Countdown to event
REGISTRATIONS OPEN 1st JUNE 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 #6 - the 2027 Lithgow Ridgy-Didge Trail Festival ready to rock!
Make a weekend of it and visit the many awesome locations in the Lithgow/Seven Valleys area - Glow Worm Tunnel, Zig Zag Railway, Jenolan Caves, Lost City and much more - https://sevenvalleys.com.au/
Camping is available at the Event Hub/Start and Finish area.
Ridgy-Didge Trail Run Festival offers multiple distances to choose from:
5km, 10km, 22km, 30km, 42.2km Marathon and the totally awesome 50km Ultra Marathon.
The 1.6km kids race is for under 12s. All kids will get a medal for finishing this race. 1st Boy and 1st Girl across the line will get trophies.
The various races will take you on dirt roads, 4WD trails, walking trails and mountain bike single tracks. You’ll run past many lookouts that give spectacular views of the Lithgow, Hartley, Megalong and Kanimbla Valleys.
You get to run past many lookouts that give spectacular views of the Lithgow, Hartley, Megalong and Kanimbla Valleys.
EVENT CHECK IN
Event Check In for all athletes takes place at the Ridgy-Didge Event Hub at the Lithgow Pony Club, Sheedy’s Gully, off Willowbank Rd Lithgow. Ridgy-Didge Event Hub
All athletes need to show photo ID or confirmation email of your registration for check in. At check in you will receive your event bag that includes your race bib, Ridgy-Didge sticker, any pre-purchased merchandise, and sponsor info and discount codes. Safety pins available at check in. *If you need someone else to collect your race pack please email prior to race day - info@bluemountainsfitness.com.au
On the day race registrations are available at check in.
Friday April 2nd 2027
Friday check in/registration/gear check:
4pm to 9pm
Saturday April 3rd 2027
Please arrive at least 60 minutes before your scheduled race start time so you can check in or do any late registrations.
6:00am - 11:00am
Mandatory Gear checks will be available at check in. You will be issued with a Mandatory Gear wristband. This wristband needs to be shown to enter the start corral.
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.
Last minute mandatory gear (e.g. snake bandage, survival blanket, whistle, Tailwind, flasks, buffs etc.) can be purchased at the event hub.
If it is a fine day we will still not drop the mandatory gear level as the weather changes very quickly in the Lithgow area.
Race briefings will begin 15 minutes prior to race start times.
You must be present at the race briefings.
There will be Ridgy-Didge merchandise available for purchase at check in.
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 Wednesday March 31st at 5:00pm.
There are no transfers available on April 1st, on Friday April 2nd night check in or on the day.
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 midnight 31st March 2027
Super late entry - Thursday 1st April, Friday 2nd April 2027 and on the race day April 3rd 2027.
AID STATIONS
There will be two major Aid Stations on course, CP6 and CP12. In the longer races you will pass these aid stations twice each.
Tailwind Endurance Fuel, Water, Coca-Cola, Lollies, Chips will be available.
There are also a few water stations on course.
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.
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.
Link to be updated soon.
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 3rd April 2027 - band to be announced.
10% discount meals & drinks - Friday 2nd April to Sunday 4th April 2027
VOLUNTEERS
We are still looking for volunteers for aid stations and checkpoints!
Volunteer link will be added soon
All volunteers receive:
- $125 voucher valid for race entry
- or merchandise purchase
- Free camping
- Free meal and drink voucher
SEVEN VALLEYS ACCOMMODATION
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 NOMAD27
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
Super Early Bird Pricing - Last years Standard fees - 1st June 2026 to 31st August 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
Standard Pricing - 1st September 2026 to 28th February 2027:
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
Late Entry fees online until after 1st March 2027 – 31st March 2027:
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
Super Late Entry – Thursday evening 1st April 2027 to race day entries 3rd April 2027:
50km - $270, Marathon - $250, 30km - $225, 22km - $190 adult (-10% for 15-17 years), 10km – Adult $90 (-10% for under 18’s), 5km – Adult $70 (-10% for under 18’s), Kids – $10
Volunteers
Welcome to the RIDGY-DIDGE VOLUNTEER Registration
As you all know these small events do not happen if there aren't enough volunteers to manage the event.
We need volunteers for Car Parking Marshalling, Aid Stations, On Course Check Point Marshalls, Sweepers, Event Crew for Race Day, Event Set Up Crew (Friday) from Friday 9am to 5pm, Saturday 6am to 7.30pm and Sunday 9am to 2pm. We will also need volunteers to help us pack up and clean the course Monday.
We will provide a 2026 or 2027 entry promo code to the value of $125 for all volunteers to the 2027 or 2028 Ridgy-Didge event. If you are not a runner we will provide a merchandise promo code to the value of $125. We also will provide a meal and drink voucher. We have free camping areas on site for volunteers.
Please register for the volunteer role of your choice. We need this registration to be completed for insurance reasons. If we do not have the exact volunteer times in the registration process that you can do, then please email us at info@bluemountainsfitness.com.au and we'll create a new sign in time for you.
