Lithgow Ridgy-Didge Trail Run Festival 2026

Important Mandatory Gear for runners expecting to be more than 8.5 - 9.5 hours on course:

Sunset is at 7:00pm.

All runners passing CP12 (the 40k mark of the 50km course and the 32.5k mark of the Marathon course) 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 CP12, or you can carry the headlight in your pack from the start).

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 CP12 after 4.30pm will be marked DNF for their event and directed down the Pottery Ridge to the finish line - about 2km.

You will need to show your Mandatory Gear Wristband when you enter the start corral.

Runners without their wristband will need to present to check in to have their mandatory gear check before being able to start their race.

Mandatory Gear checks will be carried out on course and at the finish line.

Penalties will range from 30 minutes per missing item or possible disqualification if deemed appropriate by race organisers.

MANDATORY GEAR

Fully enclosed shoes are mandatory for all races.

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.

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.

10km Race Only - 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.

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 make need the gear.

GETTING THERE

The Victoria Pass closure at Mt Vic is resulting in approx. 15-20 minutes extra travel time to Lithgow for those using the Great Western Highway. Please use the Bells Line of Road when travelling or allow extra time to get to the event in time for check in and race starts.

Continue to check Live Traffic for updates.

DROP BAGS

Drop bags are available to be left for transportation to one or two drop bag locations on course. You can have two drop bags if you wish.

Drop Bags will only be transferred to CP12 and CP2. You will drop them at the Event Hub Drop Bag tent at check in on Friday or on race day and we will transport them to your checkpoint of choice. Please write your name, Bib Number and Checkpoint choice and Race distance 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 CP12. All drop bags will be returned to the event hub after the last runner has gone through that checkpoint.

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

Any bags left at the event can be picked up on Saturday afternoon until 8pm or Sunday until 3pm.

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.

TRANSFERS

Transfers end date is Thursday March 26th 2026 at 5:00pm.

There are no transfers available on the day or on Friday night check in.

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.

LATE ENTRY

Late Entry - up to March 26th 2026

Super late entry - Friday evening 27th March 2026

or on the race day entries March 28th 2026, until we reach 725 entries

AID STATIONS

There will be two major Aid Stations on course, CP6 and CP12. In the longer races you will pass these aid stations trwice each.

Tailwind Endurance Fuel, Water, Coca-Cola, 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.

Tailwind Recovery Marquee

The Tailwind Recovery Marquee at the event hub will have free Tailwind Recovery Mix, Fruit and Water.

EQUIPMENT

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 BIBS

Race Bibs MUST be worn on the front of the torso and be clearly visible. Please do not have your bib on your side or on the back on your pack. Marshals must be able to see your bib and ensure you are following the correct course for your race. Bibs are colour-coded according to race distance.

TOILETS

There are toilets at the event hub, CP2 and CP12 on course.

Feminine hygiene products available at medical tent at event hub and aid stations at CP2 and CP12 on course. Please just ask one of the marshals if you require assistance.

SPECTATORS

All race events are run on closed roads, single tracks and private property.

The access to Hassans Walls is closed to vehicles but spectators are welcome to walk up Hassans Walls Road (from Browns Gap at CP11 or the Hassans Walls Road turn at the Lithgow Plaza end CP3).

Access to the ridges from the Event Hub is also possible via the Pony Express Trail (1.5km walk and 140m elevation gain).

OUTSIDE ASSISTANCE

To ensure fairness for all competitors NO outside assistance is permitted on course.

Please use drop bags, check points, water stops, toilets and race provided assistance whilst on course.

Athletes will be disqualified if you hide items along the race course and collect them during the race or leave items on the course to be collected afterwards.

LITTERING

Littering will not be tolerated. Please ensure you take all your rubbish with you. Athletes will be awarded a 30minute time penalty if found to be littering the course.

PRIZES AND PRESENTATIONS

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

Sponsor prizes for 2nd and 3rd place.

This year there will be trophies awarded to 1st boy and 1st girl in the Kids 1.6km race (under 12)

All finishers will get a medal.

There will also be many Lucky Draw Prizes.

If you are unable to remain for the Presentations please email info@bluemountainsfitness.com.au

to request postage of medal or prize (postage cost at runners own expense).

TIMING AND RESULTS

Timing will be provided by Tempus Timing. Link to results Tempus Timing

RACE PHOTOS

Outer Image will be on course capturing all the awesomeness of the day!

Photos will be available for athletes to purchase after the event.

Outer Image - Ridgy-Didge 2026

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 are an Optional Extra in the Registration process.

Cost will be $35 per site per night. There is power available on site for charging items. Drinking water is also available.

Check in time for camping will be 4pm on Friday, 6am on Saturday.

Check out time will be anytime Saturday and 3pm on Sunday.

You will receive a camping pass to display on your tent/van/trailer.

ACCOMMODATION

Lithgow Workies Workies.com.au

Currently booked out but give them a call and you may be lucky with a cancellation - 02 6350 7777

Entertainment - Saturday 28th March - Fezelas 7:30pm main lounge.

10% discount meals & drinks - Friday 27/3/26 - Sunday 29/3/26

VOLUNTEERS

We are still looking for volunteers for aid stations and checkpoints!

https://raceroster.com/events/2026/106220/lithgow-ridgy-didge-trail-run-festival-2026/volunteer

All volunteers receive:

• $125 voucher valid for race entry
• or merchandise purchase
• Free camping
• Free meal and drink voucher

SEVEN VALLEYS ACCOMMODATION

Seven Valleys - Eat Stay Play

COURSE MAPS

See website https://ridgydidgetrail.com.au/

MOBILE PHONE RECEPTION is available throughout the course.

Race Director’s phone number is on the back of your race bib if you need assistance or need to report anything affecting the race or participant/s.

NOMAD VITALITY Sauna and Cold Plunge

Nomad Vitality will be at the event with their perfect pre and post race therapy.

Bookings are open - Nomad Vitality Use promo code NOMAD26

Opening hours:

Friday 3pm to 7pm

Saturday 9am to 8pm

Sunday 7am to 11am

ENTERTAINMENT – LIVE MUSIC on Saturday afternoon/evening.

The popular Wild Lilys band who play at the Saints and Sinners event will be on site.

2:00pm-6:00pm Saturday afternoon.

ZIG ZAG BREWERY POP UP BAR

The Zig Zag Brewery will be on site with their pop up bar. Over 18 only.

12:00pm - 8:00pm Saturday

Stick around after your race, relax and enjoy the festival atmosphere!

PRICING

Standard Pricing until February 28^th 2026 –

50km - $210, Marathon - $190, 30km - $170, 22km - $135 adult (-10% for 15-17 years), 10km – Adult $68 (-10% for under 18’s), 5km – Adult $52 (-10% for under 18’s), Kids – Free

Late Entry fees onlilne until after March 1^st 2026 – March 26^th 2026 –

50km - $230, Marathon - $215, 30km - $185, 22km - $150 adult (-10% for 15-17 years), 10km – Adult $77 (-10% for under 18’s), 5km – Adult $60 (-10% for under 18’s), Kids – Free

Super Late Entry – Friday evening 27^th March 2026 or on race day entries March 28^th 2026 –

50km - $250, Marathon - $230, 30km - $205, 22km - $170 adult (-10% for 15-17 years), 10km – Adult $87 (-10% for under 18’s), 5km – Adult $69 (-10% for under 18’s), Kids – $10