Lithgow Ridgy-Didge Trail Run Festival 2026
Where
When
March 28th 2026
What
A trail running race at Hassans Walls Reserve has been on the minds of many runners over the years as they’ve explored the ridges above Lithgow. With the help of local stakeholders, Blue Mountains Fitness is proud to host the 5th edition of the Lithgow Ridgy-Didge Trail Running Festival.
The Event
The longer events take on some of the thirteen ridges of Hassans Walls with varying elevation gain/loss You will run dirt roads, 4WD trails, walking trails and mountain bike single tracks. The other distances will be shorter and have less elevation gain/loss. You’ll run past many lookouts that give spectacular views of the Lithgow, Hartley, Megalong and Kanimbla Valleys. We have worked hard to design a spectacular course that you will love.
ENTRIES ARE OPEN! The 'Early Bird' pricing will end on the 30th November 2025.
'Standard' pricing will be from 1st December 2025 to 28th February 2026.
'Late Entry' pricing will be from 1st March 2026 to 26th March 2026.
'Super Late' pricing will be available from 27th March to Race Day 28th March.
Tailwind Nutrition Australia is the supplier of on-course race fuel and Tailwind Rebuild Recovery Area.
T8, BMF, Tailwind Nutrition Australia, Blue Mountains Running Company, Trail Gaiters, RUNLY will provide sponsor prizes.
Blue Mountains Fitness will also have their range of trail run gear at the Event Hub.
Course Maps
In addition to GPX/PDF formats, all six courses are now available on Google Maps and are interactive with your position (you are the blue dot).
The Google maps denote aid stations, water stops, toilets, checkpoints, start/finish and other details. Click on any runner icon for trail name, type of trail, elevation gain + loss of trail.
The Google maps also include latitude and longitude details if you get in trouble or need assistance and need to call in your position, just by way of a long press on your mandatory gear mobile phone screen. There is mobile phone coverage throughout the course.
There is also the Plotaroute mapping app that can be used for navigating around the courses.
This is a free app you can get at https://www.plotaroute.com/
All 6 races of the event are available via this link https://www.plotaroute.com/routecollection/15987?units=km&maptype=sat
There is also a distance matrix for each course in PDF format that details Checkpoints, Aid Stations, Toilets and Water Stops: Ridgy-Didge Distance Matrix
Race Day
At the event:
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Tailwind Nutrition Australia
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Free massage in the recovery area
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T8
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BMF
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Catering
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Camping
Schedule of events:
Friday, March 27th 2026
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Afternoon check in/registration for all races at a local venue – The Event Hub, Lithgow Pony Club
Saturday, March 28th 2026 - start times:
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06:00-11:45 am - check in/registration for all races at The Pony Club
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7:00 am - 50km Ultra Marathon
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8:00 am - Marathon (18 and over)
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9:00 am - 30km (18 and over)
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9:30 am - 22km (16 and over)
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10:15 am - 10km (12 and over)
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11:00 am - 5km (7 years and over. Under 12s can run if accompanied by an adult)
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1.15 pm - Free kids race (under 12s)
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1:30 pm - Presentations
Cut-off for all events is 7:00 pm
There is a cut off time for runners without headlights at 4:30pm at CP13 on your way back from Browns Gap. You have 2.5 hours then to do the last 10km with the last few hours in the dark. We have had no one miss the cut off yet.
Prizes
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There will be Overall Male and Female Winner trophies in the 50km Ultra Marathon, Marathon, 30km, 22km, 10km and 5km
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Sponsor prizes for 2nd and 3rd
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There will also be many Lucky Draw Prizes
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All finishers will get a medal
Catering
There will be catering at the event hub with food and coffee available. The popular Pony Club canteen will be providing plenty of their awesome catering choices. There will be the Mins Brew Coffee Cart at the event.
Accommodation
We will advertise local accommodation options on the Blue Mountains Fitness website and Facebook Page and via emails to Registered Runners. A good place to start searching for accommodation is the Lithgow Visitor Centre - https://tourism.lithgow.com/
Camping
Camping will be available on site at The Pony Club. Drive in Sites are non powered and sized to fit a maximum of 5 people and 2 vehicles. There will also be suitable sites for Caravans and Camper Trailers. Camping Bookings will be an Optional Extra in the Registration process. Cost will be $35 per site per night. Late check out Saturday (3pm) or Sunday (3pm) is available.
Merchandise
Merchandise will be available as an optional extra to your Race Roster registration or purchase on the day at the Event Hub. We will have buffs, hoodies, performance run T shirts, singlets and caps.
