Event #2: Finch Hatton - Chasing Waterfalls
Date: Sunday, 27th August 2023
Time: 8am (7am Sign In)
Distances: 4km, 11km, 17km
Start/Finish: Finch Hatton Show Grounds (TBC)
Welcome to the Trail Running Series, an exciting new adventure that takes our community off the beaten track. Our second event kicks off with a picturesque challenge for all participants. Prepare to hit the ground running as you head off the beaten track and into the hidden Pioneer Valley.
For those opting for the long course, get ready to venture into the picturesque Pioneer Valley, where sugar cane meets rivers. As you navigate through the valley, you'll encounter a view of the valley like no other, adding a touch of serenity to your experience.
This trail features a mix of technical sections, including a pinchy steep climb and a thrilling fast hidden dirt roads. Along the way, you'll encounter enjoyable creek crossings and varied terrain to test your navigation skills and keep the adventure alive.
Finch Hatton is conveniently located a mere 60km away from the centre of Mackay, offering a a short drive to Eungella, it's an ideal location to get off the beaten track.
COURSE OVERVIEW:
There will be course marshals at each significant turn. All 3 courses have a variety of terrain from trails through to dirt and bitumen roads - uneven in sections and guaranteed to provide trail runners with a challenge. The 17km trail will include Private Property.
Please note that the courses could change due to Cane Crushing & Weather.
4km River Sprint
A fun run that follows the river (guaranteed to get your feet wet) - guaranteed to provide a taste of what trail running is about. This is for beginners or junior cross country athletes who want to challenge themselves on a fast short course.
Starting and finishing at the Finch Hatton Showgrounds, athletes will head up the river, and back to the start!
11km The Oasis Run
The Intermediate - guaranteed to get wet!
Starting at the Finch Hatton Show Grounds, athletes will head straight up the river and down dirt roads to a swimming hole oasis. Athletes will need to jump in before the head back to the start! Water and refreshments will be available here.
17km Lookout Run
Strap your ankles and get ready for a little bit of everything - run the river, swim in the waterhole and find a breathtaking view amongst cane farms!
The course starts and finishes the same at the Finch Hatton Show Grounds. This course provides rolling downhills and punchy ups provides small challenges for any style of runner!
The course will be clearly marked with pink tape, signage, arrows and caution tape once you veer off Argent's Road.
Rules
In order for our events to run as smoothly as possible we ask all athletes to cooperate and stick to our rules and regulations:
- No rego, No run! – Please respect our event, we have permissions from landowners, local and state authorities and have insurances to cover our athletes. Please do not jeopardise our licences and insurances by running without a registration.
- Timing Chip – Please make sure your timing chip is on your left ankle, this ensures the correct detection of your timing chip by the electronic timing system. The timing chip can not be worn on your wrist or carried in your back pack, this might cause the timing chip to not be picked up by the antenna at the finish line. Please return your timing chip at the end of the run - a fee of $50 will apply to any missing timing chips.
- No shortcuts – please stick to the marked track, for safety and fairness reasons. All courses are clearly marked and we have marshals out on the course.
- Fitness level – please choose the right distance according to your fitness level! This event is not designed to be walked, especially the 17km or the 11km events (a little bit of walking is allowed). Event officials reserve the right to pull competitors out of the race if they are concerned for their well-being.
- Obey traffic regulations unless otherwise instructed by an event official
- Treat other competitors, officials, volunteers and spectators with respect and courtesy
- Dress Code – please wear appropriate clothing and suitable running shoes
Running Etiquette:
- Be mindful that the trails are open for other users outside of the race, including 4WDs, Motor bikes and MTBs
- Do not leave any rubbish behind, this is a State Forest and Private Lease Area. What you bring in you must take out
- Keep left and give way to runners passing from behind
- Don’t approach any wildlife you may come across on the trails, there is scrub cattle in the area
- STRICTLY NO headphones, so you can hear other trail users around and hear the trail marshals instructions (and cattle)
- Stop and give assistance to other runners if needed. If another competitor falls and injures themselves, it is not an opportunity to pass them. Give assistance and ensure they are ok and send for help. Time considerations will always be given to the ones who stop and assist injured runners.
Series Points
This is the second of 3 events in our 2023 trail running series including:
- Captain's Crossing (past)
- Eungella Rain Forest - 30 September
Age groups are as follows (as of 31 December 2023):
- Under 16 years
- 16 to 29 years
- 30 to 39 years
- 40 to 49 years
- 50 to 59 years
- 60+
Points are awarded based on the following criteria:
- Athletes receive points for each run. Your total score is the sum of all your attended (and finished) races listed above.
