COMPETITOR BRIEFING 100km

Transcription

1 COMPETITOR BRIEFING 100km ULTRA-TRAIL AUSTRALIA ULTRA MARATHON BLUE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK May 2018 Ultra-Trail Australia is an amazing and challenging course. Take time to appreciate the spectacular views of the World Heritage listed Blue Mountains National Park. You will travel through the National Park and land of the traditional owners, the Gundungurra People, private land and land managed by Blue Mountains City Council, Six Foot Track Heritage Trust, NSW Crown Lands and WaterNSW. The course logistics, including the location of checkpoints and access for support crew is based upon permissions and safety on roads. Please abide by the relevant directions and instructions. 1

2 1) EVENT SCHEDULE 2

3 2) EVENT HUB The start and finish of the 100km is out the front of Scenic World, Cliff Drive, Katoomba. All the Ultra-Trail Australia activities are located within walking distance of Scenic World. 3

4 BEFORE THE EVENT: Race Check-in is at the KCC Auditorium. See the Event Schedule above for times. The UTA Buffet Dinner is at KCC within the Mountain Camp dining hall. Seatings are between 5pm and 7:30pm on the half hour. Please arrive no later than 10 minutes from the start time of your seating. Tickets must be prepurchased via the Online Event Shop. The UTA Event Expo is open Thursday and Friday at KCC Plaza. There are over 40 different stalls ranging from event sponsors, nutrition providers, running apparel, events and community stalls. There is also food, coffee, entertainment, a special kids zone with jumping castle and more. Refer to Event Expo for further information. The UTA shop is at the Event Expo on the Thursday and Friday and then at Scenic World on Saturday and Sunday. Event merchandise is available here as well as high-visibility vests and bandages complying with the mandatory gear requirements. The Runner Forum is at KCC auditorium. Come and listen to the top international runners and some of the event ambassadors. The Welcome & Race Briefing is at KCC Auditorium. It is compulsory for all 50km and 100km runners to attend or watch via the web. The Race Briefing will be showing on the UTA Live TV from 30 minutes after or on YouTube from 60 minutes after the conclusion of the live briefing. DURING THE EVENT: The Scenic Railway is open between 6:15am to 9am on the Saturday for friends, family, spectators and support crews only. Supporters can watch the runners start and then take the railway down into the valley to see them run through the Scenic World Boardwalks around the 6.2km mark. Tickets are $35 for adults (normally $39 weekdays and $43 weekends) and $19 for kids under 14 (normally $21 weekdays and $23 weekends). These discounted / early ride tickets can be pre-purchased online from the Online Event Shop. These tickets also give all Saturday access to all rides at Scenic World from 9am (Skyway, Cableway and Railway). Collect your prepurchased tickets from the Scenic World stall at the Event Expo. The train departs from top station (and bottom station) every 10 minutes. Special discounted tickets for Thursday and Friday can also be purchased from the Online Event Shop. The UTA shop is selling event merchandise at Scenic World on the Saturday 9am 11pm and Sunday 7am 11am The Event Lounge is available to all runners and supporters and is open throughout the event. It is located upstairs at Scenic World. EATS270 is located within the Event Lounge and on Friday all day and Saturday until 3pm, it has a normal menu with normal seating. At 3pm Saturday, the Event Lounge is transformed and you can watch the UTA Live TV on the big screen, rest in the inflatable lounges, keep warm and purchase burgers, pasta and hot chips as well as the usual assortment of snacks and drinks from EATS270. The Event Lounge bar also opens at 3pm Saturday. The Event Lounge bar and EATS270 close at 4am Sunday with the Event Lounge itself remaining open. After 4am, food is available from the Scenic World Café. The Recovery Zone is available to all runners and supporters and will be open Friday 11am-5pm and Saturday 10:30am through to 11:30am Sunday. It is located in CMS, a 120m walk from the finish line. Here you will find race food, water, Hammer Nutrition products, showers and the drop bag marquee. The event medical centre with physiotherapy is also located here. Note that towels are not provided. Pack a towel into your Finish drop bag along with a complete change of warm clothes and comfortable dry footwear. Please keep the showers clean and do not leave rubbish (strapping tape, shampoo, soap, food packets, towels, clothing etc) in the shower area. There will be 44 portable toilets set up in the Scenic World bus parking bays within 40m of the start line. Scenic World is open for the full duration of the event from 5:30am Saturday. Food is available for purchase from a combination of outdoor coffee carts, a food van and the Scenic World Café. There is also an outdoor bar 4

