Wonderfalls Trail Run adds new 75km challenge

RUNNERS are getting ready to hit the trails in Lorne when the Wonderfalls Trail Run returns on August 16 with a new addition to its offerings.

Hosted by Trailsplus, the event is now in its eighth year and has become a favourite on participants’ calendars.

The trail run offers something for everyone – a 6km and 14km run for beginners or people seeking a fast or casual experience, a 25km, 42.2km, 50km ultra and for the first time the 75km distance.

The longest distance is designed for those who love a challenge and combines an early ridgeline out and back with the 50km course.

Trailsplus founder and race director Brett Saxon said there were two reasons for the new addition.

“What we’re aiming for with the 75 is to encourage people to be down in Lorne the night before, so that the early start we’re needing to have means that our tourism result for the area has people staying down there,” he said. “[It is also] creating a stepping stone of the gap between a 50km event and a 100km event by creating a middle ground for people to test themselves.”

For people who are keen on taking on a 100km century event, it can be a big jump going from 50km to twice that distance, with the introduction of the 75km designed to help ease this.

Mr Saxon said the run was an immersive journey of all things trail, through some of the most breathtaking natural landscapes Victoria has.

“This is what racing is all about,” he said. “The Wonderfalls Trail Run combines the best elements of nature with a welcoming, community-driven atmosphere.

“Whether you’re chasing a personal best or simply out to explore, there’s a trail here for you.”

Each course is carefully designed and will take participants through single tracks, waterfalls, river crossings and mountain ash forests all in one day.

All runners will set off from the Cumberland Holiday Park.

To register and for more information, head to trailsplus.com.au