The latest event to join the great runs of FNQ – the Bustard Express is here, it’s finally happening, let’s get Bustard!
A ‘Pony Express’ style event is one where competitors (solo, pairs, trios, or quadrupos) complete as many laps of the course within the given time frame. Teams compete in a continuous relay style while solo participants… go solo! The Bustard Express is a four hour event with a choice of three loops – a 3.2km, 7.2km or the trail-happy 14.5k loop. Being a day/night event, the afternoon will be useful for course familiarisation while the couple of hours of darkness can be spent running around like a mad bustard.
Participants can choose to run any of the trail lengths at any time during the four hours, but they need to nominate their lap length to the marshalling tent (located at the start/finish) as they depart and return for all laps.
There will be an aid station (marshall/drink/first aid) available separately for short and long courses, checking teams/participants off as they complete laps. If, for example, a duo are competing, five minutes before the start the first runner nominates to the start/finish tent which course they are doing, and then starts running at 1600. The first runner is recorded as passing through the on-course tent, and then recorded again back at the start/finish tent. The second runner, while waiting for the first runner to finish their lap, nominates to the start/finish tent which trail they are doing, and then starts when the first runner finishes. This process is repeated for every lap, and don’t worry, it will be fully explained at the briefing on the day!
After four hours the individual and teams who have covered the most kilometres will win. Only completed laps will be counted as kilometres finished and timed laps will count if lap numbers are equal.
Adventure Sport NQ sends a huge thanks to The Mareeba Mountain Goats MTB Club (MMG) for allowing us to utilise the Little Transfield Trail at Davies Creek for this event.
The MMGs will be holding an open day to coincide with our event. Anyone interested in riding the tracks and trails before our event are welcome to bring their Mountain Bike (must be off the track by 1530).
When: March 24th 2012
Where: Dinden State Forest, Davies Creek Road
Organiser: Rob Miller
Race Entry Fee
$10 for those who have previously competed in an Adventure HQ event as well as CRR & MMG members.
$15 for first timers.
Entries close Friday, 23rd March at 8pm.
Timings
Rego- 15:00
Briefing- 15:45
Start- 16:00
Finish- 20:00
Bustard Express Courses 2012
What to bring
- Cups or drinking devices (no disposable cups provided)
- Race nutrition / hydration (if specialised) and post-race rehydration
- Headlamp
- Running Gear
- Clean dry gear to change into shortly after!
Supplied
- Water in drums each 5k approx (no cups – byo)
- Snacks!
Location
Limited facilities available on-site. Decent creek nearby for cooling off during/after the event. Great camping available just a few k’s further down the road at the QPWS self registration camp site.
The Mareeba Mountain Goats will be cooking burgers and selling drinks for a small fee from 5:30pm to 8pm.
Transport: Car pooling is recommended as limited parking is available at the Race HQ. email Chris for car pool options (offers/requests).
How to get there
Turn off the Kennedy Highway onto Davies Creek Road. Park at the Bridle Creek Carpark. This is an (unsigned) carpark on the left-hand side approximately 3km along Davies Creek Road. Look for a pink post marking a gate on the opposite side of the road. The gate is locked. The carparks and event site will be sign posted on the day. If training on the course prior to the event, giveway to mountain bikes, cattle, Bustards, mountain goats and brown snakes!
