WILD GOOSE CHASE STEALS HARVIE’S HEART

Contributed by Zora Harvie, AURA member

The Wild Goose Chase 45km Ultra on Saturday, 30 June was my first ultra trail run and what a day it was. From arriving at the camp village to being out on the course the experience was truly one that I will not forget. The Wild Goose Village was like a family camping ground, with the organisers making it very cozy and warm, and faces that welcomed me as I picked up by race bib.

As I waited at the start line with my trail mates, I really had no idea of the course and its difficulty or beauty. I was full of nerves waiting with the group of runners and couldn’t possibly know how much fun the day would be. From the stunning scenic vistas of the Avon Valley National Park to hills that seemed to go on for ever, and some stunning single track, I fell in love with the ultra distance that day. The course was a 22km loop that had such changing terrain it was never boring. I always love running the single tracks and feeling like a kid again and the 45km didn’t disappoint.

The track was well flagged most of the time, well…I must say, if you pay attention because a fellow runner and I were so busy talking and enjoying our time we missed our turn and ended up at the Big G aid station too soon and from the wrong direction, the lovely volunteers helped us back to where our turning point was and we set off again on our 45km run.

We then had to face the Big G – a hill that seemed to go on for some time. I do love a hill and the view at the top did not disappoint, and it wasn’t far to run, so then we were back at the Big G aid station where plenty of treats and drinks were waiting with some amazing volunteers.

During the day the runners who were taking part in the 106km ultra passed us at various points. I have never seen bigger smiles on runners than I did on these ladies and gents, they were full of words of support for us 45km runners which impressed me and reminded me that this is one of the reasons I love trail running – the camaraderie and support is amazing.

As the morning light turned to afternoon light, I moved on to my second loop and again managed to go off the track, so had to back track and find the right path, but it didn’t matter to me as I was still enjoying my run with my fellow runner.

I am glad that we were together as I think having to run the extra kilometres may have played on my mind if I was alone.

As we traversed the technical single track, crossed the river bed, ran down some steep slopes, climbed the Big G once again and passed through the Big G aid station for the final time, the sun was disappearing and so it was time for our head lamps, running those final kilometres in the dark with only the light of our head lamps guiding us. It was such a great feeling and soon I could hear the music and people at the finish line and what a great feeling it was, some 56kms later to be back where we started feeling a little bit more tired than when we started, but knowing that this would be the first of many more ultras for me.

Wild Goose Chase, you stole my trail heart.

Pictured: Zora Harvie, in the orange shirt, at the Wild Goose Chase race. Photograph – Shannon Dale.