ATHLETE HANDBOOK GC50 RUN FESTIVAL 1

ATHLETE HANDBOOK GC50 RUN FESTIVAL 1

WELCOME... IAN CORNELIUS SHANE SMITH Welcome to the 21 st running of the Gold Coast 50. The event has seen several changes over the years, but none as profound as this year. With a completely revamped finish area, new finish arch, carpeted finish chute, announcers and entertainment, this year s event promises to be the most exciting yet. The course has been modified to eliminate some potential traffic conflicts, making the races much safer for runners. We now have access to the beachfront path behind the Tallebudgera Surf Club, and at Palm Beach we can use the path adjacent to the picturesque Pirates Treasure Island Cove, crossing Currumbin Creek at Thrower Bridge rather than the main Gold Coast Highway Bridge. We lose the picturesque Point Danger hill, but our runners safety is paramount. With the hill out of the equation, the course is bound to be faster. Thanks to Race Patron Steve Moneghetti, the Galeforce Pacers and the Gold Coast Meter Maids for their participation and support. Thanks also to our many sponsors and to the 120 or so volunteers, all of whom do a fantastic job and add to the colour of the event. Also, huge thanks to Race Director Shelly and the rest of the team. Firstly, let me say what an honor it is for Sport 3 Event Management to take over the organisation of the GC50 Run Festival. The event has been a staple for runners for over 20 years and forms part of the iconic running events held on the beautiful Gold Coast. With Sport 3 Event Management based on the Gold Coast, the opportunity to manage this event was too much to turn down when Ian approached us about taking over the race. Ian and Shelly have been instrumental in the success of the event for several years and I believe with the base they have formed and our company s experience the event can lift to another level in prestige and participation. For the 2017 event you will definitely notice some changes but our event still maintains its family atmosphere and core values of the past 20 years. I look forward to welcoming you to the finish line. Shane Smith General Manager The events are along one of the most picturesque run courses in the world and I hope that you enjoy your experience. Ian Cornelius Event Organiser, GC Ultras 2 ATHLETE HANDBOOK GC50 RUN FESTIVAL

WELCOME... STEVE MONEGHETTI I am delighted to return as Patron for the upcoming GC50 race on Sunday, 10 December. Having done the 30km distance last year I saw first-hand what a well-oiled machine this event is. But not only is it well organised, it runs along one of the best beachfronts in the world with beautiful views out across the water at many points along the courses. The participants and volunteers are very supportive and it is one of the bonuses of the out-and-back course that you can see and interact with other runners along the way. I really enjoyed the camaraderie that all involved in the races share with each other; it is one of the main reasons for me to be coming back. Whilst I am unable to run this year I am looking forward to sharing some insights into long distance running and supporting many of you as you take on the challenge that the GC50 provides. See you there. Steve Moneghetti Event Patron ATHLETE HANDBOOK GC50 RUN FESTIVAL 3

EVENT SCHEDULE SATURDAY 9 DECEMBER 2017 TIME 10:00am 5:00pm ACTIVITY Race registrations open at Kurrawa Surf Club (downstairs next to Tower 28 Cafe, facing the ocean) Race registrations close at Kurrawa Surf Club. SUNDAY 10 DECEMBER 2017 TIME 4:00am 4:50am 5:00am 5:15am 5:20am 5:30am 5:35am 5:45am 5:50am From 5:00am From 8:00am 1:00pm ACTIVITY Race registrations open at Kurrawa Park (near finish line) Pre-race safety briefing to 50km participants Start 50km event** Start 50km - 2 person relay** Pre-race safety briefing for 30 participants Start 30km event** Pre-race safety briefing for 15km and 5km participants Start 15km event Start 5km event Food/coffee available Entertainment available at the finish line Event ends * Tickets available for Sportsman s Breakfast ** Please ensure you are registered for your event at least 15 minutes prior to the race start BEACHSIDE OLD BURLEIGH ROAD BROADBEACH QLD 4 ATHLETE HANDBOOK GC50 RUN FESTIVAL

GET READY TO EXPERIENCE THE MOST SCENIC ROAD RACE IN AUSTRALIA! ATHLETE HANDBOOK GC50 RUN FESTIVAL 5

EVENT INFORMATION EVENT REGISTRATION Race bibs, timing chips, race singlets and sponsors giveaways will be available for pickup from the new Kurrawa Surf Club on Saturday 9 December between 10:00 am and 5:00pm. Please have your race confirmation email with you on your phone or printed. On race morning registration will take place within Kurrawa Park (north of the Surf Club) from 4:00am. Please have your confirmation email with you on your phone or printed. You must be registered at least 15 minutes prior to your event (or the day prior) so please allow enough time and plan your arrival. TO RELIEVE CONGESTION ON THE MORNING OF THE RACE, PLEASE ATTEMPT TO COLLECT YOUR RACE PACK ON SATURDAY 9 DECEMBER. Please check our Facebook page for announcements in the 24 hours prior to race day. EVENT LOCATION Kurrawa Park, Broadbeach 200m north of the Kurrawa Surf Club. COURSE MAPS AND INFORMATION Please click on the links below to view the spectacular run courses available for the GC50 Run Festival. 5KM RUN COURSE 15KM RUN COURSE 30KM RUN COURSE 50KM RUN COURSE BURLEIGH HEADS AREA COOLANGATTA AREA CURRUMBIN AREA TALLEBUDGERA CREEKAREA 6 ATHLETE HANDBOOK GC50 RUN FESTIVAL

