RACE INFORMATION

1. THE COURSE

2. COMPETITOR BRIEFING & SUPPORT CREW BRIEFING

3. ENTRY DETAILS

4. START GROUPS

5. EVENT SCHEDULE

6. COURSE MARKING

7. CHECKPOINTS

8. MANDATORY GEAR

9. TRAINING ON THE COURSE

10. EVENT PHOTOS FOR PURCHASE

11. AURA - SANCTIONED EVENT

12. ACCOMMODATION

13. PRIZES

14. EVENT RULES

15. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

16. INSURANCE

17. KIDS EVENT (1km-4-Kids)

18. SPECTATORS

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1. THE COURSE

The course will remain unchanged for 2012

Course Maps showing the route:

TNF100-Leg 1

TNF100-Leg 2, Part A

TNF100-Leg 2, Part B

TNF100-Leg 3

TNF100-Leg 4

TNF100-Leg 5, Part A

TNF100-Leg 5, Part B

TNF100-Leg 6

Overall Course Map

Course Elevation Map

Course Description

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2. COMPETITOR BRIEFING & SUPPORT CREW BRIEFING

The Competitor Briefing is a very important document which all competitors must read. It contains everything you need to know for the event. You should print it out and bring it with you to the event. This is a link to the 2012 Competitor Briefing.

Please have a look at the 2011 document as the 2012 document will be similar but will include any updated information for the 2012 event. 2012 Competitor Briefing will be posted here approximately 4 weeks before the event. Please download, print and read this document when it becomes available.

If you have a support crew you must make sure they print off and read The Support Crew Briefing document when it becomes available. It contains everything they will need to know for the event. Please have a look the 2012 Support Crew Briefing as the 2012 document will be very similar but will include any updated information for the 2012 event. 2012 Support Crew Briefing will be posted here approximately 4 weeks before the event. There will not be a verbal support crew briefing on race morning.

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3. ENTRY DETAILS

SOLO 100km	$330
MARATHON PAIRS RELAY	$220pp ($440 p/team)

Entries are taken online only via this website. Online entries to the 2012 event will open on 1^st December 2011 at 10AM Australian Eastern Daylight Time.

Entries for the 2010 event sold out in 3 months and entries for the 2011 event sold out in 9 days so if you are desperate for an entry you should get in as soon as you can after the opening time. If you will be away from a computer during the opening time but you are desperate to get an entry immediately then you will need to ask a friend or family member to enter the race for you. Your friend will need all of your details as required in the online entry form (see link below). Please note that the organsiers cannot reserve places for anyone as this would not be fair to other people also trying to get an entry.

To see the details required for the online entry form click here.

There is a limit of 900 entries for the 2012 event.

Entries may sell out in a matter of days. If entries have not already sold out, standard entries will close 11:59PM Friday 10^th February 2012. After this date, if not already sold out, a late entry fee of an extra $50 per person will apply (whether you are a solo or Marathon Pairs participant). Late entries, if available, will close 11:59PM Friday 23^rd March 2012.

Transfers, Cancellations & Refunds

We understand that circumstances arise where you may no longer be able to participate in the event.

Transfer of Entry Online Before 21^st April 2012
You are able to transfer your entry online to an acquaintance up to 11:59pm Friday 20th April 2012. Please note that you should not contact the event organisers to do this. The whole process is done online. You need to find the person yourself to transfer your entry to (this does not involve using the waitlist). The waitlist is only activated if you contact the organisers to cancel your entry. You need to sort out payment between yourself and the person taking your entry. To transfer your entry online or accept an entry transfer online you should read the following instructions How to Transfer an Entry Online. The person who is taking your entry will also need to pay a $10 administration fee online to complete the transfer.

Transfer Between Events Before 21^st April 2012
Prior to 11:59pm Friday 20th April 2012 you are able to transfer from the marathon pairs relay event to the solo event with a refund of the difference in entry fee less a $30 administration fee. You can also transfer from the solo event to the marathon pairs relay event by paying the difference in the entry fee plus a $30 administration fee. This process cannot be done online. Instead you will need to email your request to tnf100@arocsport.com.au

Transfer of Entry After 20th April 2012
If you find someone to transfer your entry to after 11:59pm Friday 20th April 2012 that is absolutely fine but please do not contact the event organisers. Instead, the transfer must be done at the event registration on Friday 18^th May 2012 and will incur a $30 administration fee. No transfers are permitted on the Saturday morning of the event. You must ensure that you forward any event specific emails to the new entrant. You need to make the new entrant aware that they must read the Competitor Briefing document. You also need to make the new entrant aware that their support crew, if one is being used, must read the Support Crew Briefing Document.

