Going into my first mountain trail run, I was a little nervous. Would it snow? What would the terrain be like? Was all the mandatory gear really necessary?

I signed up for the Razorback Run 22 km a few weeks out. I still wasn’t sure what would happen with any potential COVID19 restrictions, so I nervously paid my entry fees. I had been told about the event by a friend who was keen to take part. The timing didn’t work out for them but I managed to schedule a week’s annual leave so I could make the trip up to Bright from the big smoke (Melbourne).

Although we (my wife and 6 month old) made it up to the Alpine Region in the early afternoon the day before race day, I didn’t attend the briefing in Harrietville on Friday night. It had been a long day of driving and I wanted to get a good sleep before the early start. Thankfully I was able to catch up on the critical information immediately prior to the race the following morning. If I had been entered in one of the longer events, I would have gone out of my way to attend. There would have been less room for error (potential course changes, weather warnings etc.) with more time spent in the mountains.

I arrived at Diamantina Hut early on Saturday Morning. I was lined up to check in (wearing my mask and hand sanitiser) and saw that one of the entrants was being made to purchase a snake bandage. They had an ordinary fabric/crepe one but this was not sufficient. They would not be allowed to take part without it. Although this must have frustrated the racer, the race entry details make the requirements clear. The organisers were taking it seriously.

I received my number and asked where the nearest bathroom was (necessary due to some pre race jitters). A volunteer pointed towards the bush. I had expected this but was hoping there would be another option. Luckily, I always bring a pack of tissues to each race. I felt much better!

The race was announced and we were given a final safety briefing. In a group, we moved down the hill, over Great Alpine Road to the start of the Razorback Track. We were asked to self seed with the faster runners moving toward the front.

I was about 15-20 people back and noticed one of the racers towards the front sporting a very small running pack. It was about the size of a grapefruit. I was not the only person to notice, and heard another runner mutter, “Hmmm, I wonder if he’s packed a face mask and hand sanitiser, compass/GPS, whistle, waterproof map, pressure snake bandage, antiseptic swipes, bandaids, painkillers, waterproof jacket with hood and waterproof overpants, thermal pants and shirt, beanie/hat, gloves, torch, spare batteries, emergency space blanket, food/emergency food and a mobile phone.” Several of us chuckled in agreement. He made a good point, though – no matter how elite a runner is, it’s risky to enter that kind of alpine environment without the required equipment. As I was about to find out, the weather can quickly become undesirable.

We started off on the out and back course slower than expected. I have now been part of several trail runs and understand the typical bottleneck that occurs. On this occasion it was the terrain that caused the decreased speed. The rocky trail was thin and I had to concentrate on my foot placement. A trail of runners wound over the hills for the first few kms, gradually spreading out. The track became compressed mud and then returned to the rocky shale that we became accustomed to for the rest of the run.

I passed a few runners around the 2 km mark, running wide when the trail opened up briefly. I have started towards the back at several trail running events. Over time, I have become better at researching my likely finish time. I look at past years results, the course and how my abilities match up. This helps me self seed without going too close to the front and holding others up. Other than this occurrence, there was minimal overtaking.

I had studied the elevation profile of the course prior to the start, making note of the two major climbs – commencing at 5.5 km and 10 km on the way out. I power hiked (a trail runners term for fast walking usually uphill) briefly at 2 km then up the first major climb. I had the similar sensation to what I had experienced previously at the Kilcunda Trail Run. Although I was walking early, there was no one that was looking to overtake. I was moving at a similar pace to those around me and they were more than happy to power hike at the same pace.

Looking at the weather report on the days leading up to the event, I was expecting rain and minimal visibility throughout the length of the run. This turned out to not be the case. We had reasonable (but not great) visibility under 1750m elevation and only when we exceeded this did the fog/cloud became overbearing and minimal visibility the result. Over 1800m elevation, we had 30-40m visibility. We could see the trail but not too much else. Although this was a little disappointing, it was not unexpected. There was no rain for the duration of the run but was quite windy in the unsheltered, open sections. I wore my waterproof jacket for warmth for the first couple of kms before stuffing it into my pack, as I started to overheat.

I was moving well, but due to the increased amounts of power hiking, much slower than I had expected. At 6 kms into the race, I was running at just over 6:00 min/km. I had no preconceived ideas on what my pace would be throughout the race. However, I do like to make a rough estimate. Often when I try to work out my expected overall time, I consider my fastest half marathon (or marathon depending on distance) road race time. In early 2020, I completed a virtual half marathon in 1 hr 28 mins. This was in ideal conditions, on a manicured course and an elevation gain of 45 metres (yes for the whole course) but I still consider this when I am comparing completely different events! Going forward, trail runs and road runs will be considered separate.

I was able to interact with several other runners and hikers over the course of the run. Some I chatted with about other events on the horizon (Great Ocean Road Marathon and Ultra Trail Australia were two that were mentioned). There were “civilians” hiking the course that also offered encouragement. The track was narrow in several sections which meant that 60 km and 44 km runners (and returning 22 km runners) were running in the opposite direction prior to Mount Feathertop. This caused some minor delay and disruption to the set pace as there was minimal room either side of the trail to pass. I found everyone courteous and considerate.

