HITTING THE RAIL TRAIL IN BEAUTIFUL TASSY

Kate Dzienis • August 23, 2018

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.

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Australian Mountain and Trail Running Championships 2027

By Jin Kato • July 8, 2026

The world-class trails of Kunanyi/Mt Wellington will play centre-stage for one of the country’s fastest-growing sports, after the Kunanyi Mountain Run (KMR) was awarded the hosting rights for the first-ever combined Australian Mountain and Trail Running Championships (AMTRC). KMR was awarded the National Championships after a competitive bid process, overseen by the Australian Ultra and Trail Running Association (AUTRA) and Australian Athletics (AA). AUTRA President, John Claridge, said that KMR “offered everything we were looking for”. “World-class trails, proven event management and a passionate community. It provides the perfect stage for Australia's first combined National Trail Championships," he said. It’s expected that Australia’s elite mountain and trail running athletes, and support crew, will travel to Hobart, as they vie for a spot in the Australian team that competes at the 2027 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships. "This is a landmark moment for trail running in Australia,” Mr Claridge said. "We're excited about what this championship represents; not just next year, but for the future of trail running in Australia... helping grow the sport and inspire the next generation of trail runners." The 2027 AMTRC at KMR will be the first time that all championship distances have been held together, at the one festival. “It aligns us more closely with the way World Championships are presented, creating a stronger pathway for athletes and raising the profile of the sport,” Mr Claridge said. KMR, a 3-day trail running festival which has been held annually since 2022, expects to draw more than 1500 runners and hikers from across Tasmania, Australia and internationally next year. The AMTRC will be embedded within KMR’s existing event program, allowing elite athletes to compete for the national titles, while sharing the same spectacular trails and event-experience as recreational runners. “We’re honoured to have been selected as host,” KMR’s founder and director, Lincoln Quilliam said. “KMR continues to welcome runners, and hikers, of all abilities. From the elites who want to represent Australia on the world stage, the group of mates or work colleagues who run the team relay together, the mums returning to running after having a baby, as well as those who are trying trail running for the very first time,” Mr Quilliam said. Tasmanian runner, Jessica Collins, who has represented Australia, said it was exciting news for KMR, Tasmania and the sport. “This is such a great opportunity for Australian athletes. I’ve run many of the KMR events and know the courses and the terrain are on par with what we see at the World Champs,” she said. The City of Hobart has supported Kunanyi Mountain Run since its inception, and Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said she was “thrilled” with the news. “Events like this not only showcase the natural beauty of our region but also reinforce Hobart’s reputation as a vibrant destination for world-class outdoor experiences.” The 2026 edition of KMR brought in $4 million to the Tasmanian economy, generating more than 8000 bed nights across the state, which Alex Heroys, Chief Executive of Destination Southern Tasmania, said was a “significant return for the visitor economy”. “Kunanyi / Mount Wellington is one of Tasmania’s great natural assets, and the Kunanyi Mountain Run shows exactly how powerful events can be in driving regional tourism,” he said. “We have an epic mountain right on Hobart’s doorstep, an airport less than 30 minutes away, and a city that is well set up to welcome thousands of visiting athletes, support crews and spectators.” “This event also reinforces Tasmania’s growing reputation as a world-class trail running destination. With steep, technical trails and real mountain terrain, Kunanyi offers conditions that are genuinely comparable to what athletes will experience at the World Championships, making it an ideal place to compete, train and visit.” For more information: Kunanyi Mountain Run Dates: 19-21 March 2027 Pic credit: David Nolan & Ryan Slater