GNARLY TALES IMMERSE YOURSELF IN GARIWERD
runnable single track with a good solid 50% of technical or rocky terrain. Elevation is getting up there, about 8,000m of ascent which is a lot for Australia. “With a 50-hour cut off, we think that’s a generous length of time to get through the distance, but at the same time I like to think it will be classified as one of the harder races in Australia.” Well known trail runner Majell
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Backhausen has taken on the role as course director with Joseph and turned into an ambassador to ensure there is a clear understanding of the trail itself as well as the surroundings of the trail. He says this includes working with Traditional Owners and the local community, and showing the broader spectrum of people how the GPT could not only be used as a track for a 100 miler event, but how it’s used and viewed differently as to how a hiker would see it.
“Trail runners move over landscapes a lot quicker and therefore carry less gear but it’s important to still provide support to them where we see it’s needed,” he explains. “Logistically, it’s asking ourselves how do we make sure we have the minimum things available to trail runners like medical necessities, food and water, and how can they get to certain spots we feel would be more ideal for runners to run through.
