Great Ocean Walk 100 gears up

TrailRunMag 08.07.2012
The winter trail ultra lull doesn’t last long before the now supercharged trail running season gets fully into swing, both in Australia and New Zealand.
 
We’ll post a wrap of what you could and should be slotting into your diaries soon, but with ‘Coops’ having taken a sneak peek of the all new Surf Coast Century, and a preview of the Hume & Hovell coming soon, we thought it prudent to also hail another more established trail ultra coming at you in October, the GOW100. Take heed, too, as it’s open for entries this coming 13th/14th/15th July (and in the context of the hot cake sell out that transpired with the Kepler a few days ago, it’s worth getting online on time for the GOW100).

GOW100 race date has been confirmed as Saturday 13th October, and it’s one event that really is a must do on any respectableultra trail checklist, especially given its iconic routing on a world famous coastal trail that, if you put in a decent time, has you running with views of the Twelve Apostles at sunset in what is a trail experience of a lifetime. 
Make sure you ‘Like’ the GOW100 Facebook events page for conversations around the race and keep an eye out for a retrospective piece on the race on Trail Run Mag web and/or zine in the near future. 
 
In the meantime, Race Director Andy Hewat has sent a missive outlining the process of entries over 3 days coming up: 
 
Day 1: Friday 13th July 6am will be for the guaranteed entries set aside for last years volunteers. “Bear in mind this race cannot occur without the valuable contribution of the volunteers so it is fitting that they are rewarded with an entry spot. I will also offer a place to the 8 runners who have run all 3 of the previous GOWs. This is early in the life of a race to offer a loyalty plan for ‘veterans’ but it is also early in the life of a race to sell out so quickly. Without their support the race would not have taken off. Obviously not all of these (vols and veterans) will take up their offered spot. I will email these people separately to offer them a spot. If you miss out on entry and can still make it down the coast, consider volunteering to help out and secure a spot for 2013.”
 
Day 2: Saturday 14th July 6am will be for general entries. “Unfortunately not everyone who wants an entry will get in. I applied for greater numbers but once again was only granted the same number as last years, 60 solo (plus 10 Teams). As per the guidelines on the website, I will operate a waitlist. But I will open 10 extra entries initially to allow for withdrawals before activating the waitlist. If you miss an entry you will automatically receive a waitlist offer. You will be asked to email me to go onto the waitlist. As soon as someone cancels their entry the next person on the waitlist will be offered an entry by sms and email. If you do not respond within 48hrs the offer passes to the next on the list.”
 
Day 3: Sunday 15th July 6am will be just for the 50/50 Teams entries. “There will be 10 spots reserved for teams. Any of those places unfilled will be held for the Teams waitlist and if not filled by September 7 will be rolled over into solo entries and offered to solo waitlist entrants”.
 
During registration you will have an option to book:
 
• Saturday night Port Campbell Hostel accommodation shared bunk rooms $20
• Sunday morning breakfast at PC Hostel before the Presentation for $13
• Saturday night shuttle from finish into Port Campbell: no bus this year, we will rely on ride sharing
• Sunday bus after the Presentation back to Apollo Bay $35
 (unlike previous years, if you want the Friday night Apollo Bay Hostel accommodation in shared bunk rooms for $26 you can book directly with the Hostel yourself)  
 
There is a limit of 4 places available for each runner at the Sunday breakfast and presentation. Seating is limited to about 100 so if you have a big family/crew you might need to have breakfast at one of the other café/restaurants in Port Campbell and return for the Presentation. The breakfast presentation was a huge success last year with runners getting to swap war stories and catch up in a relaxed atmosphere.
 
Injinji Australia has come on board again for the GOW100s. “As a long time ambassador for Injinji I’m excited to have them involved again,” says Andy.
 
Every entrant will receive a free pair of  Performance Mini Toesocks. To help speed up your registration you can go to the Injinji online store to check your sizing in advance: Injinji Online Store
 
The team at Injinji is providing a pair of Altra Lone Peak ‘Zero-Drop’ trail shoes for the male and female winners plus a pair to be drawn as a random spot prize (Altra). These are great trail runners offering serious protection and grip while having a zero drop from heel-to-toe. They have been reviewed in the latest edition #5 of Trail Run Mag.
 
SUMMARY
 
Day 1: Friday 13th July – Notified 2011 volunteers and 3 time starters only
 
Day 2: Saturday 14th July – General Entries Open
 
Day 3: Sunday 15th July – 50/50 Teams Entries. Only one team member needs to register the team but will need their partners details: Name, Phone, Age, email, sock & Tshirt size, AURA member or not, previous trail race experience. 
 
Things you need to consider before registering:
 – Waiver, mandatory gear and refund policy. 
 – Make sure you are comfortable with all of these before entering. 
ENTER AT: www.GOW100s.com
 
Information from:
Andy Hewat
Race Director GOW100s