5 open 12pm to 10pm Saturday. You can purchase bacon and egg rolls, hot chips, sausage rolls, pies, soups and drinks from these areas. 3) EVENT PARKING Parking is available at the main Event Parking area within the KCC oval opposite Scenic World. This is limited to 600 cars only. Parking is not permitted on the streets surrounding KCC and Scenic World. Please consider taking one of the free Event Buses, which run between Leura, Katoomba town centre and Scenic World. A. Main Event Carpark The main event carpark is on dirt and grass on KCC oval on the corner of Cliff Drive and Violet Street and directly opposite the start / finish area at Scenic World. This is paid parking all day Friday. During this time, parking will only be available to cars with a special pre-purchased parking pass. There is NO PARKING available at the main event carpark on Saturday before 9:15am due to road closures. Parking is free after 9:15am Saturday. Paid Parking Only between 6:30am 8:00pm FRIDAY 18 MAY. There are 2 different pre-purchased parking passes available: Pace UTA22 Parking Pass: (for parking Friday 6:30am to Friday 3pm): $15. Note: Cars must exit carpark by 3pm Friday. To remain in the carpark after 3pm Friday, you must also purchase a Friday Afternoon Parking Pass as listed below. Friday Afternoon Parking Pass (for parking Friday 3pm to Friday 8pm): $15. Note: To also park in the carpark prior to 3pm Friday, you must also purchase a Pace UTA22 Parking Pass as listed above. Each pre-purchased parking pass will give multiple access to KCC oval carpark at any time during the relevant paid parking period. At all other times outside of 6:30am Friday to 8pm Friday, the parking is free on KCC oval (with no parking available on Saturday before 9:15am). Parking passes will be ed immediately on purchase and must be either printed out or displayed on a mobile device upon arrival to the carpark during paid parking periods. The parking marshals will hand you the relevant ticket to display in your vehicle while you are parked. This ticket will also be used for re-entry to the carpark during paid parking periods. The entrance to KCC oval parking area is via 113 Cliff Drive and the exit is onto Cliff Drive at the corner of Violet St and Cliff Drive. B. Limited carparking at Scenic World The Scenic World multi-storey carpark has 220 free car parking spaces. It can be used at most times during the week when there is space available. However cars must not park in The Scenic World multi-story carpark on Friday morning for the Pace UTA22 as that will mean normal visitors to Scenic World have no place to park. It will also not be available on the Saturday morning due to road closures which will block access to the carpark. It will be available again for parking after 9:15am Saturday. C. Parking Restrictions For Saturday morning, refer to Saturday Morning Road Closures section below. For all other times: In normal dry conditions, parking will not be permitted at any time on the streets surrounding KCC and Scenic World (no parking on Violet St, Oak St, Kamillaroi Rd, Acacia St, Cedar St, Fern St, Cliff Drive, Ficus St, Peckmans Rd or Neale St). In wet conditions where the oval has limited use and during paid parking periods, only cars with prepurchased parking passes will be directed to park around the streets. Obey all marshals and 'No Parking' signs. Also take note of NSW General Parking Rules if parking on any other streets. Local traffic police will be doing checks and issuing fines for any illegal parking. 5

6 D. Saturday Morning Road Closures The map below shows the Saturday morning road closures on the streets surrounding Scenic World so the event precinct can be completely sealed off from vehicles. The road closures will be in operation between 5am and 9:15am Saturday. The outer perimeter of the event precinct is formed by road closures at Narrow Neck Road & Cliff Drive, Neale Street & Peckmans Road, Katoomba Street & Katoomba Falls Road and Katoomba Street & Birdwood Avenue. The roads directly surrounding Scenic World will be open to traffic at all other times. Refer to 'Saturday Morning Access to Scenic World' section below on how to get to Scenic World on Saturday morning. E. Saturday morning access to Scenic World On Saturday morning there are four ways to access Scenic World: 1. Walk to an event bus stop and catch the free event shuttle bus (see bus maps of Katoomba and Leura below) 2. Get dropped off near either The Carrington Hotel bus stop or the Palais Royale bus stop on Katoomba St and catch the free event shuttle bus (see Katoomba Free Shuttle Bus Map below). You must not get dropped off in the vicinity of the Three Sisters Motel bus stop as that will cause blockages for the Event buses. Cars should stay completely away from this section of Katoomba St surrounding Birdwood Ave (refer to the Map of Saturday Morning Road Closures above). 3. If staying outside Katoomba or Leura and needing to drive to the event, park at either Blue Mountains City Council chambers carpark, Katoomba train station commuter carpark or around nearby suitable streets such as Station St, Lurline St and Parke St and then walk to a nearby Event bus stop on Katoomba St and catch the free Event shuttle bus. Parking availability will be on a first come, first served basis. Refer to the map showing Suitable Parking Areas on Saturday Morning. 6

7 4. Walk to Scenic World from nearby accommodation or via footpaths along Katoomba St and Birdwood Road to Scenic Skyway Eastern station. Then if there is room, catch the Scenic Skyway for free (operating from 5:15am to 8am). Otherwise continue to walk via Prince Henry Cliff Walk to Katoomba Cascades park (making sure to stay out of the way of UTA50 runners who will be on Prince Henry Cliff Walk en masse from 6:55am) and on to Scenic World via Cliff Drive. F. Parking at Checkpoints 100km support crews and spectators should refer to 100km Start / Finish / Checkpoints section on the website for information about parking at Checkpoint 3, Checkpoint 4 and Checkpoint 5. 4) FREE EVENT SHUTTLE BUSES On the Friday, Saturday and Sunday there will be a free Event shuttle bus service to take runners, support crews and spectators between Katoomba town centre and Scenic World / KCC. On the Saturday and Sunday there will also be a free Event shuttle bus service to take runners, support crews and spectators between Leura and Scenic World. Please use these buses as much as possible to limit event traffic. Refer to the bus timings and Event bus stops in the bus maps below. The buses will be on a continuous loop during their operating times. It is approximately a 10 minute ride from The Carrington Hotel to KCC / Scenic World and approximately an 18 minute ride from Fairmont Resort to Scenic World. There will be adequate numbers of buses to get everyone to and from Scenic World / KCC at the peak times on Friday morning, Friday evening and Saturday morning. The four Leura buses will all begin at Fairmont Resort at 5am Saturday. If you are starting in one of the first three start groups in UTA100 or UTA50, it is recommended that you be ready to catch one of these early buses so as not to miss your start time. Only one of Bus Stop 4A / 6A or Bus Stop 4B / 6B will be in operation at any one time. Bus Stop 4A / 6A will operate from Saturday 5am to Saturday 9:15am. Bus Stop 4B / 6B will operate at all other times. It is a 900m walk from Bus Stop 4A / 6A to Scenic World. Note that Bus Stop 4A / 6A is located at the Explorer Bus Stop within the Scenic World bus bays (directly beside the event portaloos). 7

