Wild Mount Trail Run

RUNNERS GO WILD IN THE WEST

Runners are set to ascend and descend on Mount Buangor come Saturday 3 December, 2022, with the return of the Wild Mount Trail Run. The event sees hundreds of runners explore a hidden gem natural wonder of mountain topography set sky-high within Buangor State Park, located near Beaufort, 45 minutes west of Ballarat.

Wild Mount Trail Run features a loop-course half marathon (21km) with 11km and 5km distances ensuring there is a fun run outing for everyone wanting to go a little wild with their running prior to the festive season.

“There’s something special about this particular course,” says race director Chris Ord, from organising event company Tour de Trails. “The landscapes of Mt Beeripmo, Mt Cole/Buangor and the Cave Hill Creek valley below it is a slice of captivating wilderness and the Beeripmp walking trail on which we run is a hidden gem.

“Spiritually, it feels like a powerful place, something that makes sense given it is located near the intersection of three First Nations: the Wadawurrung, Eastern Maar and the DjaDja Wurrung. Something tells me it was a somewhat peaceful and meaningful meeting place,” hypothesises Chris. “It has certain a sense of serenity, energy and abundance. Of course, more practically for runners seeking an experience they won’t forget, there are the breathtaking views towards Mt Langi Ghiran, the sweeping trails, the climb up to Raglan Falls – it’s a trail runners’ paradise!”says Chris, who characterises the runs as mildly technical, but “always fun”.

“The 21km has a good amount of climbing in it – approaching 1000 metres of ascent – so that distance is for runners who have at least a little training in their legs! The 11km has a decent climb profile also, but it is shorter and no real cut off time, so you could walk it at a fast pace and be fine. The 5km is great for a quick dash or for beginners, families and kids – although my two daughters did the longer 11km loop and got along it just fine!”

Wild Mount Trail Run will again operate from the popular Cave Hill Creek Camp which is supporting the event hosting the start and finish in a rear paddock with a mountain view perspective.

Organisers expect 300-400 runners and are hoping participants from across the district – Ballarat, Bendigo, Ararat, Stawell, the Grampians, Horsham and Avoca – will embrace the run as their own as a pre-Christmas run party, and help it grow to become a premiere trail running event of Western Victoria.

Details and entry at: www.wildmountrun.com