RUNNERS PRE RACE
INFORMATION PACK
Prepared by Race Director Brett Saxon Welcome and thank you for supporting the Inaugural running of the Brimbank Park Running Festival. The prime focus of the 2014 Brimbank Park Festival is to provide a safe, friendly encouraging opportunity for people to connect with trail running. This can be as a first timer or experienced runner. Participants have several options to choose something that suits their level of fitness. Ranging from 2km, 5km 10km 21.1km, 42.2km or 50km Event. As always trailsplus events support CanTeen, the organisation for young people living with Cancer, by entering a trailsplus event you are helping us support them. I hope you are all injury free and looking forward to a healthier 2014 and the challenge ahead as you tick off your laps around the Dendy Park be it 1 or 26. Brimbank Park is a hidden location of the west on the Maribyrnong river providing for walkers and animal lovers taking the dogs for a stroll. It host many joggers, cyclist and family fun activities. You will be sharing the track with these people on race day. I’m sure they will be intrigued by your efforts and commitment to run long or short distances, please ensure the running community is well represented and respected by the way we conduct ourselves. You may find they walk two or three wide, please be patient and make your way past them safely and politely. IMPORTANT TIMINGS 50km Race Registration Number Collection from 7:00-­‐7:45am Car Park B BBQ Shelter 50km Race start 8:00am Sharp briefing 10 minutes before start 42.2km Race Registration Number Collection from 7:30-­‐8:15am Car Park B BBQ Shelter 42.2km Race start 8:30am Sharp briefing 10 minutes before start 21.1km Race Registration Number Collection from 8:00-­‐8:45am Car Park B BBQ Shelter 21.1km Race start 9:00am Sharp briefing 10 minutes before start 10km Race Registration Number Collection from 9:00-­‐9:45am Car Park B BBQ Shelter 10km Race start 10:00am Sharp briefing 10 minutes before start 5km Race Registration Number Collection from 9:30-­‐10:15am Car Park B BBQ Shelter 5km Race start 10:30am Sharp briefing 10 minutes before start 2km Race Registration Number Collection from 10:00-­‐10:45am Car Park B BBQ Shelter 2km Race start 11:00am Sharp briefing 10 minutes before start COURSE NOTES AND SAFETY CONTINUED ACCESS AND THE FUTURE OF THIS EVENT The future ability to hold this event depends totally on how we as a group conduct ourselves. Parks Victoria does not guarantee we can continue to hold this event, but if we are to have a chance of future events in this location it is important we abide by a series of guidelines. It only takes one member of the public to get upset and lodge a complaint and the event may not be allowed to continue. Any rubbish found on course can also reflect poorly on the event, these are just a couple of items to be aware of. IMPORTANT Brimbank Park is a DOGS ON LEAD park if bringing your dog please ensure it is on a lead at all times. RESPECT OTHER PARK USERS Do not startle people by charging up behind them, let them know you are coming past or take a wide birth, remember there will be small children and people with dogs. No doubt some on long leads that will want to run under your legs. They have just as much right to use the paths and trails as we do, so please respect them and be tolerant, try to predict what might happen as you approach and avoid any issues. They may be on the line you wish to take, if so please pick another line even if it is a little longer then you had planned. Under no circumstances should a runner make contact with a member of the public not even the slightest contact brushing past them. Environment LEAVE NO TRACE Do Not Leave any sign of rubbish behind, it is very important that we don’t drop rubbish or let rubbish get away from us at the aid station. In particular our Gel packets and tear off tabs, please don’t drop them on the track carry them with you to the aid station or drop in the bins provided All events will have pre race briefings to go over any questions you may have and to provide me an opportunity to quickly cover what is required from us all on the day. YOU MUST ATTEND THE BRIEFING OR WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO START THE RACE HELPING RUNNERS IN NEED It is requirement of entry to the event that you assist any runner in need of help, if you come across an injured or distressed runner please offer assistance or get assistance for them. Runner’s health and Safety is a number one priority. We will take into account the time (in regard your finish time) you spend with a runner in need if you are then able to continue on with the event and finish. PERSONAL BELONGINGS if you intend to have valuables please consider locking them in your car and out of sight. As this is a highly public accessible area and we cannot guarantee the security of your personal effects. There will be an area to place your bags but we strongly advise to secure your valuables, as we cannot watch over the bag area all the time. DRINKS AND FOOD The aid stations will have water and Hammer Heed electrolyte drinks available from 25 litre containers. The Aid Station will be stocked with a small amount of, Snakes, Jelly Beans, Chocolate, Fruit Cake, and much more. AID STATION DROP BAGS There are 5 Aid stations located along the course. No Personal Drop Bags should be left in front of the table preventing runners from clear access, please leave bags under or behind the tables if not in use or better still keep your needs with your support group in the allocated spaces, refer to map. ULTRA / MARATHON PERSONAL DROP BAGS can be place in bins provided and delivered to the following aid stations. Start/Finish =10km, Thompsons Reserve =16km, Canning Reserve=20km, Conservation park Afton St = 25km, you return via these same stations, at 30km, 