8 BUSES TO PACE UTA22 START LINE ON FRIDAY MORNING On the Friday morning, in addition to the standard event shuttle buses, there will be extra buses to take ALL Pace UTA22 runners, spectators and supporters from Scenic World to the race start at Queen Victoria Hospital. Refer to Pace UTA22 Start, Finish, Checkpoints for further information about these Pace UTA22 event buses. 8

9 5) CHECK YOUR PERSONAL DETAILS BY 9pm SUNDAY 13 th MAY It is important that you have provided your most current contact and emergency information. Please login to your user profile / online entry form to check all your details and make any necessary updates to mobile phone number, medical conditions, support crew information and emergency contact information. Any changes to your personal details must be done online by 9pm, Sunday 13 th May Ensure your emergency contact is aware that you are in the event and that they are available on the supplied phone number during the event. For competitors who live overseas, please also provide a local contact and phone number of someone locally who knows you are participating in the event. This can be a local friend or simply the hotel where you are staying. International runners who are arriving in Australia after 13 th May and are buying a local SIM card once they arrive, should not update their 'User Profile' but should instead either their new mobile phone number to info@ultratrailaustralia.com.au or notify the staff at the Transfers desk at Race Check-In. Note that as race bibs have been printed already, it is too late to amend start group request, approved start group or t-shirt size. 6) LATE ENTRY TRANSFERS Refer to the event website for details regarding Late Entry Transfers 7) RACE CHECK-IN AND GEAR CHECK You will need to have passed gear check before performing Race Check-In. To save time at Race Check-In you can complete an early gear check at one of the nominated gear check stores. See Mandatory Gear section on the event website for details. You will receive a gear check certificate when you pass your gear check. Make sure you bring your gear check certificate to Race Check-In. If you forget to bring your certificate to Race Check-In, the staff will be able to look you up in the gear check database and issue you with a new certificate. Gear checks can also be done at Race Check-In. If you have not already performed an early gear check, ensure you bring all of your mandatory gear to Race Check-In including the additional items (waterproof pants and fleece). When you pass gear check you will be given a certificate with your name. You will need this to perform Race Check-In. Pace Athletic and other exhibitors at the Event Expo will be open for any necessary last minute purchases. All of your mandatory gear except for the additional items must be carried with you for the full duration of the event. You must carry all of the same gear as was passed at your gear check. Notification of what to do with your additional items will be provided at Race Check-In - refer to the Mandatory Gear Section. 8) RACE CHECK-IN PROCESS Race Check-in is at the KCC Auditorium on Thursday and Friday. See the Event Schedule above for times. To Race Check-In you should bring: 1. Photo ID: Make sure you know your race number (refer to the Runner List) before coming to Race Check-In. Race numbers and start groups will also appear on the 2018 event app. 2. Gear check certificate OR Mandatory Gear to complete your gear check At Race Check-In you will be able to collect: 1 x full box of waterproof & windproof safety matches: Part of mandatory gear provided by organisers. 1 x firelighter block for emergency use only: Part of mandatory gear provided by organisers. You will need to provide your own zip lock bag or container for the firelighter block. Those already with gear check certificates will proceed directly to the Race Check-In tables. Those needing to have their gear checked will be directed to the gear check section first. At Race Check-In you will need to sign that you have read and understood the Acknowledgement, Release and Indemnity. You will then receive your race pack which will include the following: 1. Course Map: This will be on one double-sided, A3 colour sheet. This is the same map as displayed on 9

10 the website but with a different print layout and much higher resolution. Use the map given in your race pack rather than printing your own. The route is pre-marked on the map. The map is not waterproofed. It is your responsibility to keep your map dry either with a waterproof map case or map contact. 2. Course Descriptions: A simple overview of the course listing each track of the route and important safety information. These are the same as shown on the website. These are not waterproofed. It is your responsibility to keep them dry either with a waterproof map case or map contact x Race Number and Safety Pins with Attached Disposable Timing Tag (Bib Tag): Your race number must be visible at all times on the outside of your clothing and on the front of your body over your belly or chest. It must not be worn on your pants or leg. Do not cover over your race number with any backpack strap or article of clothing such as thermal top, waterproof jacket (including see-through jackets) or high-visibility vest as this can prevent your timing tag from registering at the timing points, it will affect your event photos, it will mean you can t be scanned easily at remote timing points and your drop bags will not be fetched as quickly at relevant checkpoints. Do not fold, bend, cut or pierce your race number. It must be worn as is, unfolded. Consider using a race belt to attach your number to. Refer to Race Number Wearing Instructions 4. 1 x Disposable Timing Tag (Bag Tag) and Cable Tie: This timing tag must be secured to the back of your running backpack. Refer to how to attach your bag tag to your backpack. MAKE SURE NOT TO LOSE THE BAG TAG OR CABLE TIE FROM THE SLEEVE OF YOUR RACE PACK! 5. Participants Emergency Instructions: This will be a double-sided A5 sheet on waterproof paper x Official Support Crew Car Sticker: If you have a support crew, this sticker must be stuck to the outside of the support crew vehicle s front windscreen either to the top and middle or to the top left hand side. If you do not have a support crew you can use this sticker however you like. It does not need to be carried with you in the race. Note this sticker does not give access to the event parking area on KCC oval during the paid parking periods when a UTA parking pass is required. Note that there is no late Race Check-In available on the Saturday morning. Event t-shirt: Once you have completed Race Check-In you can collect your free Event t-shirt by showing your race pack to the t-shirt hand out staff. Your race number lists your t-shirt size. You are not able to swap sizes during Race Check-In, however you may try to change t-shirt sizes on the Saturday or Sunday from the UTA Shop. Exchanges are purely dependent upon size availability. To swap, your original t-shirt must be unworn and in new condition. 9) START GROUPS Your approved start group will be shown on your race number. You must start in the start group that appears on your race number. If you start in an earlier start group than that specified on your race number you will automatically be disqualified. This will not be corrected later and you will remain disqualified. If you are late for your start, you will not be disqualified and the start group you actually start in will be used for your start time. Note that the start time used to calculate your final result and your belt buckle eligibility will be the gun time of your start group, ie anyone crossing the start line between 6:20 and 6:24 will be given a start time of Start Group 1 which is 6:20. Your timing tags allow the timing system to record which start group you start in as you cross the start line timing mat. If you find that your start group is much faster than you, you will get left behind and after a short time, runners from the group behind you will catch up to you. In this case you must let faster runners from later start groups pass you as soon as they catch up to you. If you are on narrow walking track this will mean that you will probably have to stand off to the side of the track to let the faster runners go past and continue to do this until you end up with runners of your own ability. The table below shows the start group timings: 10

