The Wild Horse Criterium – April 8th, 2012, Easter Sunday. Please take the time to read the information on this page

Sponsored by Salomon with the support of Active Stride and run under the auspices of TRAQ, the third Wild Horse Criterium will take place on April 24th (Easter Sunday).  The event will encompass three separate races of 12, 36 and 60 km’s run around a 12 km circuit (course distance to be confirmed but will be no longer). The start/finish will be at Wild horse mountain Car Park.

The course
The course is relatively flat and mostly easy trail. The route takes runners through shaded bush and state forest trail.

This year, again, it will be bi-directional. 12 km runners will run one flat loop from start to finish. 36 km and 60 km runners will start in the same direction but will change direction on each alternate lap, visiting the checkpoint between each one.

Teams
There will be no scope for teams this year as there was no demand for them last year. If enough entrants show an interest, we may introduce a team event, time and logistics permitting.

We have been able to secure an increase to the number of competitors on the permit. There is limited scope scope to increase the competitor numbers should the need arise though we'll be aiming to avoid entries on the day for the two longer events and all team entries. In any event, such concessions will only be accepted by prior agreement with the race director.

Support
There will be a manned aid station/checkpoint in the start finish area and a manned drink station at roughly half way. Between these points there will be unmanned water stations if conditions dictate that they're necessary.

The start/finish station will carry water, sports drink and provisions. The manned station at the halfway mark will have water and sports drink while the intermediate stations will have water only (replenished through the course of the morning).

Drop bags may be left at a designated location within the start finish area (yet to be determined). Regardless of this, competitors must notify checkpoint staff of their arrival AND departure from the checkpoint.

Crew
Crew is permitted for both the 3 and 5 lap races at manned checkpoints. Vehicular access is limited to one vehicle per team/competitor and will only be allowed at points to be determined and not directly on the circuit.

Start and cut-off times*
1 loop (12 km) - Start 10:00 am, cut-off midday (2 hrs.)
3 loops (36 km) - Start 07:00 am, cut-off midday (5 hrs.)
5 loops (60 km) - Start 03:30 am, cut-off midday (8½ hrs.)

Remember, this is a relatively flat course and the cutoffs are deemed generous with an average of approximately 8:20/km getting you home in both the 60 and 36 km events. Also, this is a qualifying event for The Six Foot Track Marathon with qualifying criteria being sub 7:00 for the 60 km and sub 4:15 for the 36 km.

* Subject to revision
Cut off times will be applied and competitors may be pulled at the race director’s discretion as and if necessary. The meet will not be over until everyone is accounted for and off the course.

NB – sunrise on April 8th will be at approximately 6:01 am with first light at 5:36 am. Runners in the 60 km race will need lighting for the first 2 hours (approx.).

Fees*
60 km - $40
36 km - $30
12 km - $20

* TRAQ member discounts apply to individual entrants

There will be trophies for placegetters in each event and for the first two teams, along with random draw prizes for each event.

This document will be updated over the coming weeks. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please e-mail me at alun@wildhorsecriterium.com.au

Alun Davies
Race Director – Wild Horse Criterium