Kosciuszko Ultra Trail Report 

From 7th to 9th December a Troupe of Trailiens made their way south to tackle UTMB Kosciuszko. The weather was perfect on Thursday for the 25 and 50km events. It also started out a mild stunning morning on the Friday for the Miler and 100km, in fact a little too nice with heat high through the late morning and afternoon. With the onset of early evening however, a massive thunderstorm swept in, letting go directly over the course. Smooth flowing mountain bike trails were quickly turned into slippery water courses!  

The 27 and 50km also had a directional change this year, placing the largest climb of the route near the end….brutal in the afternoon heat!  

The 100km and Miler ascended to the top of Mount Kosciuszko after a compulsory walk on a 5km stretch of the “cheese grater”, raised metal walkways designed to protect the fragile alpine flora from the foot traffic above, though in turn, offer nothing but hazard to those traversing them. There were plenty more graters later in the race which were recommended (but not compulsory) to walk…for me and my tendency to fall, this meant a lot more walking than expected! Though the carnage around me did not make it any more tempting. One aid station actually ran out of first aid supplies needed to patch up casualties!  

Beyond the perils of graters and thunderstorms, the course was a mixture of clear open views, snow gummed hills, a section of road and windy mountain bike trails. 

Like any great trail race the aid stations and volunteers made the day really special. Trailiens had their own special Trail Angel in Marcus. He seemed to pop up everywhere with a helping hand, words of encouragement and a smile. Thanks Marcus, we all loved your work! Vivienne also appeared at aid stations to brighten our day as well as a pacing Helen. Another reason to love our club. 

Roll call:  

Amber and Helen in the Miler 

Flav, Jeff, Joey, Kay and Ollie in the 100km 

Jim K in the 50km 

Marcus and Zack in the 25km