A Rainforest Trail Run over the popular Goldfields Trail starting and finishing at the Beautiful Boulders Swimming Hole.
The Trail Marathon event can credibly lay claim to being the most scenic marathon event many runners could hope to enjoy. However, claims to being the toughest marathon would hold equal integrity. Significant vertical ascent, evaporation arresting humidity and the full range of trail surfaces is sure to test even the most well prepared runners. This event is a serious tropical test. While the large majority of the course is shaded, and regular watercourses provide relief, safety precautions require entry to be at the discretion of the Race Director.
Landslides and Track Closures (now open) at the Southern end of the Goldfields Trail forced some route changes to the 2011 Gold Rush courses. The 2012 Course will return to the original Gold Rush Trail Marathon course starting at the Babinda boulders, running the length of the Goldfields Trail, sneaking up to Kearneys Falls for a quick peak and returning to the Boulders.
Thanks to Babinda Electrics for their support. Their assistance is a pot of Gold for two lucky participants.
$10 for those who have previously competed in an Adventure HQ event and also Cairns Road Runners members.
$15 for first timers.
Rego 6:00am (42.2km), 7:30 (23km), 8:30(7km).
All races start 1hr later
Food available from 10:00am
Presentations 12:00
Amazing! Outstanding! The kind of event I’ve been waiting for. Will be making every effort to get up there from Brissie. I’ve heard how tough this course is though; I’ll be well prepared but just taking it easy and enjoying the sights…
Greg Waite – TRAQ’s
Gallery
Gold Rush Trail Marathon 2011
Gold Rush Trail Marathon Course. Starts at the Boulders and travels up and over the saddle, through the East Mulgrave at the causeway and the length of the Goldfields Trail. Upon reaching the Goldsborough campground, continue to the first turnaround point near the 20km marker, head back a few hundred metres and head up to Kearneys falls and the second turnaround. Return to the campground and turn left to retrace your steps over the Goldfields Trail to finish at the boulders.
Gold Rush 23km Course. Starts at the Boulders and travels up and over the saddle, through the East Mulgrave at the causeway before turning around to return to the finish at the Boulders Campground.
Gold Rush 7km Course. Turns around at a marked point 3.5km along the Goldfields Trail and returns to the Boulders to finish.
- Hydration plan eg Camelback style set up, Water bottle, collapsible cup etc
- Snake bite kit (2 roller bandages).
Fruit and yummies, including violet crumble are supplied after the race.
Climate and Weather
Daytime temperatures are typically warm at any time of the year. However, April is getting toward the start of the Dry(er) Season with lower humidity, cooler mornings and a lesser chance of precipitation. Trail conditions are at their best from April or May until November. Expect a maximum temperature of around 29-30 degrees and a reasonable chance of clear skies.
What’s on location
Accommodation
Accommodation in Cairns is plentiful. See transport below.
Transport: email shane@adventuresportnq.info for car pool options (offers/requests).
Domestic animals are not permitted in Queensland’s National Park.
Camping:
A limited number of permits can be booked in advance from the DERM website. Otherwise, camping permits can be obtained from the self-registration shelter at the start of the camping area.
