Lithgow Ridgy-Didge Trail Run Festival 2026

A trail running race at Hassans Walls Reserve had been on the minds of runners over the years as they explored the ridges on the Hassans Walls escarpments above Lithgow. Blue Mountains Fitness proudly held the first trail run race on Hassans Walls in 2022 and we now have edition #5 - the 2026 Lithgow Ridgy-Didge Trail Festival ready to rock!

We have multiple distance options to choose from - 5km, 10km, 22km, 30km, 42.2km Marathon and the totally awesome 50km Ultra Marathon. The 50km Ultra has the same 2400m (+/-) elevation as the UTA50 so a it's a prefect training run 7 weeks out from UTA 2026. The 22km has the same elevation as the UTA22.

The 1.6km kids race is those under 12. All kids will get a medal for finishing this race. The Kids race has free registration until March 26th.

The 50km and Marathon take on the 13 ridges of Hassans Walls 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. 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 a recovery area at the Tailwind Recovery Mix Marquee.

T8, BMF, Blue Mountains Running Company, Runly and Tailwind Nutrition Australia will be at the event and provide sponsor prizes.

Blue Mountains Fitness will also have their range T8 trail run gear and Gipron ultralight poles at the Event Hub.

LAST DAY REGISTRATION FOR NAMES ON RACE BIBS WILL BE 12pm TUESDAY 10th MARCH 2026

Start/Finish Location:

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

Schedule of events:

Thursday, March 25th 2026 - Transfer deadline 5pm

Last day for 'Race Distance' transfers, 'Runner to Runner' transfers.

Friday, March 27th 2026

Friday check in/registration/gear check:

• 4pm to 9pm at Lithgow Pony Club, Sheedy's Gully, Willowbank Avenue, Lithgow.

Mandatory Gear checks will also be available at check in. You will be issued with a Mandatory Gear token with your race number on it.

There will be Ridgy-Didge merchandise available for purchase at check in.

Our sponsor Lithgow Workies has great meals and drinks pre and post race. There is also a Motel at the Workies - https://www.workies.com.au/stay

Saturday, March 28th 2026

Please arrive at least 60 minutes before your scheduled race start time so you can check in or do any late registrations.

• 6:00 am - 11:00 am: Check in/registration for all races at The Pony Club

Please be ready for your race at least 30 minutes before your scheduled race start time. This means that you have checked in, late registered, picked up your merchandise, event bag, dropped off your drop bags and got your mandatory gear check completed. We will issue you a mandatory gear voucher once it is checked.

Race briefings will begin 15 minutes prior to race start times. - You must be present at the race briefings.

Race Start Times

• 7:00 am: Tailwind Nutrition Australia 50km Ultramarathon start (18 and over)
• 8:00 am: Blue Mountains Running Company Marathon 42.2km (18 and over)
• 9:00 am: Lithgow Workies 30km (18 and over)
• 9:30 am: Elevate Medical Hub 22km (15 and over)
• 10:15 am: T8 Run Gear 10km (12 and over)
• 11:00 am: Black Gold 5km (12 and over can run solo,7-11 year old children can run if accompanied by an adult)
• 1:15 pm: Thrive Nutrition Kids Race 1.6km (under 12s)
• 1:30 pm: Presentations (The presentation timing of each race may vary if all prize winners have finished the event)

Cut-off for for all races is 7:00 pm - 12 hours for 50km, 11 hours for Marathon, 10 hours for 30km, 9.5 hours for 22km.

All runners passing the 40K mark of the 50km course (CP13) after 4.30pm are required to have a headlamp (which can be put in a drop bag at check in for transfer and collection at CP13). If you think you may be finishing in 11-12 hours then please consider using this drop bag service.

Runners without headlamps arriving at, or leaving CP13 after 4.30pm will be marked DNF for their event and directed down the Pottery Ridge to the finish line - about 3km.

Drop Bags

Drop bags are available to be left for transportation to one of two drop bag locations on course. Drop Bags will only be transferred to CP13 and CP 2. You will drop them at the Event Hub Drop Bag tent on race day and we will transport them to your checkpoint of choice. Please write your name, Bib Number and Checkpoint choice on the bags. The event crew will collect the bags and transport them back to the event hub. If you think you need headlights then you can send them in a drop bag to CP13. All drop bags will be returned to the event hub after the last runner has gone through that checkpoint.

We need your Name, Race Number and Race distance marked on the drop bag.

Pre and Post Race Luggage Area

There will be a marquee allocated for you to leave bags for pre and post race. The car parking is only 50m away so please use your cars as a luggage storage area if possible. The marquee luggage area is primarily set up for walk ins.

Prizes

There will be Overall Male and Female Winner trophies and sponsor prizes in the 50km Ultra, Marathon, 30km, 22km, 10km and 5km.

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 fantastic catering choices. Mins Brew Coffee Cart will be 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/

Our race sponsor, 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.

Check in and Bib Collection

Friday from 4pm to 9pm - Lithgow Pony Club

We'll have some Ridgy-Didge merchandise and mandatory gear items available for purchase.

OR

Saturday from 6am to 11am at the Race Event Hub, Lithgow Pony Club, Sheedy's Gully, Lithgow.

Camping

Camping will be available on site at The Pony Club right near 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 $35 per site per night. Late check out Saturday (3pm) or Sunday (3pm) is available at no extra charge. There is power available on site for charging items. Drinking water is also available.