11 START GROUP TIMINGS Start Group Start Time Expected Position in field Number of runners in start group (based on 1300 starters) Start Group 1 6:20am Top 15% 190 Start Group 2 6:27am 15% to 30% 248 Start Group 3 6:56am 30% to 42% 173 Start Group 4 7:06am 42% to 54% 146 Start Group 5 7:21am 54% to 66% 144 Start Group 6 7:37am 66% to 83% 169 Start Group 7 7:54am 83% to 100% 232 COURSE CONGESTION There is not much opportunity to pass on walking tracks. It is very important that you let people pass especially if the next start group catches up to you. If you find that you are in the front of a long line of runners, it may not be the runner directly behind you that wants to pass but the runners further back in the line. However it is extremely tricky for them to do so because they can t ask you directly. If you hear someone yell out that they would like to pass, they are not being rude, it is the only way they can let you know. If you have a line of runners behind you, yell back from time to time to ask if anyone wants to pass. This will hopefully allow everyone to keep happy and on the usual friendly terms with each other. This is a long and hard race and there is always such great camaraderie and respect between the runners as people battle against the course and struggle within themselves rather than against fellow competitors. If everyone can be respectful of each other by allowing others to pass when requested, the atmosphere of the event should always remain friendly. 10) CHECKPOINTS AND LOGISTICS CHECKPOINT DISTANCE LOCATION DETAILS Checkpoint km Narrow Neck No support crew permitted. Water, Hammer Nutrition Endurolytes Fizz drink (pre-mixed) and Hammer gels, fruit, salt and lollies. Checkpoint km Dunphy s Camp No support crew permitted. Water, Hammer Nutrition Endurolytes FIZZ drink (pre-mixed) and Hammer gels, bakery goods, fruit, salt, chips, lollies, hot water, tea and coffee. Checkpoint 3 46km Six Foot Track Support crew permitted. Water, Hammer Nutrition Endurolytes FIZZ drink (pre-mixed) and Hammer gels, Coca-Cola, bakery goods, fruit, salt, chips, lollies, hot water, tea, coffee and soup. A food van will be selling various hot food, drinks and coffee. Checkpoint km Katoomba Aquatic Centre Checkpoint km Queen Victoria Hospital Support crew permitted. Water, Hammer Nutrition Endurolytes FIZZ drink (pre-mixed) and Hammer gels, Coca-Cola, bakery goods, fruit, salt, chips, lollies, hot water, tea, coffee and soup. Support crew permitted. Water, Hammer Nutrition Endurolytes FIZZ drink (pre-mixed) and Hammer gels, Coca-Cola, bakery goods, fruit, salt, chips, lollies, hot water, tea, coffee and soup. A food van will be selling various hot food, drinks and coffee. There will also be two other water points on the course. These are remote sites and provide water only and DO NOT provide food or Hammer hydration drinks. These include: Water point at Fairmont Resort at 69.4km with water, chips, salt and lollies only. Supporters are welcome to come here to cheer on their runners and enjoy the services at The Fairmont Resort. 11

12 Fairmont Resort welcomes not just houseguests, but everyone to eat at the cafes, restaurants and bars and to use any of the facilities including the amazing kids play area. NOTE: Support to runners is not permitted here. Emergency Aid Station at 91.2km with water, salt and lollies only. RUNNER ONLY AREA As runners arrive at Checkpoints 3, 4 and 5 they will be within a bunted off area which contains the race food area/marquee and drop bag area/marquee. Support crews are not permitted to enter these runner only areas. Runners may exit the runner only area to access their support crew. Runners must re-enter the runner area to continue on the course and cross the timing mats at the exit of these checkpoints. CHECKING IN AND OUT OF CHECKPOINTS On arrival at each checkpoint make sure you follow the bunting so that you pass through each timing zone. There are also timing zones at the exit of Checkpoints 3, 4 and 5. Ensure you do not miss these exit timing zones especially if you have been out of the main checkpoint area with your support crew. Note that the entrance point is directly beside the exit point at both Checkpoint 3 and Checkpoint 4. So instead of continuing in a linear fashion through the entrance, the checkpoint site and the exit like you do at Checkpoint 5, you will perform a U- turn within Checkpoints 3 and 4 to exit directly beside the entrance. 11) DROP BAGS There is a drop bag service for runners without a support crew. Runners may use a mixture of support crew at some checkpoints and the drop bag service at other checkpoints. The drop bag service should not be used for any checkpoints that your support crew will definitely be in attendance. Drop bags can be useful for extra food, gels, body lubricant, spare socks, clothing, batteries and spare headlamp at the checkpoints and for warm, dry clothing and footwear at the finish. Drop bags will be taken to the following locations: Checkpoint 3 (Six Foot Track) Checkpoint 4 (Katoomba Aquatic Centre) Checkpoint 5 (Queen Victoria Hospital) The Finish (Scenic World) One drop bag per runner is permitted for each of the above locations. Drop bags must be closable and SOFT (Woolworths/Coles Cool Bags are strongly recommended). Plastic bags/garbage bags and hard plastic boxes will not be accepted. Checkpoint drop bags must be less than 20 litres in volume and less than 10kg in weight. The finish drop bag can be as large as needed. Drop bags must not contain any glass bottles. Any liquids must be limited and if included, must be securely contained. Valuable items should not be left in drop bags. All drop bags must be clearly marked with surname, race number and checkpoint location (ie CP3, CP4, CP5 or FINISH). Write on the drop bag with a thick permanent marker pen rather than trying to attach a label that will likely be ripped from the bag in transport and handling. Checkpoint drop bags must be delivered to the checkpoint trucks at Race Check-In on the Friday evening between either 4:30pm-5:30pm or 6:15pm-8pm. You must not leave checkpoint drop bags prior to 4:30pm Friday as they need to be placed directly into the correct checkpoint trucks and the trucks will not be on site until after that time. It is the responsibility of the runner to ensure checkpoint drop bags are placed into the correct checkpoint trucks on the Friday evening. All checkpoint drop bags must be in by 8pm on the Friday evening. Finish drop bags should be left in the drop bag marquee in CMS (near the start line) on the Saturday morning. Refer to the Event Hub map. At each drop bag location, checkpoint staff will line up drop bags in race number order. Any bags without a name and race number written clearly, securely and easily visible will not be able to be placed into order. Only the runner can collect their drop bag at the drop bag locations. Once each checkpoint drop bag is finished with it must be taken to the used drop bag pile. 12