34km, 42km. Please note you are not permitted to setup up any Marquees, only official marquees THERE IS A BBQ AVAILABLE AT THE START FINISH AREA We encourage people to bring a sausage and drink and hang around and encourage the others still running, it can be a powerful force the support from the sidelines and often the reason people achieve their goals. LEAPING LIZARD CAFÉ the parks in house and only food facility is located less than 5 min walk from the start finish area, the café will may be opening slightly earlier than normal so if your looking for a fresh coffee or want to indulge in a post race snack or meal, stroll over to the cafe and they will take good care of you. ROAD CROSSING AND PATH MERGING There is one road crossing in the Brimbank Park, this is located high on the escarpment, the crossing is configured as a Pedestrian Crossing and crosses the main entry road into the park. The Speed limit is 20Km/h. However we will still have a Marshal stationed here to ensure you safely cross the road. Although vehicles by law should be giving way we will be assuming they don’t, so therefore don’t assume right of way and be sure to listen to the marshal PLEASE FOLLOWING THE INSTRUCTIONS OF MARSHALS AND OFFICIALS MARSHALLS WILL HAVE WHISTLES IF YOU HERE A WHISTLE IT’S A CAUTION FOR TRAFFIC MUSIC DEVICE DISTRACTIONS whilst we understand many runners like to run with music, It is a requirement of our permit due to the none exclusive use of the track that NO ONE wears any form of music during the race. It is also extremely important that you hear instructions from officials and warnings from other runners. Remember many runners will be offering you encouragement and so will supporters, so please consider how you may be able to hear and acknowledge the support you will receive. Also it is extremely important you are aware your surrounds and none race users, these may be other runners or cyclist warning you they are coming. Please understand and put organisers in the difficult position to disqualify runners for breach of this rule, by breaching the rule you also put the future of the event in jeopardy due to the potential risks and possible complaints from the public, besides your with lots’ of people and in a great location, listen and enjoy your surrounds. Start Finish We have electronic chip timing on the start finish gantry with timing clocks and camera recording of the event all day. The cameras on the gantry will record photos every 2 seconds, be sure to look up and give a smile, even after many laps and you are feeling tired RACE NUMBERS – WE DO NOT POST OUT All participants must register on the morning and collect your race number, race numbers must be visible at all times as this allows the timing people to record that you have been through the finish and check the electronic system has recorded you, it is important that your number is not obscured or even covered by your own arms, many people get ready to stop their watch as they finish, wait until you have passed the finish line to put your hand up to stop the clock, many finish line photos are ruined as people are looking at their watch, 1 or 2 seconds wont matter and you can always take 1 or 2 off the finish time knowing you crossed before stopping the watch. RACE TIMING CHIP RETURN Your race-­‐timing chip is inserted in the back of your race bib in a clear pouch; we will have someone collecting these chips after you cross the line. Please ensure you return your chip or a fee will be charged. Collecting the chip involves a volunteer cutting a small slice in the plastic pouch. If you do forget to return it on the day, you can post it in, just remove the chip from the pouch and post it to trailsplus P.O.Box 119 Keilor Vic 3036 if received within 1 week after the event no fees will be charged. Your race number also makes a great souvenir of the event as it contains your name and some great design work created by Mal Gamble, it also contains some information on our event supporters if you are looking for any of their products in the future it will help you remember who supported the event. Keeping them visible at all times will also help your fellow runners encourage you by name and you will get to know them better, after all that’s what these events in part are about getting out and running with like minded folks, so you might as well get to know their names as you tick off the laps together. Navigating the course “EASY” Please observe the arrows and Pink and Yellow Ribbons that will be placed on the course HERE IS AN OVERALL VIEW OF THE ENTIRE COURSE 50Km Course (note 3 maps are used for the 50km Course) Starting with the 10km Map, Followed by the 32Km Map and Finishing with the 8Km Map ULTRAMARATHON & MARATHON DESCRIPTIONS The ultra course starts with a 400M loop of the oval at the start line then continues around the park to the river trail, where you exit the bitumen path at approximately 1km, continue along the river trail, at 3.5km you will arrive at the Whitten Bridge (Western Ring Road Overhead) you will take a left turn and climb up the trail under the bridge, at the top of the trail you take the first left track and head back toward the Park. Once you connect with the bitumen path at 5.5km veer right and loop around to the road crossing. Cross the road with care and descend the steep path keep left at the “Y” intersection 6.5km and then continue on all straight options until the river crossing at 7.2km turn right and cross the river. Loop up and out of the river crossing and join the left dirt trail, DO NOT EXIT VIA THE PARK GATE. Keep left behind the houses and following the dirt trail making your way up and over the short steep climb, descend the Zig Zag section of trail and at the bottom flat section turn right for 200M then Left, crossing the bridge and keep left, cross the wooden bridge then veer