Lithgow Ridgy-Didge Trail Run Festival 2023

A trail running race at Hassans Walls Reserve had been on the minds of runners over the years as they explored the ridges on Hassans Walls above Lithgow. Blue Mountains Fitness proudly got the first trail run race on Hassans Walls in 2022 and we now have the 2023 Lithgow Ridgy-Didge Trail Festival ready to rock!

We have multiple distance options to choose from - 7km, 13km, 22km, 30km, Marathon and the new totally awesome 50km. Plus there will be the fun 1km Kids race for those under 12. The 50km and Marathon take on the thirteen ridges of Hassans Walls with varying elevation gain/loss, accumulating over 2500 metres on dirt roads, 4WD trails, walking trails and mountain bike single tracks. The other distances will be shorter and have less elevation gain/loss. You’ll run past many lookouts that give spectacular views of the Lithgow, Hartley, Megalong and Kanimbla Valleys. We have worked hard to add more loop trails to the course, reducing the number of out/backs on the ridges. All finishers will receive the awesome Ridgy-Didge medal.

Tailwind Nutrition Australia is the supplier of the on-course race fuel and Tailwind Rebuild Recovery Area.

There will be free massage in the recovery area at the Tailwind Recovery Mix Marquee.

Recovery2U will be at the event with their ice baths, massage tools and recovery area.

T8, BMF and Tailwind Nutrition Australia will also be at the event and provide sponsor prizes. Blue Mountains Fitness will also have their range T8 trail run gear at the Event Hub.

Lithgow Workies Club are a major sponsor and we'll have check in there on the Friday evening and at the Pony Club on Saturday morning.

The Parke Street Social will provide entertainment from 4pm Saturday Evening at The Pony Club.

Start/Finish Location:

Lithgow Pony Club, Sheedy's Gully, Willowbank Avenue, Lithgow, NSW

Schedule of events:

Friday, March 24th

• Afternoon check in/registration for all races at Lithgow Workies Club, Tank Street, Lithgow. Transfers, Late Entries and Race Check in will be available. There will be Ridgy-Didge merchandise available for purchase and Recovery 2U will also be at the Club. All participants will get a 10% off voucher to the Workies Bistro.

Saturday, March 25^th - start times:

• 6:00 am - 11:00 am: Check in/registration for all races at The Pony Club
• 7:00 am - 50km Ultramarathon start (18 and over)
• 8:00 am: Marathon (18 and over)
• 9:00 am: 30km (18 and over)
• 10:00 am: 22km (16 and over)
• 11:00 am: 13km (12 and over)
• 12:00 am: 7km (12 and over – under 12s can run if accompanied by an adult)
• 2:00 pm: Free kids race (under 12s)
• 2:30 pm: Presentations (The presentation timing of each race may vary if all prize winners are finished the event)
• Parke Street Social DJ Live from 4pm

Cut-off for for all races is 7:30 pm

All runners passing the 40K mark (CP13) after 4.30pm are required to have a headlamp and spare back up headlamp (which can be put in a drop bag at check in for transfer and collection at CP13)

Runners without headlamps arriving at CP13 after 4.30pm will be marked DNF for their event and directed to the finish line.

Prizes

There will be Overall Male and Female Winner trophies in the 50km Ultra, Marathon, 30km, 22km, 13km and 7km.

Sponsor prizes for 2nd and 3rd.

There will also be many Lucky Draw Prizes.

All finishers will get a medal.

Catering

There will be catering at the event hub with food and coffee available. The Pony Club will be providing plenty of catering choices. There will be the Mins Brew Coffee Cart at the event.

Accommodation

We will advertise local accommodation options on the Blue Mountains Fitness website and Facebook Page and via emails to Registered Runners. A good place to start searching for accommodation is the Lithgow Visitor Centre - https://tourism.lithgow.com/ Black Gold Motel and Cabins at Wallerawang is a great place to stay. Lithgow Workies has a motel and is also a great place to stay.

Camping

Camping will be available on site at The Pony Club right at the start/finish line. Drive in Sites will be non powered and sized to fit a maximum of 5 people and 2 vehicles. There will also be suitable sites for Caravans and Camper Trailers. Camping Bookings will be an Optional Extra in the Registration process. Cost will be $30 per site per night. Late check out Saturday (3pm) or Sunday (3pm) is available. There is power available on site for charging items. Drinking water is also available.

Event Pricing

Standard Pricing until March 1st - 50km - $160, Marathon - $140, 30km - $120, 22km - $100 adult and $90 - 16-7 yrs, 13km - $55 adult and $45 - Under 18, 7km - $45 Adult and Under 18 - $35.

Late entry pricing commences March 1st 2023.

Tailwind Recovery Marquee

The Tailwind Recovery Marquee will have free Tailwind Recovery Mix, Water and the awesome TAFE students providing free massage.

Recovery 2U Space

To book a day pass at the Recovery Space please visit this link - https://www.recovery2u.com.au/event-details/recovery-zone-pass-lithgow-ridgy-didge-trail-run-festival

For more info - https://www.recovery2u.com.au

Entertainment

We are planning on providing entertainment in the form of music and a bar on the Saturday evening to make a weekend of it. Stay tuned for more info on this

Merchandise

Merchandise will be available as an optional extra to your registration or purchase on the day at the Event Hub. We will have buffs, hoodies, performance run T shirts and caps.

Mandatory Gear

All Events - Raincoat, Long Sleeve Thermal, Buff or Beanie or Cap, Gloves, 500ml fluid capacity, Whistle, Mobile Phone, Survival Blanket, Snake Bandage.

We may make the call on the shorter events (7km and 13km) to drop the requirement of the raincoat and thermal on the day. We will not drop the Mandatory Gear requirements for the Marathon, 30km or Half Marathon.

Aid Stations

There will be three major Aid Stations on course, two of these you will visit twice. Tailwind Endurance Fuel, Water, Lollies, Chips will be available. Drop Bags will also be available for 50km, Marathon and 30km runners - We will transport the bags out on the course for you. More details soon.

Walking Poles

We allow walking poles to be used on course. Please be very careful on course when using the poles.

Headphones/Earphones

We allow headphones and earphones on course. Please do not use them for the first climb up to Pony Express from the start to CP1. Please use one earphone when approaching marshals, check points or when it is busy on your trails so you can hear any communications.

Transfers, Cancellations, Event Changes

Transfers, cancellations and event distance changes are covered in the waiver details. The transfer fee to another person is $25 and can be done on the day but preferably done in advance. Details on how to do this will be available on the website soon.

To change events, you can swap to an event of a lesser distance for a fee of $25 either payable in advance via a transfer email/process or with a paper form and payable on day. To transfer to a greater distance event the fee is the difference between the race fees. More details on these processes will be available on the website soon. See full Terms and Conditions on website.

Last date for cancellation refunds of 50% is 4 weeks out from the event, 25th February 2023.

If you have any problems with the registration process, please email info@bluemountainsfitness.com.au or call 0402 925 608 and we'll do our best to get you through it.