- The winner of each age category will receive 25 points. Each place will receive 2 less points (ie. 2nd place 23 points, 3rd place 21 points etc.).
- Points are calculated separately for men and women
Event Schedule:
Sign in and race chip collection starts from 7.00am at the FINISH/START Line located at the Finch Hatton Show Grounds. Race course briefing will be held 5-10min prior to race start. 17km run starts at 8.00am | 11km run starts at 8.15am | 4km run starts at 8.20am.
The race start is self seeded and we advise the faster runners to position themselves at the front and slower runners at the back. This will help to prevent bottlenecks along the trail and faster runners becoming stuck behind slower runners.
Parking:
When entering the Finch Hatton Show Grounds stay to the left and turn right just past the wall. Parking is parallel on the river side of the wall. 
Camping:
Finch Hatton Show Grounds offer camping. Powered sites are $25.00 and non-powered are $20.00. Take the stress out of race day and head out on Saturday afternoon and camp the night. Fees are paid to the caretakers on arrival (bookings are not required).
Mandatory Gear:
Please see below for the mandatory gear requirements for the 17km & 11km run. Mandatory gear must be carried for the duration of the run, event officials reserve the right to refuse a participant to start the race if they do not comply with mandatory gear requirements. We have marshals on the course and a safety vehicle with additional first aid.
- 2 x snake compression bandages
- mobile phone (there is limited service along the course) Please download the free EMERGENCY+ app on your phone prior to the event
- Whistle
- Timing Chip
- 200ml of water and snacks (there are basic aid stations, however we recommend runners to be self sufficient).
Categories & Awards:
- Top 3 Male & Female for each distance are awarded at presentation
- Top 3 junior boys and girls (short distance only) are awarded at presentation
Presentation:
Presentation will be held as soon as the Top 3 runners have finished. Prizes will be given to the top 3 runners on the day
Water & Nutrition:
We advise to bring sufficient water for the entire duration of your run. Ensure you take sufficient nutrition with you for the run. Only one water station will be available on course at the 6km point however it will be limited due to logistics.
Facilities:
Toilets are available at the START/FINISH Line. There are no toilets available during the run.
Finish Line Refreshments:
The The Gift Shop Cafe will be open from 10.00am. Finch Hatton Hotel will be open from 10.00am. Water and fruit will be available at the finish line.
Safety:
The trails include sections of challenging and remote single track, be sure to exercise caution on these sections.
If you DO NOT FINISH the race you must see an event official and return your timing chip. If you do not report to an event official and a search party is sent out, this will be at the competitors cost. It may be hot so please take precautions to stay safe in the heat.
Registration fees
4km: The River Sprint Closed
Online registration closed-
A fun run along the river and back via the railway!!!
-
$23.00
Early Bird
Jun 20 – Jul 23 -
$28.00
General Entry
Jul 24 – Aug 13 -
$38.00
Late Entry
Aug 14 – Aug 25
-
11km: The Oasis Run Closed
Online registration closed-
Run to a water hole and refresh before heading home!
-
$28.00
Early Bird
Jun 20 – Jul 23 -
$33.00
General Entry
Jul 24 – Aug 13 -
$43.00
Late Entry
Aug 14 – Aug 25
-
17km: The Lookout Run Closed
Online registration closed-
Strap your ankles and get ready for a little bit of everything - run the river, swim in the waterhole and find a breathtaking view amongst cane farms!
-
$33.00
Early Bird
Jun 20 – Jul 23 -
$38.00
General Entry
Jul 24 – Aug 13 -
$48.00
Late Entry
Aug 14 – Aug 25
-
Event schedule
- Wed, August 23, 2023 11:55 pm - Registrations Close (unless sold out)
- Sun, August 27, 2023 7:00 am - Sign-In - Race HQ
- Sun, August 27, 2023 8:00 am - 17KM Race Start
- Sun, August 27, 2023 8:15 am - 11KM Race Start
- Sun, August 27, 2023 8:20 am - 4KM Race Start
- Sun, August 27, 2023 11:00 am - Course Closure
Contact information
- Event contact
- Nikki Giles
- tri-activ8@outlook.com
- Phone
- 0403080149
- Website
- Visit website