13 Drop bags will be returned to the drop bag marquee at CMS within 4 hours of the relevant checkpoint cut-off time. It is the responsibility of runners to collect their drop bags from the drop bag marquee at CMS. Any drop bags not collected by midday on the Sunday will be disposed of. 12) SUPPORT CREWS There is a separate support crew briefing document. Make sure your support crew have a copy. 13) COURSE ROUTE The course is marked with a combination of pink flagging tape (with reflective strips from CP3) and A5 size red on white arrows and crosses. At all intersections there will be an arrow indicating the direction to travel followed by two pieces of confirmation pink flagging tape a short distance along the correct route. There will be a cross within 20m along any of the incorrect routes out of each junction. There will also be pink flagging tape at least every 500m along the entire route. There are distance signs every 5km. Some of the course markings will be put up over a week before the event. Whilst the route will be checked in the few hours prior to the arrival of the first runners, it is still possible for vandals to pull down or change the markings. It is the ultimate responsibility for each runner to know the course and follow the map so they have a general idea of where they are on the course at all times. Refer to The Course on the event website for maps, course descriptions, GPX files of the course and information about the mapping phone app. The Tarros ladders are at the 22km mark (off the end of Narrow Neck) and are usually descended on steel spikes in the rocks. For the event there will be two extension ladders in series with rope safety cages. A constant flow of runners is allowed on the ladders with up to eight people on the ladders at a time. Exercise caution. There is little opportunity for passing between the end of Glenraphael Drive and the base of the ladders, a distance of 400m. Put any trekking poles inside your running pack to prevent them from getting caught in the rope cage of the ladders. If you have non-collapsible trekking poles or a very large backpack you should travel via the alternate route via Duncan s Pass. The Tarros ladders will be the primary route through this section. If the ladders become busy, event officials will direct runners to the alternate route via Duncan s Pass. The Duncan s Pass route is about 300m longer. Duncan s Pass is not a designated walking trail and it should not be used outside of the event. Please note there are two split points between the UTA100 and UTA50 routes in the first 4.9km of the 100km course. The first is at Glenraphael Drive, the 1.1km mark where 100km runners continue straight ahead along Cliff Drive (50km runners turn left into Glenraphael Drive). The second is at Katoomba Cascades Park, the 4.9km mark where 100km runners turn right and head down some stairs to a bridge across Katoomba Cascades (50km runners continue straight ahead and onto Prince Henry Cliff Walk). 100km and 50km runners will be mixed together at this second split point so ensure you keep alert, follow signage and listen to direction of marshals at this location. 14) COURSE NOTES The walking tracks can be rough and uneven. Particularly rough sections are at The Landslide (around the 7.6km mark), from the end of Glenraphael Drive to the top of Tarros Ladders (around the 21.6km mark), some sections along Ironpot Ridge between 33.7km and 35km, and the untracked downhill section between 35km and 35.6km. There are also sections with steep staircases that you will be descending. These are Furber Steps between 5.3km and 6km and Giant Stairway between 61.1km and 61.6km. These stairs are extremely steep and narrow and will be slippery in wet conditions. You must take extreme care. 13