If you are transferring your entry you do not need to come to the event registration. Instead, the person taking your entry must bring the following to the changes desk at registration:

Refunds
If you can't find anyone to replace you and would prefer a refund of your entry fee we are able to provide:

In the event that the event course is, in the opinion of the event organisers, unsafe (for example by reason of heavy rain, high winds, bushfires, "acts of god"), organisers may, in their sole discretion, attempt to re-route the course, find an alternative shortened course or cancel the event. Organisers also reserve the right to cancel the event for any other reason which may include but is not limited to terrorism and war. If the event is cancelled, re-routed or shortened, no refund or transfer to another event will be made. Due to the scale of the event and travel & commitment involved by competitors, it is not practical to re-schedule the event to any other weekend.

Summary of Important Entry, Refund and Transfer Dates

Standard entries open	10am 1 December 2011
Full refund less $50	1 December 2011 to 11:59pm 10 February 2012
Standard entries close*	11:59pm 10 February 2012 (*if entries are still available, a late fee of $50 per person will apply after this date)
50% refund	11:59pm 10 February 2012 to 11:59pm 23 March 2012
Late entries close*	11:59pm 23 March 2012 (*no refunds given after this date)
Last day to make changes to online entry personal details or make online entry transfers*	11:59pm 20 April 2012 (*entry transfers after this date must be done at race registration on Friday 18 May)

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4. START GROUPS

There are four different start groups to help spread the field and limit congestion on Leg 1. These start groups are self-seeding and are chosen during the online entry process. You can amend your start group online prior to 21^st April 2012. Note that your race number is based on your start group selection and will change if you amend your start group. So please think carefully before entering and try to select an appropriate start group when you first enter. You must start in your chosen start group on race day.

We need your cooperation to make the self-seeding system work. Please be as realistic as possible about your expected time/place in the field. In 2011 too many people put themselves into the 2^nd and 3^rd waves when they should have started in the 3^rd or 4^th waves respectively. There is only 1.6km of road before the first rough and narrow walking track. The first walking track is 900m long and then there is a further 3.5km of road to allow the field to spread out. We prefer the self-seeding system so that runners who have not competed in this event before can fit themselves into a suitable start group.

To help you chose the appropriate start group, refer to the table below. Please note that this is a hard run with a course record of 9:19:06.

Marathon Pairs should base their start group on the running ability of the first runner.

Start Group Details

Start Time	Expected finish time	Expected Position in field	Number of runners in start group (based on 900 starters)
Start Group 1
6:54am	Sub 14 hours! Elite ultra runners and any SILVER belt buckle owners from previous years of The North Face 100.	Top 15%	135
Start Group 2
6:56am	14 hours to 17 hours	15% to 40%	225
Start Group 3
7:00am	17 hours to 19 hours	40% to 70%	270
Start Group 4
7:02am	19 hours to 28 hours. If you are just hoping to get a bronze belt buckle but not really sure of your abilities you should start in this group.	70% to 100%	270

5. EVENT SCHEDULE

FRIDAY 18 MAY 2012
REGISTRATION	4:00pm - 8:00pm
PASTA CARB -LOADING BUFFET	6pm & 8pm sittings (must book directly through the Fairmont Resort)
SATURDAY 19 MAY 2012
LATE REGISTRATION*	5:45am - 6:00am (*by special arrangement only - email tnf100@arocsport.com.au. Note event t-shirts and hats won't be available)
COMPETITOR RACE BRIEFING	6:15am
RACE STARTS	6:54am Start Group 1 6:56am Start Group 2 7:00am Start Group 3 7:02am Start Group 4
CHECKPOINT 1 CUT-OFF**	11:25am
CHECKPOINT 2 CUT-OFF**	3:45pm
CHECKPOINT 3 CUT-OFF**	8:25pm
CHECKPOINT 4 CUT-OFF**	11:10pm
SUNDAY 20 MAY 2012
CHECKPOINT 5 CUT-OFF**	7:15am
1KM-4-KIDS REGISTRATION	9:15am - 9:45am
1KM-4-KIDS START	10:00am
RACE CUT-OFF	11:00am
PRESENTATION	11:00am

**Cannot continue after this time

Please note that in bad weather conditions, cut-offs may be need to be brought forward during the event.

Also if the first start group is delayed for less than 10 minutes the cut-off times will remain the same as those listed. If the first start group is delayed for more than 10 minutes, the cut-off times will be adjusted by adding 1 minute to all cut-off times for every minute over 10 minutes that the start is delayed. For example if the start is delayed until 7:07am, the new cut-off at Checkpoint 1 will be at 11:28am and at the finish will be 11:03am.

