THE third Goldrush Trail Run will see more than 600 people explore the rich seams of single track around Daylesford in a unique trail running experience on December 15.
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Competitors will embark on either a 6km, 13km, or 24km trail run around Hepburn Regional Park, before completing the day at Sailors Falls Estate Winery.
The trail run takes place on a section of the Goldfields Track; a unique section of trails which highlight the region’s history, cultural heritage and natural assets.
The concept for the event was discovered when notable road and trail runner, Julian Spence, opened a running shop in Ballarat, through which he noticed there was a lack of focus for trail runners in the region.
Collaborating with trail events and tours operator Chris Ord, from Tour de Trails, and local runners Tash and David Fraser, Mr Spence created an event local trail runners could be proud of.
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“Over the last two years of running the event we have welcomed more than a thousand runners plus friends and family to the Goldfields Track and the feedback has been incredible. Runners truly love the trails here and the festive vibe at the finish line makes for a perfect way to see out the running year just prior to a season of Christmas feasting,” Mr Spence said.
“Many didn’t know there was such an awesome single track in the Daylesford-Hepburn region, so we’ve introduced a whole bunch of new people to the place with lots returning to the region to train and explore more trails.“
Race Director, Chris Ord, said the idea was to introduce people to the Goldfields Track and encourage more people to use it, but also to introduce non-trail runners to the joys of trail running.
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“The great thing about the section of the Goldfields Track that we run on, apart from being stunning, is that it is very accessible, offering the inherent benefits that towns like Daylesford and Hepburn feature – like great accommodation and of course good coffee, which is very important to trail runners.
“Yet it also remains a good, wild, and often technical running experience, which is what we as trail runners look for,” he said.
“And for those new to trail running, it is still a very runnable trail, with a pretty mild ascent profile relative to many other trail events, so a good introduction to trail running.”
This year the event is teaming up with Ballarat charity Berry Street. The not-for-profit child and family services organisation supports thousands of vulnerable children, young people and families.
Last year it provided safe homes for almost 2000 at-risk children, while supporting thousands of vulnerable Victorians begin to heal from childhood trauma.
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