I reached the Razorback North Walking Track, smiled for the cameraman after recovering from my surprise at a cameraman being in this remote area! I almost went the wrong way but pointed me in the right direction. Thank you!

I started up the path to Mount Feathertop. I was 10 km into the race with 1 more km to go until the turnaround point. I had studied the elevation profile, but I failed to identify the magnitude of the elevation gain. The elevation gain for the Mount Feathertop climb kilometer was 160 metres! After just over 14 minutes, I had reached the top. However, due to the terrible visibility, I didn’t know I had reached it! I was expecting a sign or a landmark – no such luck. Apparently, with minimal fog, it is clear that you have reached the top. I’ll know for next time.

A fellow runner and I started down the opposite side of the summit thinking we were not quite there yet. We were glad to be advised that we had already reached the top and to return the way we came. 

I slowly descended Mount Feathertop due to the steepness, relief at having reached halfway. I had taken 1 hr 22 min up to this point. It was taking much longer than I had expected. There were no water refill points for the 22 km. I was carrying 1 litre so I needed to make it last. In hindsight, I should have carried a little more for the length of time I was out there. I was also utilising Science In Sport gels. An extra one or two would also have been of value in keeping up my nutrition intake.

At around the 13 km mark, I passed an injured 40 km runner. I offered assistance as well as any food/water they may need. She declined. In these types of runs, it is imperative that fellow runners offer support where needed. After all, I would want someone doing the same for me if I was in that situation.

I was becoming tired and my legs were sore. I approached the 17 km mark in a time of 2 hrs.

The course dropped back down to 1600-1700m elevation, I was able to enjoy the views again as the fog had cleared. I tried to stretch my legs in the more runnable sections and move more quickly. I had found the course much more technical than I had experienced in any trail run before. I was glad of my trail running shoes, shielding my feet from the sharp, rocky sections, difficult to navigate across. As this run was completed in early Autumn, I would suggest that the track could be completed in road running shoes with a thicker sole/grip at a similar time of year. If this was undertaken in winter or early spring, trail shoes would be a must due to slippery rocks and thicker mud.

I was nearing completion of the Razorback Trail. With 700m or so to go, I stepped off the trail, rolled my ankle and fell. Fortunately, I had fallen onto a softer section of brush. However, I could not move without discomfort. I hobbled to my feet and toward the finish. Trying to run, my ankle did not easily hold. As I had other races approaching, a slow walk/jog combination was my chosen method.

I reached the start line, hobbling toward my goal. Looking around for the finish I was directed up to Diamantina Hut. I still couldn’t see a finish line but a Running Wild flag was enough for me. My number was called and my time recorded. I had finished. My final time was 2 hrs 48 min. My first trail run in the mountains was complete!

I stepped inside the hut where a fire was burning. I sat eating my cup of fruit and some lollies I picked up at the finish, trying to warm up. As I sat there, listening to other runners’ stories, I was glad to be a part of this world. The trail running community is one of encouragement, celebration of personal accomplishment and the great outdoors. I will not soon forget my experience on the Razorback.

Check out my 2021 Upcoming Race Schedule to see what I have planned for 2021 and beyond.

Tips for those considering the event:

• Don’t be afraid to walk the uphills. Everyone will (except perhaps the race leaders). 
• Watch out for snakes. Carry a snake bandage.
• Study the elevation profile. Work out where the hills are and pace yourself. 
• Offer assistance to any runner in need. Especially if injured or struggling.
• Stay in/near Harrietville (I stayed in Bright which was great). It’s a long way from Melbourne.
• Take the Mandatory Gear seriously. You will likely be made to purchase a Snake Bandage at check in. If the weather turns, you do not want to be stuck in this region without warm clothing/food etc.
• Always bring a pack of tissues. They may come in handy for toilet stops.
• Trail running shoes are recommended. However, road shoes may suffice if they have plenty of tread.
• Practice running and power hiking whilst carrying mandatory gear prior to the event.
• Make sure you carry enough water – there is minimal water available on course.
• 10-15% of 22 km runners used poles, half of the 40 km and almost all of the 60km runners that I saw.
• Enjoy the day out!

Stats

Distance: 22.09 km 

Elapsed Time: 2:48:38

Pace: 7:38 /km

Weather: Cloudy, 13 degrees Celsius. Humidity 97%. Wind 7.4 km/h from N.

Nutrition/Hydration: SIS Gels, Clif Bloks, Tailwind, Water. 

Gear: Ciele Cap, Goodr OG’s Sunglasses, Garmin Forerunner 235, Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra 5 Set Backpack, Patagonia Strider Pro Shorts, Aussie Grit Running Shirt, 2XU Compression Shorts, Injinji Crew Toe Socks, Asics Sonoma’s.

Mandatory Gear: Salomon Bonatti Rain Jacket, Salomon, Bonatti Rain Pants, Kathmandu Merino Gloves, Silva Compass, Black Diamond Storm 375 head Torch, Sea to Summit waterproof map cover, Kathmandu Merino thermal top and pants.

Finished: Position 12 out of 70

Strava: Check it out Here