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

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.

“What I mean is, when you’re running over the landscape, you see it in a completely different way – the way the trail is currently marked is probably quite minimal for a trail race, so it’s about getting an understanding of how best to mark the trail because runners quickly move past hiking chevrons and may not see them. By the time they realised, they may not see the right way to go because some paths are not necessarily defined due to rock formations.

“We have a strong connection to the Traditional Owners via the local shire, council and so through the process of submitting permits, we’ve been able to speak with them about how this would affect the way that they see the land being used and all that protocol that’s needed.

“You learn so much about the landscape through tradition owners so it’s important for everyone involved that we do everything right; and Gariwerd as it’s known is very complex in terms of its Native Title – there isn’t just one Traditional Owner group, there’s a number, and the history of it is fascinating and quite complex to try and understand fully.”

Majell says the local community is thrilled to see a big event like the GPT100 coming to town, and he explains that despite there being a few other races in and around Halls Gap, the hype of it all always excites those living in the area.

“I’ve been working with a chap named Adrian who is the only person permitted to do guided walks/tours on the Grampians Trail,” he says.

“Adrian’s knowledge and his support and freedom to share information has been so incredible; it’s fantastic to work closely with people like Adrian. And look, if we have a lot of people coming for the event, it will definitely test the area’s boundaries – Halls Gap does appear really resourced and big, but in actual fact it is still a ‘small town’ so we don’t want to put too much strain on the town and its people.”

Australian trail running extraordinaire and international podium finisher Lucy Bartholomew needs no introduction. As the country’s trail running sweetheart, she has come on board as the GPT100’s ambassador to entice and encourage individuals to visit the Grampians and experience firsthand the beauty and charm of the region.

“When I visited it for the first time, I simply fell in love with everything the Grampians has to offer,” she breathes.

“My dad has done races in the area, but those events tend to fall on my schedule when I’m overseas, and because I’ve been on a bit of a time crunch it was tricky to always get over there. It’s definitely been an intriguing location and now this is a wonderful opportunity for me to get over there and really take in the scenery.

“When I got to the Grampians for the first time, I thought it was really gnarly and unique bush. It’s very organic, very rocky and challenging, it’s totally brutal but at the same time it’s incredibly beautiful and iconically Australian. I love the way the trail has been built, it’s not filled with handrails or metal that you tend to see at national parks sometimes.

“Just driving in, you go through flat farmlands and then suddenly the Grampians appear out of nowhere. When you get there and wnder through town, when you talk to the people and hang out at the café, then hit the trails, I feel like all expectations are exceeded immensely. There’s a reason why people have gone once, only to return again and again.

“This is a place that grabs you at the heartstrings.”

In late May, Lucy – together with Joseph and Majell – held a weekend camp, hosting up to 50 runners to recce the trails and immerse themselves in the land. It was an opportunity to get feedback from participants, and Lucy says she spent time with people who were ‘gobsmacked’ over the terrain.

“It was cool to see them each day show up a little bit uncertain, a little bit nervous… and then totally fall in love and take that time to traverse, stop, and breathe it all in,” she reveals.

“At one point, Maj asked the group to sum up their experience and what they thought of the trail – no one answered without a swear word in it. It was either really fucking hard or really fucking beautiful (we both laugh).”

With international race commitments in the lead up to the GPT100, Lucy will be doing the event’s 4-day stage race socially so she can be amongst the people and connect and support them.

“This will be a great way for me to experience the trails in four leisurely days tied in with a lot of sleeping, a lot of eating, and just being a part of the community. I’m really looking forward to stage racing such a unique event – what a fantastic way to end the year!”

For all the info about the GPT100, head to gpt100.com.au where registrations are still open.