RUN QLD – BEERWAH AT NIGHT 50K 24^th JANUARY 2015

After spending all of 2014 contemplating if I was a ‘road runner’ or a ‘trail runner’, a decision had to be made.

2014 was tough, mixing trail and road competition. So, after completing Heysen 105 in October, my mind was made up. I decided on trail.

I chose the Beerwah at Night run for the sole purpose that it would be a perfect training race leading into North Face 100, which I have entered. It contained a mixture of elevations and surfaces without being too technical.

Out of 250 competitors that nominated, only 27 entered the 50km distance. Leading up to the race, consistent rain fell over the area. With my base in Rockhampton nearly 600km away, I kept an eye on the weather radar via BOM, wondering if the race would go ahead.

Before leaving Rockhampton, I made a quick phone call to one of the race directors, Brett Standring.

“All good! Yes lots of rain, but trail is good to go,” he said.“Maybe wear old shoes and not your best running gear.”

Maybe this is going to be tougher than I first thought.

The start for the 50km race was at 4pm, with the other runs starting at 6pm. The first 20km consisted of a return circuit that began and finished at the start line. This was good, as it gave me sufficient time to return before sunset. It also meant that I did not have to carry my light until I headed back out.

The rain cleared, but it left behind an extremely slippery, muddy trail. I decided to run at a faster than intended pace, allowing me to run just behind the men. My theory behind this was that the men would fall first if the trail wasn’t great, giving me time to avoid the worst of the track.

Within a few km, many runners had already slipped over and collapsed into knee deep sink holes. We were already covered in mud. Only 6.5k into the race, I thought, ‘great, what had I let myself in for?’

I knew I had to get back to the start/finish line well before the 6pm runners commenced. I wanted to be in front of them before going through that muddy section (aka, the Dungeon) again.

Unfortunately, I got back to the start line later than anticipated. The next group of runners were already lined up and ready to go. I had no time to refuel. I had to get back out and increase my pace before the other group hit the trail. I was now dependent on checkpoints for essential electrolytes and food.

A few km into the trail, I was approaching a slippery incline when I heard a loud stampede behind me. It was the other 200 plus runners on my tail! My heart started racing. I had to get past the incline. Unfortunately, it was too late. The men come through at a fast pace: Slipping, sliding, falling and getting up again. They were tearing up the trail.

Darkness fell quickly. I was soon running solo again, with competitors going off on different routes. I had to stay focused. I did not want to take a wrong turn as other runners had done. Without natural light, the track was deceiving and unforgiving.

I was fatiguing fast, but as I was running into checkpoint 3, I heard the words “COKE?”  “YESSSS Please!” I managed to shout. That cup of coke was my savior.

I was then told to head left to run a 5km loop. I switched my light to high beam. All that was in my sights was terrain that looked like wetlands. I thought to myself, ‘SEROUSLY!’ My feet were already water logged. It felt like I was running in concrete boots by that stage!

I kept running, leaving my light on high beam. Shortly after, I saw reflective tape ahead, but not one dry section of trail. To stay positive, I repeated to myself, ‘just 5km for another cup of coke and the finishing line”.

At this point I took off. There was no stopping me. I wanted home. I was fed up with feeling tired and hungry. I was sick of mud. I just wanted some light. And food!

Exhausted, I crossed the finish line with absolutely nothing left. Hearing the bell was exciting enough after such an epic 50km journey of toughness. The announcement that I was the first placed female and sixth place overall was an added bonus.

Yes. I would do it all again.

Thanks to the Run Queensland Event Management team and volunteers for putting on such an awesome event.