The Lithgow Ridgy-Didge
Where
When
April 6th, 2024
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 if local stakeholders, Blue Mountains Fitness is proud to host the 3rd edition of the Lithgow Rifgy-Didge Trail Running Festival
The Event
The 50km and Marathon take on the thirteen ridges of Hassans Walls with varying elevation gain/loss, accumulating over 2500 metres on 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 add more loop trails to the course and reduce the number of out/backs on the ridges.
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Tailwind Nutrition Australia is the supplier of the on-course race fuel and Tailwind Rebuild Recovery Area.
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There will be free massage in the recovery area.
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T8 and BMF will also be at the event and 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).
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They also 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.
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They 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:
In Addition, there is also a distance matrix for each course in PDF format: 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, April 5th 2024
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Afternoon check in/registration for all races at a local venue – to be confirmed
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Saturday, April 6th 2024 - 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
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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 - 13km (12 and over)
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11:00 am - 7km (12 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, 30km, 22km, 13km and 7km
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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
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Catering
There will be catering at the event hub with food and coffee available. The Pony Club will be providing plenty of catrering choices. There will be the Mins Brew Coffee Cart at the event.
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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 will be 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 $30 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 registration or purchase on the day at the Event Hub. We will have buffs, hoodies, performance run T shirts 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, Marathon and 30km runners - We will transport the bags out on the course for you.
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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 x 1
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Norman Henry Drive near CP13 at Pottery Ridge entry x1
Transfers, Cancellations, Event Changes
Transfers, cancellations and event distance changes are covered in the waiver details. The transfer fee to another person is $25 and can be done on the day but preferably done in advance. Details on how to do this will be available on the website soon.
To change events, you can swap to an event of a lesser distance for a fee of $25 either payable in advance via a transfer email/process or with a paper form and payable on day. To transfer to a greater distance event the fee is the difference between the race fees. More details on these processes will be available on the website soon. See full Terms and Conditions on website.
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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All Events - Raincoat, Long Sleeve Thermal, Buff or Beanie or Cap, Gloves, 500ml fluid capacity, Whistle, Mobile Phone, Survival Blanket, Snake Bandage.
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We may make the call on the shorter events (7km and 13km) to drop the requirement of the raincoat and thermal on the day. We will not drop the Mandatory Gear requirements for the 50km, 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 CP11.
During the Event
Course Marking
Course marking will consist of flagging tape, arrows on trees 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 all 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
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. W
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.
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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’re 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.
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The event crew are running the show
Cooperate with event crew/officials/volunteers all the times - they're there not only because they enjoy giving something back or participating in a different way, but because they have event experience. They know what they're doing and they'll be under instruction from the race directors. Under whatever circumstances, the event directors decisions are final ... and they're usually the same as the crew! :)
Finally, have Fun!
It is a compulsory requirement of all participants at BMF Racing events to have fun.