Anaconda Adventure Race: WA

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Anaconda Adventure Race: WA
Course Description & Map

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Course Description & Map

Anaconda Adventure Race Augusta - Course Description

The course for the Anaconda Adventure Race at Augusta is something truly to behold with a breathtaking mix of wild wilderness, heroic hills, cunning coastline and simple spectacular scenery from start to finish. Those here to race can ignite their engines and go hammer and tong whilst those here for the experience can pack the camera and take it all in.

Listed immediately below is a SUMMARY of the course, a MORE DETAILED EXPLANATION is included below the map on this page:

13.5km Xanadu Coastal Run

The race kicks into action in surely one of the most spectacular start lines possible - with all runners gathered on a massive rock slab under the iconic Cape Leeuwin lighthouse. Surrounded by the power of the Southern and Indian Oceans and cheered on by a thousand spectators, this start line will be something to behold! From here on its a wild rock-hopping run around the coastline and along picturesque sandy beaches to Flinders Bay and the first transition.

1.9km GCS Ocean Swim

Dive into the water and enjoy a scenic ocean swim that parallels the coast from Flinders Bay beach back towards Augusta. The swim follows a course inside the surrounding reefs making for protected, calm water swimming while fish and marine life dart in and out around you. Exit the water and complete a short 1km run to the transition area in the park land flanking Hardy Inlet in central Augusta.

13km Inlet and Ocean Paddle

The paddle leg starts with 2-3km stretch on the pristine Hardy Inlet before paddling out through the river mouth to enter the Southern Ocean in its protected waters behind Cape Leeuwin. Paddling back up the coast towards the Cape you will pass scenic beaches, rock out crops, around granite headlands and circumnavigate an island turn-around to paddle into Flinders Bay after an incredibly diverse paddle leg with something for everyone.

32km Mountain Bike

Heading inland and into the hills, the mountain bike leg gets going on some fun 4wd tracks through the local bushland before climbing up through the stunning tall timber forests to provide extensive views all around. Enjoy a cranking descent and keep your speed through the local single track surrounding town and you are just about into the final transition at Flinders Bay and the team run to follow. (Yes, this is a little longer than initially promoted and has come out at 32Km - just look at it as being extra value for the same money!)

2.5km MargaretRiver.com Team Run

Rejoin your team mates or celebrate a superb accomplishment as an individual with a celebratory run around the coast and local footpaths to the finish line in Turner Caravan Park in central Augusta. You are an Anaconda hero

For reference, the course for the 2011 Anaconda Adventure Race at Augusta is 95% the same as in 2010 (and exactly the same as the course used in 2009), the only change in comparison being that the Xanadu Coastal Run leg turns off the west coast at Quarry Beach rather than continuing 800m further north as it did last year

View Anaconda Adventure Race - Augusta 2011 in a larger map

The Official Event Program for the Anaconda Adventure Race at containing all the necessary event details can be downloaded from here. Alternatively the text below includes the same content without all the additional diagrams and was updated on 17-10-2011.

Listed below is a MORE DETAILED COURSE DESCRIPTION as included in the event program uploaded to the website om 17-10-2011

XANADU COASTAL RUN 13.5KM

The Anaconda Adventure Race will commence with all runners gathered on an almighty big granite dome, underneath the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, with the Southern and Indian Oceans crashing all around you in what will be a spectacular start.

The start will be conducted in 2 waves with all INDIVIDUALS AND PAIRS starting at 7:45am and TEAM RUNNERS starting at 8:15am. Only individuals and pairs will be permitted onto the start line for the 7:45am start with all teams and other spectators required to wait and watch from the base of the lighthouse. Only after the individuals have started will team runners then be permitted onto the start line at 7:55am. Runners in each start group must self seed themselves according to their rock-running ability.

