NEWS RELEASE: La Sportiva and Running Wild Victoria have announced Australia’s first Vertical K Mountain Running Series.
The Running Wild – La Sportiva Vertical K Mountain Running Series incorporates three gruelling events designed to test uphill running skills, strength and stamina to the extreme.
Based on the European Vertical Kilometre events run by the ISF, these races are aimed to complete a vertical kilometre of climbing over a short distance.
Set in the spectacular Alpine National Park of north eastern Victoria these events will take in some of the best, hardest and most exposed high country in Australia including Mt Buller, Mt Hotham and Victoria’s highest mountain, Mt Bogong.
The three events in the series announced will be:
1st February 2014
Mount Buller Vertical K
Vertical Ascent 1,000m; distance 9km
Starts at Mirimbah (700m) and follows the Klingsporn Track to the Mount Buller village square at 1700m.
16th March 2014
Bon Accord Vertical K
Vertical Ascent 1,147m; distance 5km
Based out of Harrietville in the heart of the Victorian Alps the start will be at Washington Creek (620m) runners will need to walk in approximately 5km to this point. The route follows Bon Accord Spur and finish at the junction of Bon Accord Spur and the Razorback Track at 1767m.
30th March 2014
Mount Bogong Vertical K
Vertical Ascent 1,006m – distance 4km
Mount Bogong at 1986m is Victoria’s highest mountain. The start will be below Camp Creek Gap (980m) from there you proceed to Camp Creek Gap and then up Eskdale Spur, passing Michell Hut before finishing on the summit of Mount Bogong (1986m).
If you’re looking for something different with fantastic running or tough walking against the clock, great scenery, unpredictable weather and really push yourself to the limit, the La Sportiva Vertical K Mountain Running Series could be your thing.
A full list of rules and mandatory equipment can be found on the Running Wild website.
Notes Race Director Paul Ashton: “Due to the remoteness of our big mountains, horizontal and vertical distances are slightly outside of Vert K guidelines as we aim to incorporate stunning finishes, with gruelling uphill running. Due to the nature of the runs, you may experience severe and sudden changes of weather. It is highly recommended that in addition to the mandatory equipment listing that you carry the recommended gear, especially on Mount Bogong. Please note two events incorporate a walk in to the start.”
More information can be found at mountainrunning.com.au
