Aiming to attract locals and visitors, experienced athletes, fun runners and those wishing to try their first experience of trail running in the high country of the New England, Armidale's second annual Duval Dam Buster Trail Run (DDB) over distances of 30km, 15km, 8km and 3km will take place on Sunday, September 22.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
This year, with more than 200 participants already registered, will see the introduction of an 8km Duval Base Run, taking participants from the picturesque Dumaresq Dam Recreation Area to the base of Armidale's Mt Duval.
Those wanting a more challenging run can enter the 15km and 30km events, which will start from 1000m above sea level and reach the heights of Mt Duval at 1400m, on a mix of single tracks and fire trails.
Event organiser Lee-Anne McKinnon said the event start/finish area will be at the recreation area at Dumaresq Dam, which she said was a perfect place for a family picnic and spectator area.
ALSO READ:
"There is a children's play area, picnic tables and shaded areas," she said.
"It's shaping up to be another big sporting event on the New England calendar.
"We've had registrations from people in Queensland, the NSW North Coast, Sydney and closer to home, Armidale and Tamworth. We're looking forward to showcasing our diverse natural surroundings and hoping everyone has wonderful morning with us."
Organisers look forward to seeing ultra-marathoner Mike Carroll defend his 30km crown. Mike relocated from Armidale to Canberra early this year, but is set to return to Armidale for the DDB.
Hannah McRae, one of our local vets and another ultra-marathon trail runner, will be tackling the 30km again this year, to defend her 2018 win in the women's category.
Ada Klinkhamer who was the first female home in the 15km event will also be returning to step up a notch and take on the 30km event.
Catering for kids, families and those who enjoy a short, relatively flat course, DDB organisers also have a 3km event on offer with participants able to enjoy the walking track loop around Dumaresq Dam.
With an elevation of 1400 metres above sea level, Mt Duval is one of the largest peaks in the area, dominating the Armidale skyline. The 15km and 30km participants will experience some steep, challenging sections to reach the top of the mountain.
The event is organised by the DDB committee and will be will be hosted by Armidale Amateur Athletics Club.
Medals will be awarded to all finishers and the organisers have some donated spot prizes to give away on the day.