The race commences with runners heading north along the rocky coastline, going past the Water Wheel and then turning right to leave the coast at Quarry Beach. Follow the dirt road until a T intersection and then turn right to follow the sealed road a short way before turning left onto the east coast. The course then follows this section of coast with a mixture of beach running and rock hopping back towards Augusta, before crossing Leeuwin Rd to complete a fast and flat inland circuit to arrive at the Flinders Bay transition area and the swim leg.

The Run leg:

Runners MUST pass through the main vehicle gates at the Lighthouse to register their timing chips.
Competitors MUST follow the taped trail and marshals’ directions along the course. The course is marked but you still need to pay attention to where you are going. You can still get lost if you don’t pay attention.
Leeuwin Rd is out of bounds other than for the short 500m stretch from the Skippy Rock Rd intersection and where the course crosses the road (twice) near Flinders Bay.
Take care on the rocky foreshore – particularly at the start. Whilst there are many different routes along the boulders, care should be taken on any wet rocks and watch for freak waves near the water’s edge. Please use patience when following other runners ahead of you.
No assistance from support crews or team mates is allowed during the run (eg provision of food or water, assistance with equipment). This includes the run crossover points on Leeuwin Rd.
The run course is not closed to the public. Please be respectful of other trail users if you come across them.
It is compulsory for all runners to carry a First Aid Kit comprising 2 x crepe bandages, 6 x wound closure strips, 1 x triangular bandage, 2 x non stick wound dressing pads and a pair of surgical gloves. (These kits are available for sale at registration on the Saturday for $15)

Transition:

There will be separate transition areas for individuals and pairs vs teams. Individuals and pairs are required to transition next to their bike (positioned in number order) in the larger bike compound TA (so all your gear is together), whilst teams are required to transition in the smaller T1 enclosure on the grass.
For teams: Team swimmers must stay in the fenced off T1 area and wait for their runner there. The transfer of race bib and timing band must take place within that fenced off area (not before). No support crew or team mates other than the team swimmer are permitted in the T1 enclosure.
For Individuals and Pairs: bikes and swim gear must be placed in the designated location according to your race number, inside the fenced off bike enclosure and you must transition here. Your support crew may enter the TA to drop your equipment off but must leave immediately afterwards and CANNOT be in the TA whilst you are transitioning. This will be strictly enforced.
Gear must be deposited at the transition area between from 2:00pm on Saturday or after 6:00am on Sunday.

Safety actions in case of an emergency / difficulty:

If you become injured and require assistance, stop moving and stay where you are. Tell the competitors that pass you to alert the next race marshal and advise them of your location.
If you become lost, backtrack along the trail you used to return to the marked course.

GCS OCEAN SWIM, 1.9KM

Swimmers enter the water keeping to the left (north) of the boat ramp / pier. Competitors then swim directly out to sea, perpendicular to the beach to swim around a medium sized red buoy in front of the TA and then turn left to swim parallel to the shoreline. Continue swimming across an open section of water then between a reef on your right and the beach on your left to go between the two sets of two buoys located between the reef and the beach. Continue swimming on the shore side of the reef through another “gate” of bouys to a final buoy located immediately in front of the river cutting, Turn left around this buoy and exit the water. Once out of the water, swimmers run through the obvious river cutting in the sand dunes approximately 600m through to T2 and all the kayaks on the river.

The Swim leg:

Swimmers must remain in the water and cannot run along the beach at any point until they have rounded the last pink buoy.
Swimmers are permitted to rest on a rescue craft if required without penalty.
Swimmers must complete the run component to T2 by themselves and cannot transition with their team mate or receive any assistance until inside the TA. Note: this run can be done in bare feet.
Race bib MUST be worn over your wetsuit & MUST NOT be removed whilst running until you have PASSED through the timing gate at T2. This applies to teams & individual competitors.
Wetsuits are strongly recommended.
Hand paddles & flippers are not permitted.
You may use a PFD (life-jacket) or snorkel & mask if you are a weak swimmer.
If you hear a continuous whistle, horn or siren coming from the water safety craft you MUST exit the water immediately and continue along on shore.