SITE MAP RUN DOWN UNDER BEYOND TM ALTRA CLUB TENT AREA HAMMER JETTS TIMING CHOBANI FA TCC EXIT ATHLETE VILLAGE COFFEE REGO RULES ON THE RUN Runners must follow road rules at all times. The courses are marked with arrows (white arrows on a navy background) with turnaround points for each event clearly marked and marshaled. Runners must stay to the left and all times. Please be courteous to casual walkers enjoying the coastal path. It is important to show respect and politely let them know you are overtaking if and when required. FIRST AID There will be fully qualified paramedics at the finish line of the GC50. If you require assistance out on course please speak with the nearest course marshal (located approximately every 2.5km on course. In case of emergency, please contact 000. ATHLETE HANDBOOK GC50 RUN FESTIVAL 7

EVENT INFORMATION LOCKERS/BAG DROP To ensure the safety and security of your gear, this year we have arranged for a trailer mounted locker facility, supplied by bsafelockers, a local Gold Coast company. The locker size is 300 x 300 x 450mm. It will be located at the start/finish precinct. The price is $10 and you can pay online with entry or on the day. There are 240 lockers available, issued on a first-come-first-served basis. If you have already entered and want a locker, you can go back into your entry portal (the link is on your entry confirmation) and add the locker booking. RESULTS Will be posted on our website and Facebook in real time during the event. THE ATHLETE VILLAGE This year we are excited to introduce The Athlete Village (TAV) The VIP Lounge of Ultra Running. TAV will act as a base for you pre and post event. Located directly next to the finish line (see site map), TAV will include the following resources: CLUB TENTS All qualified club tents (10 or more members entered) will be erected by the organisers within the athlete village, creating a club base. MASSAGE Enjoy a well-earned post-race massage from our friends at Gold Coast Physio & Sports Health. RECOVERY ZONE Take advantage of some post-race drinks, fruit and snacks within the recovery tent. FIRST AID Located within TAV. PRIME LOCATION We ve thrown in some seating, so you can kick back and enjoy watching the remainder of the day s racing after you ve crossed the finish line. EVENT VILLAGE/EXPO Welcome back to the Event Village, where the spectator experience is paramount. We ve brought in local solo acoustic performer Greg J Bryant to serenade us through the morning with his renditions of all time classics. Coffee will be on offer from The Original Woody along with a BBQ laid on by Kurrawa Surf Life Saving Club. Again we ve included some seating in this area but feel free to bring along a picnic rug! Don t forget to check out our expo on the day with a range of sponsors and of course Gold Coast 50 Run Festival Merchandise all open from 5.00am. 8 ATHLETE HANDBOOK GC50 RUN FESTIVAL

AID STATIONS Competitors in the longer events are encouraged to carry their own supplies as the weather can be quite warm at this time of year, especially on the return leg. Full aid stations will be positioned at 5km intervals and will carry: o o o o o Water Hammer Nutrition FIZZ sports drink Coca Cola Banana Glucose type lollies Intermediate aid stations carrying water only will be positioned halfway between each of the 5km aid stations. TIPS ON HYDRATION Make sure you are properly hydrated the night before, take plenty of water during the race and don t forget to take the Hammer Nutrition sports drink. If you are feeling dehydrated or dizzy, get under one of the many showers located along the beachfront. Ice will be available at all major aid stations. The last six aid stations will all carry ice. ATHLETE HANDBOOK GC50 RUN FESTIVAL 9

EVENT INFORMATION PERSONAL SUPPLIES We will drop any personal supplies at the 10km aid station near Tallebudgera SLSC (also 40km on the return) and the 25km turnaround at Coolangatta. Leave in the box provided at the start precinct. These boxes will be removed immediately after the 30km race start at 5:30am. CHECK LIST Below is the race day checklist of item you may wish to bring to the event: RETURN TRANSPORT (RELAY ONLY) What most teams do is have their vehicle driven to the turnaround by the returning runner. The keys are then given to the outbound runner upon their arrival, who drives the vehicle back to the finish. We will have a drop box for car keys at the changeover point. 10 ATHLETE HANDBOOK GC50 RUN FESTIVAL

EVENT INFORMATION PHOTOS FinisherPix will capture your image from various vantage points on the run course and with Steve Moneghetti and at medal presentation with the Meter Maids. For a special pre-race order price of only AUD$29.99 (50km, 30km and relay) or AUD$19.99 (15km and 5km), you can receive the FinisherPix Photo Pack in Digital Format. The FinisherPix Photo Pack includes ALL photos they identify of you. A link to download all images will automatically be emailed to you when the photos are available online. To aid your identification in the photo please ensure that your race bib is clearly visible. Please remember to pre-order these photo packs when you enter the event to take advantage of this great saving. ATHLETE HANDBOOK GC50 RUN FESTIVAL 11

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