Imagine doing 4 marathons in 48 hours, that is the challenge you could face if you decide to enter the Mind Alpine Challenge. The third 100 mile (160Km) Mind Alpine Challenge Ultra Marathon, incorporating the Elmtree Corporate and Team Challenge and the Alpine Skyrun is set to be run over 20 – 22 March in the Alpine National Park. Taking in over 6,000 metres of climb and 6,000 metres of descent, this event is set to become the classic 100 miler mountain trail run in Australia and will test runners and walkers to the limit.Set in the spectacular high country of north eastern Victoria the event takes in; Mt Feathertop, Mt Hotham, The Fainters, Spione Kopje, Mt Nelse and Victoria’s highest mountain, Mt Bogong – some of the best high country in Australia, and some of the hardest and most exposed.
In 2006, four experienced runners attempted to run the course but were stopped by unseasonal snow. Running in pairs, two runners pulled out at Mt Nelse after taking 17.5 hours to complete 60km and two other runners turned back at 3am in calf deep snow and white out conditions on the approach to Mt Bogong. In 2007 the run was cancelled due to bushfires and it was only in 2008, that the course was completed with three runners completing the distance in 42 hours in perfect conditions. Records tumbled in 2009 with a new men’s record of 32.45 hours and a new record of 36 hours for the first female finisher in the event.
In 2010 the event has been further developed with the addition of a team endurance category as well as the team relay and solo categories. The course has been changed to include the summit of Mt Hotham and a new 100km distance has been added allowing participants who might struggle with the 100Mile / 160 km distance to still complete a challenging course. With the removal of the mandatory overnight stop, records for both runners and walkers are set to tumble even further.
If you’re looking for something different, if you want a fantastic run or some real power walking, great scenery, unpredictable weather and to push yourself to the limits, whilst raising money to support people not as fortunate as yourself, the Mind Alpine Challenge is for you. This is a mutual support event, it is not a race in the traditional sense. For safety reasons participants must offer assistance to others in distress and relay participants must compete in teams of 2. Participants are responsible for their own safety and assume full liability for their participation.
The event offers a range of challenges over the 100ml/ 160km or 100km distances:
- Endurance Challenge – individual runners who complete their chosen course in under 48 hours
- Corporate and Team Challenges - running in teams of 2 or 4 or more, teams aim to complete their chosen distance walking or running in under 48 hours
- Relay Challenge – travelling in pairs, up to 8 runners/walkers in a relay team attempt to complete the course in less than 48 hours
This is an arduous course with 6 major climbs that take a cumulative toll. The event takes place in an exposed Alpine environment that can be subject to sudden and severe changes in weather. Hot sunny days as well as rain, fog, high winds, sleet and snow can occur during March. This is not a run to be taken lightly, hypothermia is a serious risk as is the potential for getting lost, and participants must be prepared for any weather conditions.
The Mind Alpine Challenge should only be attempted by experienced trail runners / walkers with good navigation experience. As a minimum, endurance runners attempting the course must have successfully completed at least one organized trail ultra marathon or 8 hour+ rogaine in the previous 6 months, and walkers must have extensive bush walking experience. Relay team members must have experience in running/walking trails and all participants must have experience in walking / running in cold climate conditions and navigating at night and in adverse conditions.
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