14 In wet conditions the walking trails become very slippery. Please take care, especially around the cliff edges. Especially slippery when wet are the Tarros Ladders and the rocks accessing the ladders, the Golden Stairs up to Narrow Neck in Leg 1 and Giant Stairway. Take extreme care. The walking tracks sometimes go along unguarded cliff edges. It is your responsibility to proceed with caution. 15) RUBBISH (LEAVE NO TRACE) It should go without saying NO LITTERING. This is a World Heritage listed area that we are very lucky to have permission to use. Be particularly aware of gel tops. Please use the bins provided at each checkpoint to dispose of your rubbish. If you see rubbish that is obviously from another runner we would love you to pick it up. Watch this 4 minute film to inspire you to keep our land free from litter. 16) TOILETS / HUMAN WASTE (LEAVE NO TRACE) Please do not leave poo and piles of toilet paper for everyone to see either on or beside the track. On the course there are toilets at the following locations: as you return past the start area (3.9km -44 toilets) at Checkpoint 1 (11.4km - 4 toilets) at Narrow Neck fire tower (18.4km - 1 toilet) at Checkpoint 2 (31.6km - 3 toilets) at Checkpoint 3 (46km - 8 toilets) at Checkpoint 4 (57.3km - 4 toilets) at Echo Point (60.7km - 4 toilets) at Leura Cascades carpark, 200m off the course route (64.2km - 2 toilets) at Gordon Falls Reserve (66.2km -2 toilets) at Fairmont Resort Water point (69.4km 4 toilets) at Conservation Hut area (71.8km -2 toilets) at Wentworth Falls Picnic Area (73km -2 toilets) at Checkpoint 5 (78.4km -25 toilets) at Emergency Aid Station (91.2km 2 toilets) If you do need to poo while on course, move at least 15 metres from the track and well away from any gullies and watercourses, make a hole at least 15 to 20 cm deep and cover it up afterwards. Instead of using toilet paper, wash using water. If you use toilet paper put this in a zip lock bag and take it out with you. 17) COURSE SAFETY This is a long event and contains walking tracks and fire roads. You will be travelling through remote areas that are not easily accessible. The temperature in mid May in the Blue Mountains can vary widely from below zero, snow and rain to pleasant sunny days. The nights are always cold so expect a night maximum of 5 degrees Celsius. The wind chill can lower this substantially. The mandatory gear requirements are for your safety and are the bare minimum that you will need. Please check forecasts and be prepared for all conditions they can change quickly. Consider carrying, or having accessible, extra warm gear if the weather requires. If you are injured, tired or lost you may have to wait out in the open for up to several hours during the night in wet, freezing conditions. Medical teams will reach any injured participants as soon as possible but depending on the location this may still take up to 2 hours. You should familiarise yourself with the correct use of a space blanket. If using a space blanket, wrap it fully around your body. If you need to stop, seek shelter from the elements, use your backpack for insulation from the ground, put on all your dry clothing and wrap the space blanket as tightly as possible around your whole body. In emergency only, light a small fire for warmth using your matches and firelighter. Do not create a bush fire. 14

15 Each runner is ultimately responsible for their own wellbeing. Please be aware of the effects of dehydration, hypothermia, and extreme fatigue. If you are not fit to continue please withdraw from the race at the next checkpoint. The walking tracks are not closed to other users. Be aware of tourists and other walkers on the walking trails. There are some steep and narrow stairways with no passing in many spots. Do not push past people. There will be many tourists on most of the cliff top tracks of Leg 5. Giant Stairway, at the 61.1km mark, is one of the busiest trails in Australia, it is also one of the narrowest and worst for running down during busy daylight hours. So for the safety of tourists and yourselves, all 100km runners must stop running 5m before reaching any tourist or other person on the Giant Stairway. You must walk this final 5m and then can start running again as soon as you are completely passed the other person. The marshals on Giant Stairway will remind you. Most roads are not closed to traffic. The only road closures will be: A full road closure of the first 4.8km of the race on Cliff Drive between Narrow Neck Road and Katoomba Falls Road. (Closed 5am 9:15am) A half road closure of the Western lane of Tableland Rd between 76.4km and 78.4km. (Closed 8:15am Saturday 5:40am Sunday) All other roads are open to vehicle traffic. Give way to all vehicles on the public roads. Use caution at road crossings. You should run on the footpath or road verge of all bitumen roads unless told otherwise. On Sublime Point Road you must travel within the runner laneway along the Western (left hand) edge of the road. 18) HIGH VISIBILITY SAFETY VESTS The high visibility safety vest (Australian Standard AS/NZS 4602:1999 or AS/NZS 4602:2010 or AS/NZS 4602: 2011 D/N Class for day and night time wear) must be carried at ALL times. The vest must be worn as the outer most layer and over the top of your running backpack at the following specific times and places (your race number must still be visible on your front and over the top of your vest): 1. At night along Megalong Valley Road. This is the main dirt road from the 39km mark. You must wear your vest from the 39km mark all the way to CP3. 2. At night once you get to the bitumen roads through Katoomba at the 56km mark. You need to wear your vest along all the bitumen roads to access CP4 and continue to wear your vest from CP4 to the crossing of Cliff Drive at about the 59km mark. You can remove your vest again after crossing Cliff Drive. 3. When entering Willoughby Road or Sublime Point Road (67.8km mark) from 4:45pm onwards. You can remove your vest at the Fairmont Resort Water Point. 4. When entering Hordern Road from Wentworth Falls walking tracks (75.3km mark) from 4:40pm onwards. You can remove your vest at CP5 but remember you still need to carry it to the finish. 5. Whenever an official requests you to wear your vest. This could include any time driver visibility is poor such as in late afternoon / night or in fog during day or night. This will apply to travel on any bitumen road or dirt firetrail. High visibility vests are available for sale at the UTA Shop at the Event Expo. 19) PHONE COVERAGE We strongly recommend you have a Telstra phone on this course. There is Telstra mobile phone coverage over most of the course. Optus has between good and patchy coverage over approximately 50% of the course. There is very limited coverage on Vodaphone. Note that text messages may get through where reception is poor. There is no phone reception at the following locations: No Optus reception on Furber Steps and all the way along Federal Pass to CP1. No Telstra reception on the lower half of Furber Steps. No Optus reception from 18.4km near the Narrow Neck Fire Tower for the rest of Leg 2 and the first section of Leg 3 to 32.4km just before Ironpot Ridge. You can get coverage at CP2. Limited Telstra reception in the lead-up to Taross Ladders from 18.4km to 21km. No Telstra reception along Medlow Gap firetrail from 24km to 29.6km. 15