Transition:

No support crews are permitted into the TA during the race. Only team paddlers and swimmers may be in the TA – this will be strictly enforced.
Competitors CANNOT be assisted by their support crew whilst getting into their boats and launching in the water.
Team paddlers must stay in the fenced off transition area next to their boat - do not crowd around the timing gate. Give swimmers the chance to clear this area before changing over your race bib and timing band.
Boats must be placed in the designated area according to your race number as indicated by the signage in the TA.
Individuals and pairs must have their paddling gear located next to their craft & perform their transition at this point. Please arrange for your support crew to collect your swim gear after you have left or collect your swim gear after you finish. Do not just leave your wetsuit on the grass as this area will be packed up at 4:00pm
Boats and other paddling equipment must be deposited in the transition area after 4:30pm on Saturday or after 6:00am on Sunday. (Note: Albany Tce will be closed between 10:00am and 4:30pm on Saturday and between 7:00am and 4:00pm on Sunday).
Teams, be sure to pass on the bib and timing band to your next team-mate before they depart – these are your relay batons
Race bib MUST be worn as your outermost garment, over your wetsuit, PFD and drink system (if wearing one) and MUST NOT be removed until inside the next TA. This applies to teams and individual competitors.
Individual and Pairs competitors without support crew MUST collect their swim gear from T2 immediately after finishing the race.

Safety actions in case of an emergency or difficulty during the swim leg:

Raise one arm if assistance is required and call for help, there will be numerous water safety craft patrolling the swim leg.

INLET AND OCEAN PADDLE 13KM

Paddle out from the TA and around a large buoy set in the middle of the river (keeping buoy on your right) and continue downstream to the river mouth. Approach the river mouth WITH CAUTION - if you are unfamiliar with the river mouth and its ocean currents, we STRONGLY RECOMMEND paddlers to get out of their boat on the right hand bank and carry or drag their boat at least 100m away from the turbulent water of the river before paddling out through the breakers. There can be a very strong current at the river mouth and we encourage paddlers to exercise caution. Paddlers are NOT permitted to paddle through or portage the new cut. You must paddle out the most eastern channel when entering the ocean.

Once in the ocean, continue paddling across Flinders Bay to pass between the two buoys located approx. 300m offshore from the Flinders Bay boat ramp, then continue south approximately 3km past the Flinders Bay transition area before doing a U-turn, turning right around a large pink buoy located 50m off the shore at ‘Dead Finish’ opposite a small jetty. Make sure you yell out your race number to the checkpoint officials at the U-turn to prove you did the whole course then paddle back beside the coastline to land at the Flinders Bay beach. You MUST carry your boat off the beach and into the TA as soon as you arrive.

The Paddle Leg

Be aware of the buoys marking the course as indicated on the map – it is up to you to make sure you know where to go.
Be aware of other boats and paddlers when launching from the Colourpatch TA and at the river mouth.
Support Crews cannot assist when launching from the Colourpatch TA or with landing at Flinders Bay.
A helmet, orange smoke flare, whistle and PFD (lifejackets) are all compulsory and must be worn on the paddler (not on the boat) at all times on the paddle leg. Race bib must be worn OVER the PFD. A limited number of flares will be for sale at registration.
For kayakers using an enclosed cockpit style of craft, spray skirts MUST be worn and fastened prior to leaving the beach.
There will be numerous water safety craft on the water to assist you if help is required.
Select a boat that is suited to your ability in all conditions – not just flat water. It is quicker, safer and easier to be in a slow and stable boat rather than a fast boat you fall out of several times.
The paddle leg may be shortened, depending on weather conditions right up until the first competitor departs on this leg. Any change will be communicated at T2.

