Falls Creek Mountain Raid is Back for 2016
News Release (Rapid Ascent) / 10.09.2015
Falls Creek’s adventure playground will again host the Falls Creek Mountain Raid adventure race and trail running festival in February 2016, for the third edition of this alpine event.
The Falls Creek Mountain Raid features a two-day, off-road navigational adventure race for teams and a trail running festival with a series of 4 runs.
“The Falls Creek Mountain Raid has been designed to provide a great fun off-road adventure weekend for athletes of all levels. With the number of race options and the support available, it’s achievable for just about anyone,” said John Jacoby, Race Director of Rapid Ascent, the event organiser.
“It’s a great weekend away in the Victorian Alps and there are plenty of spectator opportunities and other visitor activities so bring your family and friends and join us in the high country,” said John Jacoby.
The Mountain Raid Adventure Race is a two-day navigational adventure race where teams of two or four race together. The course features superb alpine running trails, mountain biking on flowing single track, paddling on the stunning Rocky Valley Lake, and a few other surprises along the way. Also in 2016 will be a one-day option for those new to adventure racing.
Teams work together to navigate their way around this challenging adventure course, finding a number of checkpoints along the way.
The Long Course will consist of 85 – 120km of off-road adventure and will involve more mountains, more single track and slightly harder navigation, including some ‘cross-country’.
The Short Course is approximately half the distance and will be a bit easier to navigate. It is designed for newcomers to adventure events and younger participants. There’s plenty of support for those learning to navigate their way around.
“We haven’t done anything like this before and it was longer and more intense than what we were expecting. There was great camaraderie between the teams and we feel 100% satisfaction in finishing the event. It was awesome and we’re definitely booking in for next year. Loved it,” said the Star FM team of Jodie Wills, Guy Wills, Linda Bogotto and Julie Clarke after the 2015 event.
Held in conjunction with the adventure race is the Mountain Raid Trail Runs, a series of four trail running races that provide the opportunity for keen runners to experience the spectacular alpine trails. Runners can do up to three of the four events and there’s also King and Queen of the Trails titles up for grabs for those who do both runs on Saturday and the long run on Sunday.
On Saturday morning will be an 11.4km Alpine Ash Run that passes through some magnificent parts of the Falls Creek ski area, giving runners a ‘Grand Tour’ of the resort.
Saturday afternoon will feature the quad-busting 3km Summit Sprint, taking runners from Slalom Plaza, up through the village and the Summit Bowl to ring the bell at the very top, and then back down to finish at the event expo area in Slalom Plaza.
On Sunday morning runners can choose from the 19km Heathy Spur Run or the shorter 5.5km Falls Creek Explorer Run. Both courses will lead runners along scenic alpine trails featuring sections of forest, great views and fields of wild flowers.
“It’s great to see the Mountain Raid back in Falls Creek for its third year. The addition of the new categories will encourage those who have ‘sat on the fence’ to participate so they too can experience all that Falls Creek has to offer in the summer season. I can’t wait to get out there with my team again,” said Jo Prothero, Falls Creek Marketing and Communications Manager.
Entries to the Falls Creek Mountain Raid are now open online, with further details including event information, course details, accommodation, kayak hire and more available at www.MountainRaid.com.au
KEY EVENT DETAILS
· WHEN: 13-14 February, 2016
· WHERE: Falls Creek Alpine Village, Victoria
· WHAT: 2-day navigational adventure race and a series of 4 trail running races
· ENTRIES: Now open at www.MountainRaid.com.au
