A new trail running event series – The Big V Trail Series – is set to slot into the road, trail and cross country running calendars with the moto of “friends, family, fun, fast” being the inspiration.
The event series is being produced for the Victorian Running Network and will be supported by Athletics Victoria, with one round – Field of Dreams at Lysterfield Lake Reserve in December – doubling as the Victorian State Trail Running Championships.
The Big V Trail Series is the creation of Dion Milne from TrailLove Global, which also produces the highly popular Bellarine Sunset Run.
Says Dion: “The Big V has been introduced to provide runners of all levels and abilities accessible trails with destinations suitable for a fun family day out. We believe we are doing a few new things that are different from other events and families will specifically benefit, with ticketing for 4+ family members for under $100.”
Tim Crosbie from Athletics Victoria welcomed the launch of the series saying: “Athletics Victoria and the Victorian Running Network are pleased to be supporting the Big V Trail Series. Although aimed at grass roots participation, the series will also feature the Athletics Victoria Trail Running Championship at Lysterfield Lake and the Nitro Trails at Cruden Farm where runners will vie for cash prizes over a sprint trail format.”
“We believe there are still a reasonable percentage of people who still see trail running as an extreme pursuit,” says Dion. “Our aim is to dispel the myth that trail running has to be extreme.”
“This series will prove it with family-accessible trails for all ages and experiences. Of course, it could also be your first step towards some of the more crazy, extreme stuff that happens running trails too – the Big V is a great place to start that journey.”
“The series aims to educate runners about trail running and creates a pathway and a focus to enable people to progress from running their kilometre or two on pavement to enjoying the beautiful off road beauty experienced in cross country and trail running,” says Dion.
“We have a well-respected coach who will help us throughout the series with videos explaining how to progress and tips as the series moves from flat wide bush trails in Eynesbury to introducing some single trail and a couple of hills at Westerfolds Park before moving to a more traditional trail run in Lysterfield.”
“To finish off at Cruden Farm runners will get a chance to belt out what they’ve learnt on a hybrid trail / cross country course in an all-out celebration event.”
The a series covers four unique locations across metropolitan Melbourne offering distances of 3km / 6km / 12km with distances creatively scheduled to maximise family participation.
“People can run the 3km with family or friends for free after completing their 12km. The 3km distance has been included specifically to tempt parkrun enthusiasts with it being identified as the perfect entry level to trails. It is also our belief a maximum effort over these distances is every bit as challenging and rewarding as the traditional longer distances and the also the perfect distance for kids.”
The Big V Series marks the continued growth of shorter distance ‘series’ styled events across Australia. In Victoria alone there are now three distinct trail series of three or more races each (including the popular Hoka One One Trail Series). Queensland has two of its own series (South East Queensland Trail Running Series, Glasshouse Trail Series plus the Adventure Sport North Queensland crew has a virtual series) , New South Wales has the Sydney Trail Series, South Australia the SA Summer Trail Series and the SA Trail Running Series. Tasmania has the Endorfun Trail Series while Western Australia’s Perth Trail Series has registered strong growth with a Summer Series and a Night Series.
BIG V EVENT SCHEDULE
Click GO the Shears – Eynesbury
October 30, 2016
Temple of BOOM – Westerfolds Park, Templestowe
November 13, 2016
Field of DREAMS – Lysterfield Lake Reserve
December 10, 2016
**Includes Victorian State Trail Running Championships**
CULTURES @ Cruden – Cruden Farm, Langwarrin
January 28, 2017
**includes Nitro Trails 1 mile dash for cash**