Event schedule
- Fri, April 2, 2027 4:00 pm - Check In Friday Night - Lithgow Pony Club 4pm to 9pm
- Sat, April 3, 2027 6:00 am - Check in opening time Saturday
- Sat, April 3, 2027 7:00 am - 50km Ultramarathon Start Time
- Sat, April 3, 2027 8:00 am - 42.2km Marathon Start Time
- Sat, April 3, 2027 9:00 am - 30km Start Time
- Sat, April 3, 2027 9:30 am - 22km Start Time
- Sat, April 3, 2027 10:15 am - 10km Start Time
- Sat, April 3, 2027 11:00 am - 5km Start Time
- Sat, April 3, 2027 12:00 pm - Zig Zag Brewery Bar Opens 12pm to 8pm
- Sat, April 3, 2027 12:30 pm - Presentations from 12:30pm
- Sat, April 3, 2027 1:15 pm - Kids race
- Sat, April 3, 2027 2:00 pm - Wild Lily's Band 2pm to 6pm
- Sat, April 3, 2027 7:00 pm - Cut off for all races
Contact information
- Event contact
- Lithgow Ridgy -Didge Trail Run Festival
- Phone
- 0402925608
- Website
- Visit website
Registration fees
Where pricing applies, shown amounts include mandatory charges, items, and fees.
Tailwind Nutrition Australia 50km Ultra
Price changes in 2 months 23 days-
The 50km course is awesome! You'll run all the 13 ridges of Hassans Walls, pass many spectacular viewpoints with an elevation gain/loss of 2500m+/. Thanks to our generous sponsors Tailwind Nutrition Australia for sponsoring this race and supplying the endurance fuel on course and recovery mix at the recovery tent. Sponsor prizes will be awarded to podium placegetters.
-
Register for Tailwind Nutrition Australia 50km UltraA$210.00
Super Early Bird
Now registering May 31 – Sept 1 -
A$230.00
Standard
Sept 1 – Feb 28 -
A$250.00
Late
Mar 1 – Mar 31 -
A$270.00
Super Late
Apr 1 – Apr 3
-
Blue Mountains Running Co Marathon
Price changes in 2 months 23 days-
This event takes in all of the ridges of Hassans Walls with over 2000m of elevation gain and loss. Perfect training for event like Ultra Trail Australia (6 weeks from the event). Anyone completing the Marathon in under 7 hours will get a qualifying time for the Six Foot Track Marathon. Thanks to our race sponsors Blue Mountains Running Co for their generous sponsor prizes for all races.
-
Register for Blue Mountains Running Co MarathonA$190.00
Super Early Bird
Now registering May 31 – Sept 1 -
A$210.00
Standard
Sept 1 – Feb 28 -
A$230.00
Late
Mar 1 – Mar 31 -
A$250.00
Super Late
Apr 1 – Apr 3
-
Lithgow Workies 30km
Price changes in 2 months 23 days-
This event takes on the more runnable ridges of Hassans Walls by avoiding the more technical trails. Great training for Ultra Trail Australia or any long, hilly courses. Finishing times under 5 hours will earn you a Six Foot Track qualifying time.
-
Register for Lithgow Workies 30kmA$170.00
Super Early Bird
Now registering May 31 – Sept 1 -
A$185.00
Standard
Sept 1 – Feb 28 -
A$203.00
Late
Mar 1 – Mar 31 -
A$225.00
Super Late
Apr 1 – Apr 3
-
Elevate Medical Hub 22km
Price changes in 2 months 23 days-
The 22km course covers the hilly but runnable terrain of Hassans Walls. Thanks to race sponsors Elevate Medical Hub for supporting the 2026 Lithgow Ridgy-Didge. Minimum age 15. 10% discount for under 18's calculated in registration process.
-
Register for Elevate Medical Hub 22kmA$135.00
Super Early Bird
Now registering May 31 – Sept 1 -
A$150.00
Standard
Sept 1 – Feb 28 -
A$170.00
Late
Mar 1 – Mar 31 -
A$190.00
Super Late
Apr 1 – Apr 3
-
T8 Run Gear 10km
Price changes in 2 months 23 days-
This course has everything! A steep climb, dirt roads, 4WD tracks, single track and MTB trails. Thanks to T8 Run Gear for sponsoring this race. Minimum age 12. Discounts for under 18 automatically calculated in registration.
-
Register for T8 Run Gear 10kmA$68.00
Super Early Bird
Now registering May 31 – Sept 1 -
A$75.00
Standard
Sept 1 – Feb 28 -
A$82.00
Late
Mar 1 – Mar 31 -
A$89.00
Super Late
Apr 1 – Apr 3
-
Timberfix 5km
Price changes in 2 months 23 days-
The 5km "Pony Roundup" course is a fun course that winds itself around the Pony Club area on fast single tracks and 4WD trails. Suitable for all runners and walkers from first timers to those doing sub 20 minute Parkruns. 10% discount for Under 18's calculated in registration.
-
Register for Timberfix 5kmA$52.00
Super Early Bird
Now registering May 31 – Sept 1 -
A$60.00
Standard
Sept 1 – Feb 28 -
A$65.00
Late
Mar 1 – Mar 31 -
A$70.00
Super Late
Apr 1 – Apr 3
-
Thrive 1.6km Kids Race
Price changes in 2 months 23 days-
Get the kids involved! 1km race around the paddocks of the Pony Club for the under 12's. Parents and friends are welcome to run with the kids.
-
Register for Thrive 1.6km Kids RaceFree
Super Early Bird
Now registering May 31 – Sept 1 -
Free
Standard
Sept 1 – Feb 28 -
A$10.00
Late
Mar 1 – Mar 31 -
A$10.00
Super Late
Apr 1 – Apr 3
-