right and cross the cobble stone river crossing, follow the trail out of the river and turn right at the cross road junction and head to the start finish area which is now in view. The distance shown on this map require 10km added for relevant marathon distances After completing the first 10km loop , you head back out the river trail only this time continue on under the Whitten Bridge, past the train bridge all the way around to Canning reserve where there will be an aid station setup. Continue past the aid station keep the river on your right, you will climb a small set of wooden / dirt stairs, at the top take the right hand option and follow the trail beside the river. You will briefly move away from the river, crossing Steel Creek and climbing the concrete Zig Zag hill. At the top you get great views of the city and can see the turn around park you are heading toward. Exit the concrete path through the barricade onto the dirt track, follow the track and descend the wide trail keeping close to the river, continue around the always keep the river as close as possible. Once you cross the wooden bridge there will be an aid station. You turn left and follow the trail back doing a large loop from where you came. When you rejoin the track at the river you now follow the same trail all the way back to the E J Whitten Bridge. At the bridge turn right and climb up the trail under the bridge, at the top of the trail you take the first left track and head back toward the Park. Once you connect with the bitumen path veer right and loop around to the road crossing. Cross the road with care and descend the steep path keep left at the “Y” intersection and then continue on all straight options until the river crossing then turn right and cross the river as you did in the first 10km loop. Loop up and out of the river crossing and join the left dirt trail, DO NOT EXIT VIA THE PARK GATE. Keep left behind the houses and following the dirt trail making your way up and over the short steep climb, descend the Zig Zag section of trail and at the bottom flat section turn right for 200M then Left, crossing the bridge and keep left, cross the wooden bridge then veer right and cross the cobble stone river crossing, follow the trail out of the river and turn right at the cross road junction and head to the start finish area which is now in view. You are now ready to do the last 8Km which is very similar to the first 10km only does not cross the river this time, so. Again do a 400M loop of the oval at the start area then continues around the park to the river trail, where you exit the bitumen path at approximately, continue along the river trail, you will arrive at the Whitten Bridge 3rd time (Western Ring Road Overhead) you will take a left turn and climb up the trail under the bridge, at the top of the trail you take the first left track and head back toward the Park. Once you connect with the bitumen path at veer right and loop around to the road crossing. Cross the road with care and descend the steep path keep left at the “Y” intersection and then continue on all straight options, this time continue past the river crossing following the path straight, stay on the main path and do not make an turns off it, you are almost done you can see the finish line ahead. Cross under the Gantry and collect your medal well done. HALF MARATHON DESCRIPTIONS The half marathon course starts with a 400M loop of the oval at the start line then continues around the park to the river trail, where you exit the bitumen path at approximately 1km, continue along the river trail, at 3.5km you will arrive at the Whitten Bridge (Western Ring Road Overhead) continue straight ahead and you will see the trestle train bridge, continue through the gate and follow the river trail passed the 5km aid station continue on to Canning Reserve Aid station at the 10km point, this is your turn around mark, you head back along the river trail, Go under the train bridge but when you get to the Whitten Bridge (Western Ring Road Overhead) you take the right turn and climb the trail up to road level. Once you flatten out at the top of the climb you take the first left track and head back toward the Park. Once you connect with the bitumen path veer right and loop around to the road crossing. Cross the road with care and descend the steep path keep left at the “Y” intersection and then continue on all straight options, do not turn off the obvious main trail, you will always have the river on your right side and be on the trail closest to the river, the finish line will come into view, switch on the after burners and head for home, Well Done. 10KM DESCRIPTIONS The 10km course is exactly as per the first 10Km as described above for the Ultra and Marathon Course, Please read above for details and refer to the map labelled 10Km. 5KM DESCRIPTIONS The 5Km course heads in the reverse direction to much of the other courses, we have deliberately tried to put as much trail and add a hill to give you the experience of trail running. You will start at the main start area like all events, head along to the first track junction and turn left. Cross the cobble stone river crossing and climb out of the river and turn left at the top and cross the wooden bridge that crosses Taylor’s creek. You now continue to do a clockwise direction always taking the right hand option until you start to come back toward the river, however do not go to the river you will now turn left and climb up the yellow sandy trail. Follow this main trail up the hill and over the top, enjoy the view of the entire park from here. Descend down the other side and stay on the main trail keep the river on your right. Do not turn off the trail keep straight, you will be running behind houses, when you hit the bitumen road, join it and descend down and cross the river. After crossing the river climb