Paddle to mountain bike transition:

All paddlers must move their boats away from the beach at Flinders Bay and into the designated transition area as soon as you arrive to make space for other paddlers. Support crews cannot help – COMPETITORS MUST MOVE THEIR BOATS THEMSELVES.
For teams: your team mountain biker (only) must wait in the fenced off TA next to their bikes – please do not crowd around the entry to the TA.
For Individuals and Pairs: your bikes must be positioned in number order in the designated area according to your race number and all transitions must take place at this location. Your support crew may enter the TA to drop your equipment off but must leave immediately afterwards and CANNOT be in the TA whilst you are transitioning. This will be strictly enforced.
The race bib must remain on until paddlers are inside the TA. The transfer of race bib and timing band must take place next to your bike. The bib must be the outermost garment, over the top of hydration systems etc.
All riders must walk bikes through the transition area and helmets must be fastened before exiting the TA.
Mountain bike equipment must be deposited at T3 from 2:00pm on Saturday or after 6:00am on Sunday.
Bike racks will not be numbered for team riders, however you are welcome to erect your own mast/flag etc. to identify your position within the TA.
Support crew must present the kayak collection token (provided in your registration packs) to remove paddling equipment from the TA.
All kayaks and remaining equipment must be collected by 5:00pm on Sunday. After this time equipment is left at the owners risk.

Safety actions in case of an emergency/difficulty:

If assistance is required from water safety personnel, raise your paddle and wave it to attract their attention and tell other competitors you need assistance and to pass the message on.
If you get into trouble out at sea, ALWAYS stay with your boat until water safety personnel arrive. Activate orange flare if necessary.

MOUNTAIN BIKE 32KM

Mountain bikers start riding on the sealed streets around Flinders Bay, and then turn left onto Leeuwin Rd then right onto Skippy Rock Rd. From here the course follows a variety of 4WD tracks, sealed roads and single tracks up onto the ridgeline, through the forest and back to the Flinders Bay TA. Note: all roads are still open to cars

The MTB leg:

The course is marked but be aware of where you are going. Keep an eye out for markers, signs, tape, witches hats etc. You can still get lost if you don’t pay attention!!
All roads are open to the public and normal road rules apply. Please obey them. Any participant who disobeys road rules is subject to disqualification.
Riders must follow the traffic marshals’ instructions when crossing Leeuwin Road. Riders may be required to stop for short periods at this crossing.
Marshals are present at other key points and traffic intersections to direct you, the competitor. They are NOT there to stop traffic so don’t expect them to do so.
No support crews are allowed to give assistance (e.g. provision of food or fluid, assistance in repairing a damaged bike etc) anywhere along the MTB leg.
The ride course is not closed to the public and you may encounter walkers, trail bike riders and other trail users… Please be respectful of other users of the trails.
It is compulsory for all riders to carry a first aid kit comprising 2 x crepe bandages, 6 x wound closure strips, 1 x triangular bandage, 2 x non stick wound dressing pads and a pair of surgical gloves. These kits are available from registration for $15

Transition:

For teams, ALL team members must meet at this transition area and complete the team run to the finish line together.
Riders must continue all the way to the bike compound and rack your own bike on the bike racks. All riders must dismount their bikes and walk them through the transition area
At the completion of the ride, riders must exit the bike compound and join your team mates just outside the fenced off bike TA area and then complete the team run together.
No support crews or team mates are allowed in the Transition Area other than to collect bikes after the rider has departed.
If changing into running shoes for the team run, the mountain biker may do this outside the transition area once reunited with your team mates (so your team mates can give you your shoes). Leave bike shoes with your bike.
There is no need to transfer the bib or timing band to your team mates. The rider must keep it on until they have crossed the finish line.
Your MTB token (provided in registration packs) is required to collect bikes from the bike compound. Note that the MTB token may be given to support crew so they are able to collect the MTB for you after you dismount your bike.
We will have security at the Transition Area until 5.00pm after which time any bikes left there are at the owner’s risk.