What is the mix of track types?

[Kevin]

Hi

As a first-timer for TNF100, I was wondering if some old-hands could give me some idea of the type of track we will be covering.  I'm particularly interested in the rough amounts of each type: e.g. road, fire trail, easier single track, technical single track, stairs, ascents/descents.  Any first-hand reports, either brief and extended would be much appreciated.  I have completed Sydney Trailwalkers, 6-foot and Cradle Mt so any comparisons to those would also help.   Looking forward to the wealth of knowledge!!!

[peter]

Kevin
Hey kev after over a 100 veiws and no reply to your question , i will try and help you out
1st stage - after a short road run you enter single track , the single track is a mix of stairs and trail , all narrow ... which lead you to the base of the 3 sisters , from here you have some some smooth single track towards skyway ,
after which time you enter the avalenche  area , you will be climbing over sections of rock ,, more scrambling  for about a 1km or so  before once again running smooth single track to the base of the golden stair case ,  the golden stairs are a steep stair case  taking you from the valley floor to the first checkpoint   stage 1 complete

stage 2 - narrow neck is fire road ( the most awsome views ) , its rolling hills ,  nothing to big , but you seem to either be running up a incline or down one  as you travel along , until you reach the ladders
you have  a few ladders at the end of narrow neck which you see in all the photos from the event , you then run  some more single trail over some rocky ground for a 2km or so , before making your way into the valley floor again , which is down  a  steep dirt trail  sliding more then running
you then run east fire road to the next check point  stage 2 done

stage 3 - you leave on  easy fire road  for a few kms  till you reach your next mountain , which is a steep  trail straigth up , its a steeep dirt hill , acroos the top and then down the other side, once again  its steep  and more sliding then running , but lots of fun
you then get back on the fire road and make your  way to the next check point along rolling hills  , stage  3 done

stage 4  from here its  easy fire road , leading you towards the dreaded stair case , ( its at the start of the 6 foot track )  the stairs are not fun , as they seem to just keep going and there is no hand rail .. but once at the top you are rewarded  with some nice single track then a road run to your next check point .. stage 4 done

stage 5  its along the top of the cliffs near  sky to 3 sisters , great views  till you go down the famous  3 sister stair case . lots of stairs ,, at the base you have some short single track , then a fire road  which has  long downhills and long up hills  all the way acroos the valley , till you seeem to go up hill  for ever as you leave the vallley , the hill never seeems to end ,  but the tril is wide and very smooth , just hilly  you then reach the next check point  stage 5 done

stage 6  starts with a road run , but leads towards single track once again , its goes past wentworthfalls , there are some sairs etc , and kinda alittle rocky ,,  and then your done

im sorry this is alittle rushed but i hope it helps ,, in all the course is awsome , the veiws are some of the best i have ever seen on a course ,   if i had to guess id say it would be 50% fire road  50% single track , you seem to have a single track section  which is slow and stairs etc  followed  by  easyer fire road , then back to single track again ... so its a fun balance ,
Enjoy your race ,, and i hope this helps

[Jaci]

Thank you for that Peter ... we have had a little look over the trails, watched the DVD, looked at Gary's amazing flyover on Google Earth .. but your details add a lot to the overall picture.  We're really looking forward to the day ... only 9 weeks to go!!

[Osbert]

great one Peter.  Thanks for taking the time.

[Dean]

Fantastic Peter.  Thanks for that.  With Gary's flyover, your description, the TNF maps and our own recce's, we have a pretty good idea what to expect.  We appreciate you and Gary taking the time to provide a fantastic coverage.

Over to us now,

Dean

[peter]

hey guys

I quick update . i was out on the course yesterday and as i went up the golden stair case i could see large amouts of building supplys  , It appears  they will be rebuilding the stairs which should make the 800meter slog  up this section of the course  so much better ..
well as much fun as 15 to 20 mins of stairs can be ..smiles ..
happy training

[Kevin]

Hi Peter - I have just checked the forum and found your reply.  Thanks for taking the time - it helps a lot.  Happy trails.

[Dean]

We were on TNF trail last weekend and spotted the stair building materials.  It would be nice if the stairs were completed, but not going to hold my breath.  Just need to be really careful and keep the eyes wide open, which is a bit difficult when you've got sweat and tears streaming into them.  All the trails were wet too since it rained the whole weekend; not too bad though.  There were a few runners out too.

Dean