SA Trail Running
- Details
- Last Updated on 10 April 2013
The South Australian Road Runners Club has a history of running "off road"! In the running boom of the 1980's, a number of trail events were held in the Adelaide Hills including the Kersbrook 50. In a period of over three to five years in the 1990's, Peter Allmand and Dave O'Donnell led a group of over twenty SARRC runners, to complete the running of the Heysen Trail from end to end.
Trail Running was again revived with the running of the first Yurrebilla Trail 56km Ultra in 2007 by a group of 23 runners. The run was such a success that it was adopted as a formal event on the SARRC Calendar in 2008 and has been run each year ever since. In 2012, over 270 runners entered the event, making it the third biggest ultramarathon in the country!
Following the running of the second Yurrebilla Trail 56km Ultra in 2008, a series of regular monthly runs were organised. In November 2008, 27 runners and walkers ran to the summit of Mt Misery in the Montacute Conservation Park. This was followed a month later with 38 runners and walkers running in the Scott Creek Conservation Park.The monthly trail series continued until the second part of 2011 when it was extended by the introduction of a weekly trail run which is now held most Sunday mornings.
A number of events that were first included as part of the monthly trail runs were so popular that they became major events on the SARRC Calendar.These events include the Pioneer Women's Trail Run/Walk; The Cleland Trails (incorporating The SA Trail Running Championship); and The George Driscoll Sea to Summit Trail Run/Walk.
In July 2012, a group of 30 trail runners headed to the Flinders Ranges for a weekend of trail running. This weekend will again be offered as an option in June 2013. Details here.
South Australia can now claim to have one of the most vibrant trail running communities in the country. The accessibility and beauty of so many trails in the Mt Lofty Ranges close to Adelaide is one of the primary reasons for the strength of the SA Trail Running community. Those that love running trails and those that are only just discovering the joys of getting off roads and running on trails can choose between a range of professionally run major events recognised on the national trail calendar as well as free weekly trail runs not far from home.
Weekly Sunday Trail Runs
Everyone is welcome to join in these informal trail runs - runners and walkers! For some people these trail runs provide a way of preparing for the major events. For others it is just about getting away from the city and running or walking on the beautiful trails of the Adelaide Hills.
These Sunday trail runs usually take place at a location not too far from the city. Most runs are organised as loop runs to avoid the need for car pooling. A variety of distances is offered so that runners and walkers of all abilities can participate at the level/pace/distance that best suits them. And they are usuallly folowed by a gathering at a local coffee shop or bakery!
Prior to running any trail run, we recommend you read the General Notes on Running Trails.
Generally the weekly Sunday trail runs begin at 7.00am in Summer and 8.00am in Winter with particpants gathering at the designated trailhead 15 minutes earlier for a trail briefing. Maps and trail instructions are sent out by email in advance so that runners/walkers can print them off to carry with them on the run. Runners/walkers also need to bring all their own supplies - water, food, first aid etc. You do not need to advise anyone that you are coming - just turn up!
Check out details about this Sunday morning's Trail Run here.
If you have any questions about the regular Sunday weekly trail runs, or wish to be added to the trail run email list, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call him on 8278 4337 or 0400 251 042. You can also subscribe to the mailing list.
SA Trail Running on Facebook
There are three SA Trail Running Facebook pages. Check each page now and "like" them to receive regular updates...
- SA Trail Running: Keep up to date with all official trail annoucements as well as information about the weekly Sunday morning trail runs.
- Yurrebilla Trail 56km Ultra: For all the latest information on SA's premier trail event!
- SA Trail News: An open group forum to add your own posts as well as links to all the latest trail news in Australia and internationally.
The 2013 Trail Calendar
The 2013 Trail Calendar can be downloaded here . In addition to information about SA Trail Running events, details are provided of all major trail events in South Australia and interstate. Several new trail events have been added to the main calendar including the Mt Lofty to Kersbrook run, and trail runs at Sturt Gorge and Mt Misery. Further details about these new events will be provided in the near future.
You can check out details of the major SA Trail Running events in 2013 here:
Sunday 6 January Summit to Sea Run/Walk
Saturday 26 January Australia Day Marion Coastal Walking Trail
Friday 8 March Beach Bash
Sunday 24 March Sturt Gorge Trail Run
Friday 29 March Good Friday Bun Run
Sunday 21 April The Cleland Trails (incorporating the SA Trail Championship)
Sunday 28 April Awesome Mawson (Birdwood/Lobethal to Athelstone)
Sunday 19 May Pioneer Women's Trail Run/Walk
Friday 31 May - Monday 2 June Flinders Ranges Weekend
Sunday 9 June Mt Lofty to Kersbrook
Sunday 16 June George Driscoll Sea to Summit Trail Run/Walk
Sunday 23 June Yurrebilla Trail Training Run No 1
Sunday 4 August Yurrebilla Trail Training Run No 2
Sunday 11 August Mt Misery Trail Run
Sunday 1 September Yurrebilla Trail Training Run No 3
Sunday 22 September Yurrebilla Trail 56km Ultra
Sunday 24 November Waterfall Gully Trail Run
SA Trail Running Committee
SA Trail Running is a division of SARRC. It is managed by a committee that reports to the SARRC Board.
Members of the SA Trail Running committee currently are: Blake Tooth (SA Road Runners Club Vice President), David Close, Annette Couch, Sadie Cranston, Greg Jenkins, Dalice Kent, Guy Schubert, Doug Smart, Alex Strachan and Karen Winters
Are you a member of SARRC?
Love Trail Running but are not yet a member of SARRC? Check out just what membership offers you here.
Join or renew your membership on line now here!