16 Limited Optus and Telstra reception on the North side of Ironpot Mountain from 35km to 36.5km. No Optus or Telstra reception from the 38km mark and along the Megalong Valley Road to the 42km mark. No Optus or Telstra reception from the 51km mark up the Six Foot Track to the top of Nellies Glen at 54km. No Optus or Telstra reception from Leura Forest (62.5km) to Leura Cascades (64km) via Federal Pass, Fern Bower Track and Amphitheatre Track. No Optus reception between 85km and 87km (in the gully of Jamison Creek) or between 89km and 92km (in the gully of Leura Falls Creek) or between 93km and The Finish. There is Telstra reception for most of Leg 6 except for down in the two main creek gullies (Jamison Creek and Leura Falls Creek), in the 400m either side of Leura Forest and on the lower section of Furber Steps. 20) FIRST AID / PHYSIO There is first aid available at every checkpoint, at Fairmont Resort 69.4km Water Point, at the 91.2km Emergency Aid Station and at the Finish. There are also roaming first aid vehicles on the course for emergencies. Each participant is responsible for their own basic first aid and should carry their own blister pads/bandaids, body lubricant, sunscreen and strapping tape. If you pass an injured runner or a runner who is obviously struggling on the course, please stop to help them and follow the Participant Emergency Instructions card. Keep a record of how long you stopped to assist, notify the timing staff ASAP at the finish line and they will organise to adjust your time accordingly. The Body Mechanic will be providing physiotherapists at checkpoints 3, 4, 5 and the finish. The physios at the finish can be found in the medical centre within the Recovery Zone at CMS. 21) WITHDRAWING FROM THE EVENT Any withdrawal must be at a checkpoint unless you are assisted from the course by the event Medical Team. To withdraw at a checkpoint: 1. Notify the checkpoint staff that you are withdrawing from the event. 2. Complete and sign the checkpoint withdrawal form. After you have withdrawn, your support crew may collect you from either Checkpoint 3, 4 or 5. If you do not have a support crew, transport will be arranged for you back to the Event HQ as soon as possible. If you withdraw from the event at any other safe location and are unable to go to the nearest checkpoint to complete the withdrawal form, you must immediately phone the Event Safety Team phone number (listed on your Participants Emergency Instructions card and on the back of your race number) and state that you are withdrawing from the race. They will want to know that you are healthy, the extent of any injuries you have sustained and that you are at a safe location such as back at your accommodation with someone to look after you. If you can t continue to the next checkpoint and need first aid / medical assistance on the course, phone the Event Safety Team phone number (listed on your Participants Emergency Instructions card and on the back of your race number). The Safety Team will arrange to retrieve you. Support crews are not allowed to enter the event course to collect runners. 22) ESTIMATED RUNNER TIMES AND CUT-OFF TIMES There is a 28-hour limit to complete the full 100km course. If you complete the course in under 20 hours you will receive an Ultra-Trail Australia bronze belt buckle. If you complete the course in under 14 hours you will receive an Ultra-Trail Australia silver belt buckle. The winning male and female will receive the Ultra-Trail Australia gold belt buckle. The following cut-off times are for leaving the relevant location. Runners arriving after the cut-off time will not be permitted to continue on the course. Estimated times of first, middle and last runner arrivals are also listed. 16

17 Location Distance First Arrival Mid-Pack Arrival Last Arrival Cut-Off Checkpoint km Checkpoint km Checkpoint 3 46km Checkpoint km Fairmont 69.4km (Sunday) 0239 (Sunday) Checkpoint km (Sunday) 0539 (Sunday) Finish 100km (Sunday) 1154 (Sunday) 23) MANDATORY GEAR All the Mandatory Gear listed below must be carried by each runner at ALL times. This is the absolute minimum gear that should be carried. For full details on each item refer to the Mandatory Gear List on the event website. 1 x Long Sleeve Thermal Top (polypropylene, wool) 1 x Long Leg Thermal Pants (polypropylene, wool) 1 x Waterproof and Breathable Jacket with Fully Taped (Not Critically Taped) Waterproof Seams and Hood 1 x Beanie, Balaclava or Head Sock (Buff) 1 x Full-Fingered Lightweight Thermal Gloves (Polypropylene, Wool) 1 x High-Visibility Safety Vest that complies with Australian Standard AS/NZS 4602: D/N Class for Day and Night Time Wear (can be purchased at UTA shop at the expo) 1 x Headlamp 1 x Small Backup Light 1 x Mobile Phone in Working Order with Fully Charged Battery 1 x Compass 1 x Whistle 1 x Emergency Space Blanket (or Light Bivvy Sack Equivalent) 1 x Compression Bandage (Minimum Dimensions 7.5cm Wide x 2.3m Long Unstretched) 1 x Lightweight Dry Sack Water Bottles or Bladders, 2 Litre Capacity 2 x Food Bars / Portions 1 x Ziplock Bag for Personal Rubbish 1 x Waterproof Map Case 1 x Course Map and set of Course Descriptions (provided in race pack) 1 x Participants Emergency Instructions Card (provided in race pack) 1 x Full Box of Waterproof and Windproof Safety Matches (provided at race check-in) 1 x Firelighter Block for Emergency Use Only (provided at race check-in) 1 x Race Number (provided in race pack) 1 x Timing Tag for Backpack (Bag Tag) (provided in race pack) 1 x Long Leg Waterproof Pants * 1 x 100-Weight (Minimum) Long Sleeve Synthetic Fleece Top ** Footnotes: * You will only be required to carry the waterproof pants if weather conditions are wet. ** There will be two different scenarios, based upon the weather, for what you will need to do with your 100- weight long sleeve synthetic fleece top: SCENARIO 1. The fleece top may be compulsory from the start if weather conditions are expected to be bad. 17

