Running Wild – Alpine Challenge is a sports club located in the Alpine Shire of Victoria, Australia. This club specialises in organising challenging and scenic trail runs in the Victorian Alps. With a range of distances available, from 10 kilometres to 100 miles, the Alpine Challenge offers something for runners of all levels.
The flagship event of Running Wild – Alpine Challenge is the 100 mile race, covering a distance of 160 kilometres. This course is known to be the toughest and most challenging all-mountain trail run in Australia and the southern hemisphere. Runners will tackle 6 major climbs, including iconic peaks such as Mt Feathertop, Mt Hotham, and Mt Bogong. The course also includes five river crossings, adding to the adventure.
Participants can expect a total ascent and descent of 7,600 metres.
For those looking for slightly shorter distances, the Alpine Challenge offers options such as the 100 kilometre race (4,000 metres of ascent and descent), the 60 kilometre race (2,000 metres of ascent and descent), and the 42 kilometre race (900 metres of ascent).
In order to make the event more accessible to a wider range of participants, Running Wild has introduced shorter course distances of 10, 16, and 25 kilometres. These shorter distances still provide the opportunity to experience the beautiful trails of the Alpine Shire and take in the stunning views, including historic huts and panoramic vistas.
The Alpine Challenge is not just about running, but also about embracing the unique and challenging conditions of the Victorian Alps. Participants must be prepared for extreme weather conditions, including intense heat, snowstorms, and driving rain. Training for all conditions, including running in storms, snow, and at night, is highly recommended.
The event takes place in the Alpine National Park in Victoria, with the start and finish line located at Slalom Plaza in Falls Creek. Pre-race check-in times vary depending on the distance, with staggered start times on Saturdays. The time limit for the 100 mile race is 42 hours, while shorter distances have shorter time limits.
Participants in the shorter course distances can expect well-marked trails, with flags and directional signs guiding the way. For the longer distances, the courses are generally unmarked, but major decision points are clearly indicated. Participants are advised to bring their own navigation tools, such as maps, course notes, and the Avenza interactive map.
Running Wild – Alpine Challenge prides itself on being a well-organised event with a high standard of safety. The club is dedicated to providing a positive and friendly atmosphere, and volunteers play a crucial role in creating this environment. Participants consistently praise the support and friendliness of the volunteers at each checkpoint.
Overall, Running Wild – Alpine Challenge offers runners a unique and challenging experience in the beautiful Victorian Alps. Whether you're a seasoned trail runner or looking to take on your first off-road race, the Alpine Challenge has a distance that will suit you.