Aid Stations
There will be three major Aid Stations on course, two of these you will visit twice. Tailwind Endurance Fuel, Water, Lollies, Chips will be available. Drop Bags will also be available for 50km Ultra Marathon, Marathon and 30km runners - We will transport the bags out on the course for you.
Toilets
There will be toilets at the following locations:
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Event Hub Male and Female Toilet Blocks plus 2 portaloos.
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Start of the West Ridge at CP2 x 1
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Norman Henry Drive near CP13 at Pottery Ridge entry x1
Transfers - 'Runner to Runner' and Event Distance Changes
Transfers and event distance changes are covered in the waiver/terms and conditions details in the Race Roster site. The transfer fee to another person or to change your race distance is $30 plus any additional charge for upgrading the distance. Details on how to do this is covered in the Race Roster registration site. Last day for online transfer is Thursday 26th March 20026.
NOTE: Manual transfer fee on the day will be $50 plus any additional race upgrade charges.
See full Terms and Conditions on Race Roster registration website in waiver and terms and conditions.
Cancellations
No refunds are available from March 1st 2026. A 50% refund is available until February 28th 2026.
There is also a Race Roster Protection plan available in the registration in case of last minute withdrawal due to unforeseen circumstances. This is highly recommended as anything is possible to happen during race week or prior to the event.
If you have any problems with the registration process, please email info@bluemountainsfitness.com.au or call 0402925608 and we'll do our best to get you through it.
Mandatory Kit
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50km, Marathon, 30km, 22km, 10km - Raincoat, Long Sleeve Thermal, Buff or Beanie or Cap, 500ml fluid capacity, Whistle, Mobile Phone, Survival Blanket, Snake Bandage.
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If the weather is good to us we may make the call on the 10km event to drop the requirement of the raincoat and thermal on the day.
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The 5km event has no mandatory gear.
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Fully enclosed footwear is required for all runners. We do not have any entries for barefoot runners. We know this may upset a few runners but we would rather have our safety and medical crews being available to cover non-preventable injuries.
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We will not drop the Mandatory Gear requirements for the 50km Ultra Marathon, Marathon, 30km or Half Marathon.
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If you think you may be running in the dark there is a drop bag service that will take your headlight to CP13.
During the Event
Course Marking
Course marking will consist of pink flagging tape, green directional arrows and lots of signage.
Hydration
It is essential, with no exceptions, that each participant carries a water bottle or bladder at the very minimum. There will be water at selected CPs along with other provisions (specifics to be advised as necessary to participants by email, prior to event day) - Note: this will be a 'no-cup' event.
See Facility Run Distance link in 'Maps' section above for aid stations and water stations.
Walking Poles
Poles are permitted in the 10km, 22km, 30km, 42km and 50km. No poles are allowed in the 5km.
Litter
Any rubbish can be taken from you each time you visit a checkpoint. Anything that leaves the checkpoint with you must stay with you until you can dispose of it properly and not on the course.
Toilets
Toilet facilities are available at the start/finish area and at some locations along the course. Please do not remove paper from the toilets.
Withdrawal
If you pull out or have to leave the course for any reason, please advise the checkpoint staff or those at the start finish area.
Practice mindfulness
Regardless of ability, please be mindful of other runners: If you’ are a faster runner wanting to pass, advise the runner in front by all means, but be patient and don’t pressurise anyone. It can be unnerving and easily lead to a trip. Conversely, if you are aware of a faster runner behind you, take the utmost of care and allow them to pass when it’s safe. Many a runner/walker’s day can be blighted by the smallest of incidents and we want everyone to leave the event a little better for their experience. Look after each other out there.
Health and injury
As per the waiver agreed to on entry, should you become injured or should event staff consider that you need medical attention or examination, do not continue until authorised to do so. If it’s deemed that it’s not in your interests to continue, you will be withdrawn from the event.
Remember where you are
We don’t like to talk about it, but we are in the Australian bush and many of the locals aren’t so friendly if they’re frightened or disturbed. Watch where you’re putting your feet and keep a close eye on the ground as well as ahead.
The event crew are running the show
Cooperate with event crew/officials/volunteers all the times - they are helping not only because they enjoy giving something back or participating in a different way, but because they have event experience. They know what they are doing and they'll be under instruction from the race directors. Under whatever circumstances, the race directors decisions are final.
Finally, have Fun!
It is a compulsory requirement of all participants at BMF Racing events to have fun.