18 SCENARIO 2. If not made compulsory from the start, the fleece top will be compulsory to carry from CP4 from 4:30pm and compulsory to carry from CP5 from 7:30pm. Depending on your speed, you will need to have your fleece available at either CP4 or CP5. Please read the following recommendations and decide which option will guarantee you have the fleece top in the right location for when it becomes compulsory: a) You will definitely be departing CP4 well before 4:30pm so you should put your fleece into your CP5 drop bag. Note that 70% of runners who make it through CP4, depart CP4 before 4:30pm. b) You will definitely be departing CP4 after 4:30pm so you should put your fleece into your CP4 drop bag. c) You will be departing CP4 around 4:30pm or are not actually sure what time you will departing CP4; either put the items into your CP4 drop bag and carry them from CP4 regardless of the time OR have two fleeces with one in your CP4 drop bag and one in your CP5 drop bag. If you have a support crew, it will be easier for you as they can have your fleece available at CP4 and at CP5. Notification for Waterproof Pants and 100-Weight Fleece regarding when they must be carried will be made at 4pm Friday and publicised at the 4:30pm Race Check-In, at the Race Briefing, via the event Facebook Page and the event app. There may be random gear checks during the race and at the finish line. There are severe time penalties (40 minutes per item) for not carrying the mandatory equipment plus you will not be able to continue on course until you acquire the missing item - and it will be up to you to arrange for the item to be brought to you. Other recommended items: A collapsible cup (useful for soup, tea, coffee, water and sports drink as single use cups are not provided at checkpoints) Anti-chafe Body Glide / body lubricant Sunscreen Cap or sun hat Favourite race food Spare socks Spare headlight batteries Additional warmer clothing and wet weather clothing at supported checkpoints A spare good quality headlamp in case your primary headlamp fails so you don t have to run the rest of the way with just your backup light. More substantial first aid kit (sterile dressings, roll of strapping tape, blister care such as blister block patches, Compeed or Fixamol, antiseptic wipes and any relevant personal medications). External battery charger for charging your phone 24) TIMING, RACE RESULTS WITH LIVETRAIL AND EVENT PHONE APP Race timing will be at the start to check you started in your correct start wave. Race timing will also be at: Cliff Drive (1km mark) Checkpoint 4 (57.3km) Cliff Drive (3km mark) Fairmont Resort Water Point (69.4km) Checkpoint 1 (11.4km) Checkpoint 5 (78.4km) Little Cedar Gap (22.5km) Sewerage Treatment Works (94.3km) Checkpoint 2 (31.6km) Base of Furber Steps (99.1km) Ironpot Ridge turnaround (34.8km) The Finish (100km) Checkpoint 3 (46km) Results from every timing point will be automatically posted to the live event website and the event app as soon as each runner arrives. Race reports, photos, the UTA Live TV and the map with live GPS tracking of the top runners and of runners who have hired GPS trackers will also be posted to the live website, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. #ultratrailaustralia, #UTA100, #UTA50, #PaceUTA22, #ScenicWorldUTA951, 18

19 Note that GPS trackers will be handed out on the start line from 5:40am to the top expected 100km runners and to runners who have hired them. GPS trackers MUST BE placed as high as possible in the backpack or they will not get a signal and they will be useless. After the 3km timing point at Cliff Dirve, the timing program, LiveTrail, will provide an estimate of the time that each runner is due to arrive at their next timing point. It will also show runner s last timing point positions on a course map or course elevation profile. The link to LiveTrail will be on the live event website. ULTRA-TRAIL AUSTRALIA EVENT APP The Ultra-Trail Australia Event App for iphone and Android will be available from the app store or Google play approximately 1 week prior to the event. It contains all essential race information including the event schedule, maps, this competitor briefing document, results (runner splits and times), leaderboard (top 15 runners overall, gender or age category at any point in time), runner GPS tracking (to follow runners with an event GPS tracker), Event bus GPS tracking, UTA Live TV and event feed via Facebook. Last minute communications and race updates will be sent out via the App so please turn on push notifications when downloading the app. Live Timing Data taken from LiveTrail, including a leaderboard will be available in the app. Followers can search for your race number or name and see your expected time to arrive at the next timing point as well as see your race splits through each timing point. 25) MAPPING PHONE APP We highly recommend installing this free app and loading the course map into your smart phone for finding your way around the course in training. It will also be useful during the event in case you need first aid assistance on the course and need to describe your exact location. Details on how to load and use this App are on the website under the Mapping Phone App Section of The Course. 26) EVENT RULES 1. You must complete the marked course on foot under your own power. 2. Performance enhancing drugs are prohibited in accordance with The World Anti-Doping Code. Refer to the list of prohibited substances and methods under the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority. 3. Trekking poles are not permitted to be used in Leg 1 of the course due to creating a dangerous tripping hazard. 4. Trekking poles must be fully collapsible so they can either fit inside your running pack or be strapped to the outside of your running pack when not in use. Trekking poles must not be held in your hands and must not protrude from your running pack at times when their use is not permitted. 5. Trekking poles are permitted to be used from Checkpoint 1 onwards however they must be used in a safe manner so as not to affect the safety of other runners or tourists on trails. 6. Your race number must be visible at all times on the outside of your clothing and on the front of your body over your belly or chest. It must not be worn on your pants or leg. Do not cover over your race number with any backpack strap or article of clothing such as thermal top, waterproof jacket (including see-through jackets) or high-visibility safety vest. Refer to Race Number Wearing Instructions. 7. You must not fold, cut or change your race number in any way. It must be worn as is, unfolded. 8. Your bag timing tag must be attached securely to the back of your running backpack. If you change backpacks during the event you must re-attach the bag tag to your new backpack. Refer to Instructions for Attaching Bag Timing Tag 9. You must start in the start group that appears on your race number. You may also start in a later start group. You must not start in an earlier start group. If you start in an earlier start group than that 19