunteers and spectators with respect and courtesy
Dress Code – please wear appropriate clothing and suitable running shoes
-
Be mindful that the trails are open for other users outside of the race, including 4WDs, Motor bikes and MTBs
Do not leave any rubbish behind, this is a State Forest and Private Lease Area. What you bring in you must take out
Keep left and give way to runners passing from behind
Don’t approach any wildlife you may come across on the trails, there is scrub cattle in the area
RACE RULES
-
Points accumulate across the series and include all 3 events:
ZACH MACH - The River Run (11 May)
Eungella - Rainforest (7 July)
Finch Hatton - Flow Trails (4 August)
Captain’s Crossing - The Gong (12 October)
-
Age groups are as follows (as of your age on 31 December 2023):
Under 16 years
16 to 29 years
30 to 39 years
40 to 49 years
50 to 59 years
60+
-
oints are awarded based on the following criteria:
Athletes receive points for each run. Your total score is the sum of all your attended (and finished) races listed above.
The winner of each age category will receive 25 points. Each place will receive 2 less points (ie. 2nd place 23 points, 3rd place 21 points etc.).
Points are calculated separately for men and women
SERIES POINTS
-
Sign in and race chip collection starts from 7.00am at the FINISH/START Line located at the Finch Hatton MTB Trails. Race course briefing will be held 5-10min prior to race start. 18km run starts at 8.00am | 12km run starts at 8.15am | 6km run starts at 8.20am.
The race start is self seeded and we advise the faster runners to position themselves at the front and slower runners at the back. This will help to prevent bottlenecks along the trail and faster runners becoming stuck behind slower runners.
-
Please see below for the mandatory gear requirements for the 14km run.
Mandatory gear must be carried for the duration of the run, event officials reserve the right to refuse a participant to start the race if they do not comply with mandatory gear requirements.
We have marshals on the course and a safety vehicle with additional first aid.
2 x compression bandages
a fully charged phone (there is limited service along the course) Please download the free EMERGENCY+ app on your phone prior to the event
Whistle
Timing Chip
-
Top 3 Male & Female for each distance are awarded at presentation
Top 3 junior boys and girls (short distance only) are awarded at presentation
-
Presentation will be held as soon as the Top 3 runners have finished.
Prizes will be given to the top 3 runners on the day
-
Bring sufficient water for the entire duration of your run for what you require.
Each competitor is responsible for their own nutrition requirements.
Only one water station will be available on course.
-
Toilets are not available at the START/FINISH Line (TBC).
The closest public toilets are located in Finch Hatton or at Finch Hatton Gorge.
-
We encourage you to support the local businesses in the area.
The Finch Hatton Pub
The Gift Shed Cafe, Finch Hatton (10AM)
One Hungry Mumma Cafe
Water and fruit will be available at the finish line.
-
The trails include sections of challenging and remote single track, be sure to exercise caution on these sections.
If you DO NOT FINISH the race you must see an event official and return your timing chip. If you do not report to an event official and a search party is sent out, this will be at the competitor’s cost. It may be hot so please take precautions to stay safe in the heat.
Timinig chips that are not returned will incur a direct fee of $50.00 payable by the competitor responsible for returning this to race officials.
COMPETITOR INFORMATION
2023 PHOTO GALLERY:
-
off the beaten track - Trail Run Series
11 May | 7 Jul | 4 Aug | 12 Oct
Get off the beaten track with our 4-part Trail Running Series through Mackay’s State Forest and National Parks. Choose from 4 events and 3 distances at each event.
-
Event #1: ZACH MACH - River Run
Date: Saturday 11 May 2024
We are excited to add the ZACH MACH Trail Run to our Trail Series! A quick 10km run that crosses Cattle Creek several times, flows through rainforest and cane paddocks. We are positive that you won’t want to miss this adventure!
REGISTRTIONS OPEN
-
Event #2: Eungella - Rainforest
Date: Sunday 7 July 2024
Feel the thrill as you navigate the historic rainforest trails, surrounded by the vibrant hues of nature's tapestry. Be captivated by the ever-changing vistas that unfold before your eyes, offering panoramic views of majestic valleys and distant horizons.
REGISTRATIONS OPEN