Event Pricing

Early Bird Pricing until November 30th 2025 - 50km - $190, Marathon - $170, 30km - $155, 22km - $120 adult (-10% for 15-17 yrs), 10km - Adult - $60 (-10% for under 128's), 5km - $45 Adult (-10% for under 18's), Kids - Free

Standard Pricing until February 28th 2026- 50km - $210, Marathon - $190, 30km - $170, 22km - $135 adult (-10% for 15-17 yrs), 10km - Adult $68 (-10% for under 18's), 5km - Adult - $52 (-10% for under 18's), Kids - Free

Late Entry fees online after March 1st 2026 to March 26th 2026 - 50km - $230, Marathon - $215, 30km - $185, 22km - $150 (-10% for 15-17 years), 10km - $77 (-10% for under 18's), 5km - $60 (-10% for under 18's), Kids - Free

Super late entry - Friday evening 27th March 2026 or on the race day entries March 28th 2026 - 50km - $250, Marathon - $230, 30km - $205, 22km - $170 (-10% for 15-17 yrs), 10km - Adult $87 (-10% for under 18's), 5km Adult - $69 (-10% for under 18's), Kids - $10

*You may find these prices a little higher than last year but this year the event pays the Race Roster event fees and the processing fees in accordance with a ruling by the Federal Government. You will not get charged a processing fee in addition to your event fee.

Gift Vouchers

Buy your friends or family a cool gift voucher for a race entry!

Check out the link on the right hand side bar on the first rego page.

Tailwind Recovery Marquee

The Tailwind Recovery Marquee will have free Tailwind Recovery Mix, Fruit and Water.

Entertainment

There will be entertainment in the form of music on the Saturday afternoon/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, singlets and caps.

Trail Gaitors will be at the Event Hub on Saturday. If you want to order some Trail Gaiters use the code RIDGY-DIDGE10 - check out - https://www.trailgaiters.com.au/

Mandatory Gear

50km Ultramarathon, 42.2km Marathon, 30km, 22km Mandatory Gear - Raincoat, Long Sleeve Thermal, Buff or Beanie or Cap, 500ml fluid capacity, Whistle, Mobile Phone, Survival Blanket, Snake Bandage.

Headlights are recommended if you will be on the course after 7pm sunset. You will need a headlight if you pass through the Pottery Ridge CP13 after 4:30pm. CP13 is about 10km from finish in the 50km and 8km in the 42.2km.

If it is a fine day we will still not drop the mandatory gear level for the above events as the weather changes very quickly in the Lithgow area.

10km Mandatory Gear - Raincoat, Long Sleeve Thermal, Buff or Beanie or Cap, 500ml fluid capacity, Whistle, Mobile Phone, Survival Blanket, Snake Bandage.

If it is a fine day with no chance of rain, we may make the call on the 10km race only to drop the requirement of the raincoat and thermal on the day.

Fully enclosed shoes are mandatory.

5km race only - No Mandatory Gear for the 5km.

We are serious about mandatory gear. The weather can change quickly in this area and if you get injured, lost or cold you may need the gear.

Aid Stations

There will be three major Aid Stations on course, CP6, CP7 and CP13.

Tailwind Endurance Fuel, Water, Lollies, Chips will be available.

Drop Bags will also be available for 50km Ultra, 42.2km Marathon and 30km runners - We will transport the bags out on the course for you. See drop bag section of these instructions.

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.

Race Roster Enhanced Protection Insurance

In the registration process there will be an option to select Race Roster Enhanced Protection Insurance. This covers you if you have to withdraw from the race due to any last minute sickness, work, family or other incidents.

Transfers

• Transfers end date is Wednesday March 25th 2026 at 1pm.
• There are no transfers available on the day or on Friday night check in.
• The Transfer between race distances or to another runner can be done online in the Race Roster portal. There is a transfer fee of $30.
• We can assist in the transfer process. The new runner will get a 'transfer request' email to accept the entry and pay the transfer /processing fees.
• To transfer to a greater distance event the fee is the difference between the race fees.
• Products purchased in advance of the event can be transferred to the new entrant, be picked up on the day or posted out to the original entrant for a fee of $10 - please email us if you wish to get the original product purchases sent out to you.

Cancellations

• Last date for cancellation refunds of 50% is 8 weeks out from the event which is January 31st 2026.
• There is a Race Roster Enhanced Protection Insurance available for a small fee. Please purchase this cover if you want to be covered for a possible cancellation. You will see this option in your registration process.

COVID/Bushfire/ Weather/Course Closure Impacted events:

We operate along the guidelines outlined by the ACCC with regard to cancellation, postponement and subsequent rescheduling of events.

• In the event of a COVID lockdown, bushfire incident, course closure by land managers, inclement weather or a 'weather event' impacting any aspect of any of our events, we operate in consultation and within conditions of permits and permissions applied by our stakeholders
• Safety of participants and event crew is paramount. We have submitted a Risk Management Plan and an Emergency Incident Plan for each event as part of our approval process.
• Should an event be cancelled, participants will be issued with a credit of their entry value for any other BMF event or transfer to the same event the following year.
• In the event of postponement and/or rescheduling, participants have the option of attending the rescheduled event or can be issued with a credit equal to their current entry value for any other BMF event (Ridgy-Didge/Blue Goat/Glow Worm Tunnel) or transfer to the same event the following year.
• If the event is cancelled once it has began due to any of the above incidents there will be no refunds or credits. BMF may issue a credit or discount code towards a new race entry.

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.