HITTING THE RAIL TRAIL IN BEAUTIFUL TASSY

Contributed by Fergus Edwards, AURA member

When the ABC’s Back Roads program visited Scottsdale in north east Tasmania, they found a fantastic microbrewery, a local art gallery, lush rolling farmland, and the lavender fields at Bridestowe. What they didn’t spot was a renovated 19th century rail track, stretching from the middle of town for some 26.2km up to Billycock Hill.

The inaugural Rail Trail Run and Ride used that trail for 2km, 7km, 14km, 26km and 52km races – on foot on Saturday, and by bike on the Sunday. All the races were out-and-backs from Scottsdale, except for the 26km which was a run back from Billycock Hill after a bus ride out.

The trail itself is a gravel path, about the width of a jeep track, but because it’s only for runners and bikes it doesn’t have any major ruts or holes. While there’s maybe 400m of climbing over the out and back course, it’s never more than a 2.5% gradient because the old locomotives could never handle a steeper track than 1 in 40.

Race weekend is organised by a local trail running performance business with strong support from the Rotary Club and a whole host of local volunteers. It’s a cupless event, but there are fluids and snacks at 9km, 26km, and 43km. At the finish line there were food trucks for coffee, cake, and pies – and indeed beer, wine and massages for those with slightly different tastes.

The rail trail itself winds gently downhill through pastures and farmland for the first 9km, then eases uphill through a mature forest, with some great views out over the surrounding hills and the odd passage cut through rock. There are only two road crossings once you’re out of Scottsdale, and the tourist signage makes it almost impossible to get lost. Crew or supporters have it easy – the aid stations are all within 400m of the A3, so you can’t get lost, you can’t get blocked in, and you’d have to try really hard to be late.

So why would you run it? Don’t go looking for crowds and noise: this is old school running in a gorgeous old school setting; a local, low key event at its best.

First: a very, very fast 50(ish)km off tarmac. The race was marketed as 56km, but with the turnaround point kept ahead of a highway crossing, it’s more like 52km. The terrain, the low gradient, the ease of support, and the low temperatures make this a great course if you want to target a personal best.

Second: a day out for a running family of different abilities. Kids can run the 2km, occasional runners the 7km, 14km or 26km, while ultrarunners get the 52km knowing that any support can get out and see them run without any hassle.

Personally, I had exactly the day I wanted earlier this month. I’m off to run the 246km Spartathlon in six weeks, so I got a supported 50+km for a strong, controlled run. A little bit of stress, some in-race testing of nutrition and gear, and a chance to get out in the beautiful countryside of Tasmania to run somewhere new. Happy with a big negative split, a 4h 08m, and a 4th place – certainly no hurt pride in finishing behind the winners: David Bailey in 3h 39m and Amy Lamprecht in 4h 01m.

Pictured: Fergus Edwards hitting the Rail Trail Run and Ride on September 18. Photograph – Val Warwick.