(Posted - 16 Jul 2012)
After getting permission from the land owner a group of multisporters set out on the 19km Mainpeak Multisport Icebreaker run course to see what’s changed from last year writes Meg O’Leary.
The cows seemed amused as we set off on a course preview - with permission from the land owner Humphrey – over their grazing patch. Greeting us along with their bemused stares, was a gentle few kilometres on a good track, one that will serve as a great warm up giving runners a chance to get leg into muscles into gear.
As we cruised past a small dam the guys worked out that (Race Director) John (Jacoby) must be getting soft, letting us run around the water and not through it.
We quickly started to climb, which gave us stunning views of the city and the Avon Valley. At the 5km mark we a fire lookout tower revealed itself on a hill. Stopping to get our breath underneath we recognise this as the highest point in Walyunga National Park. (Lucky Sam and John found this hill as we wouldn't want to miss our own Mainpeak Everest).
It was then down towards the river and back up a seriously steep pinch climb - only 100m but definitely a ‘walker’. Cruising on and runners are treated to more great views of the river and the valley.
While the descent to the river began with the steepest hill found on course so far, it quickly leveled out before leaving the fire road and heading cross country down another very steep hill.
Thanks, Rapid Ascent, for finding a nice bench to sit on to enjoy the view before the descending to the mighty Avon River.
Next, a cruise along the river’s edge. This will test the ankles as there are a few rocks to negotiate . We took note of the low water levels as we jogged past Syds Rapids. Enjoy this section because after a couple of kilometres of riverside track, you will be teased with the sight of the run/paddle transition before you turn right and run up an unrelenting 3km hill. We found this was a good time to down a gel and/or a power bar.
Eventually, we reached the summit and turned to run down to the transition, again on a good track with plenty of time to stretch out and let gravity do its thing.
Overall, the Icebreaker is a great run; varied and interesting, but still pretty tough in short sections. But we all made it in pretty good time.
“I thought the run leg was pretty close to perfect for the event," noted one of our group.
“The right amount of hills and distance, great views and bush land. Overall a great run," judged another.
“It certainly had plenty of variety and some spectacular views back to Perth and of the river. I reckon it was about the right length with some unexpected hills: tough, but at the end of the day, very doable."
Final call? Over all this year’s Mainpeak Multisport 19km Icebreaker run leg is easier and more scenic than last year’s big run leg which had a few grimacing.
- Meg O’Leary.
THE COURSE CAN BE ACCESSED ON GOOGLE MAPS HERE
ENTRIES ARE OPEN FOR THE MAINPEAK MULTISPORT HERE
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