out on the path and take the first left, this time you keep the river on your left and always take the trails option that has you running closest to the river. The trail will eventually have a short sharp rise, at the top of the rise take the hard right hand hair pin turn and head back in the direction you just came. Continue straight at all “Y” intersection go past the trail you came out of when crossing the river and keep going, eventually you will be in sight of the finish line, keep the river on your right and go straight to the finish, Well Done you made it. 2KM DESCRIPTIONS The 2Km course heads in the reverse direction just like the 5km does, we have included some trail to give the trail running experience. You will start at the main start area like all events, head along to the first track junction and turn left. Cross the cobble stone river crossing and climb out of the river and turn left at the top and cross the wooden bridge that crosses Taylor’s creek. You now continue to do a clockwise direction always taking the right hand option until you get back to where you climbed out from the river. At this stage you turn left and head back across the river and back track to the finish area, well done you made it. RUNNERS KITCHEN RECOVERY AREA Tara from runners Kitchen with the assistance of Masseuses are providing post run support recovery and relaxation. RECOVER SPORTS MED Thanks also to Elly and Nina from recover sports med for joining forces to help out NAVIGATING THE TURN AROUND AT 25Km MARATHON AND ULTRA RUNNERS ONLY As you descend into Afton Street Conservation Park you will keep the river on your right at all times on the way in and to the aid station. Follow the red arrows as marked, after you cross the bridge you will be at A5 Aid station, grab some fuel and head out via the blue arrows and rejoin the river trail and start the journey back to Brimbank Park.
WEATHER FORECAST It looks like we are in for a fantastic day for running, it will be cool early so make sure you have some warm gear. But short sleeve tops will be the order of the day if the weatherman has it right. COMPETITIONS Every distance winner, both male and female receives a trophy. The longer distance events will award trophies to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place male and female. Some other prizes are also on offer on the day including some spot prizes so be sure to hang around for the presentations for your chance to win some goodies. In addition each event has a partner competition whereby two people who have registered, as partners will have their finish times combined and the fastest combined partner time wins. There is an overall team category too, whereby team members can combine their total Km’s, its not about speed its about distance. So if 20 team members sign up for the 5km they earn 100 points, if another team signs up as 4 for the marathon they accumulate 168 points. Team members are still eligible for solo awards YOUR REWARD FOR FINISHING YOUR EVENT All competitors who complete their event distance will receive a custom designed medal to commemorate your achievement. IPODS AND MUSIC It is a requirement of our event insurance that music devices including iPods are not to be worn during the event. We are mixing with the public, there are merge points on the track, and there is a road crossing that requires your full attention. Please do not wear them as you will be disqualified and I don’t want to do that to anyone. Enjoy the beautiful surrounds and enjoy the experience of running trails and take in what nature has on offer. PHOTOGRAPHY Our regular Running Friend Photographer Steve is hoping to make the event. For 5 years Steve has generously donated his time to capture your running memories. In 2014 we are looking at compensating Steve by making photos available on an appreciation basis, I certainly know I appreciate the time and effort Steve puts in, I hope you can show him yours too. We will let you know more about this during or just after the event when photos are uploaded Don’t forget the Gantry also has a camera mounted on it to snap your finishing sprint, don’t spoil the photo by looking at your watch or stopping it until you are past the finish line. PRESENTATION Presentation will take place as soon as we can establish team results we expect this to be approximately 12pm. CAR PARKING There are 3 main car parks in Brimbank Park. Car Park A, B and C, Parks would like to see us spread out through these 3 car parks so as not to fill anyone only and prevent other park users a choice of where to park. Car Park B is the closest of them to the start finish area, however Car Park A is only 400M away and Car Park Ca bout the same, so please use all of them to help share the load, Thanks. Parks Victoria We are extremely grateful for the opportunity to conduct this event in the Brimbank Park. We appreciate the opportunity to stage a trail running event in the City of Brimbank and express a sincere appreciation to the team who look after the park for us to enjoy. INSURANCE The event insurance policy does not extend to personal injury; it is highly recommended that you have personal insurance cover or at least ambulance cover in time for the event. TOILETS There are 3 main toilets that are accessible within the park an additional toilet black is available at the Canning Reserve Aid Station for the 3 longer. Refer to map above. These are found as part of the Café complex, A toilet block in Car Park B and another in Car Park C. SUPPORT CREW MAP TO AID STATIONS OUR SUPPORTERS and SPONSORS We would like to express our appreciation to our sponsors for supporting this event BRAD TEAL REAL ESTATE GARMIN AUSTRALIA BODYROK PARTNERUNNING HAMMER NUTRITION fStop5 PHOTOGRAPHY GEIGERRIG DRYMAX SOCKS RUNNERS KITCHEN RECOVER SPORTS MED ANDREW PEACE WINES PRINTX SUPPORTING CanTeen