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6. COURSE MARKING

The course will be marked with directional arrows ' →', crosses 'X' and pink flagging tape.  There will also be reflective tape on night time sections.  You need to pay attention, especially at night, to follow these course markings.  You do not need to navigate your way along the course with a map and compass. However for safety reasons you are required to carry a compass, the course map and course description.  A final map of the course and course description will be provided to you at event registration.

There will be course markings at least every 500m and at every track junction.  At all track junctions there will be an arrow indicating the direction of the route as well as confirmation pink flagging tape along the correct route.  There will also be a cross on the tracks that you should not take. There will be a distance sign every 5km.

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7. CHECKPOINTS

Checkpoint 1	18km	Narrow Neck	No support crew permitted. Water, Endura Rehydration Drink (pre-mixed) and gels, cereal bars, fruit and lollies will be available.
Checkpoint 2	38km	Dunphy's Camp	No support crew permitted. Water, Endura Rehydration drink (pre-mixed) and gels, fruit buns, fruit and lollies will be available. Hot water, tea and coffee will also be available.
Checkpoint 3	54km	Six Foot Track	Support crew permitted. Water, Endura Rehydration Drink (pre-mixed), fruit buns, fruit, lollies. Hot water, tea, coffee and instant noodles will be available. There will also be Mancini's Traditional Woodfired Pizza van selling pizza and coffee.
Checkpoint 4	65km	Katoomba Aquatic Centre	Support crew permitted. Water, Endura Rehydration Drink (pre-mixed), fruit buns, fruit, lollies. Hot water, tea, coffee and instant noodles will be available. There will also be a free sausage sizzle (veggie patties available).
Checkpoint 5	89km	Queen Victoria Hospital	Support crew permitted. Water, Endura Rehydration Drink (pre-mixed), cereal bars, fruit buns, fruit, lollies. Hot water, tea, coffee and instant noodles will be available.

 

For the Marathon Pairs - the change over point is at Checkpoint 3 at the 54km mark. You are not permitted to change at any other point without being disqualified from the event.

Support Crews - Support crews are not required and they are also not really necessary as the drop bag service is quite adequate to allow you to compete successfully in the event. If you do chose to have a support crew, they are permitted to assist runners at Checkpoints 3, 4 and 5. These checkpoints can be accessed with a standard 2-wheel drive. For event management and safety reasons, support crews are not permitted at, or anywhere near, Checkpoint 1 or Checkpoint 2 even just to watch. This means that support crew must not drive, bike ride or walk on any section of Glenraphael Drive (the access road to Checkpoint 1) and support crew must not drive, bike ride or walk along Megalong Valley Road South of the entrance to Checkpoint 3. Along Glenraphael Drive there is no room to travel or park without blocking off the narrow dirt access road to Checkpoint 1. This would prevent First Aid crews and event staff from being able to access the course. For Checkpoint 2 the runners travel on the only access road to the checkpoint so it would be unsafe to also have support crew driving, riding or walking out and back on this narrow and winding dirt road.

How to get from Katoomba to Checkpoint 3, within Private Property beside The Six Foot Track in the Megalong Valley. Download driving directions here.

For runners without a support crew - we will take one closable soft bag (we recommend a Woolworths Cool Bag) to each of Checkpoints 3, 4 and 5. Plastic bags/garbage bags and hard plastic boxes will not be accepted. Your bags must be clearly labeled with your surname, your race number and which checkpoint you want them taken to (ie. CP3, CP4 or CP5). You might like to include extra food, gels, spare socks, clothing, batteries, spare headlamp, etc. Only one bag per person is permitted for each of these locations and they must be no bigger than 20 litres each. There will be 3 separate areas at registration to drop your 3 different gear bags. You will need to drop off your bags either on the Friday or early Saturday morning. Also you are able to leave a larger sized soft bag at the Fairmont Resort in the main race briefing room immediately after the race briefing finishes so you can have warm dry clothes and footwear for when you finish. You should put in clean footwear such as thongs or sandals and your own small towel as well so you can have a shower at the Fairmont Resort pool complex after you finish. The showers will be open in the pool complex over night on Saturday.

There will be water, Endura Rehydration Drink (pre-mixed) and food available at all checkpoints.  Food available at checkpoints will include an assortment of fruit, Endura gels, cereal bars, lollies and fruit buns.  On top of this, night time checkpoints will be stocked with hot water for tea or coffee, as well as instant noodles. There will be Mancini's Traditional Woodfired Pizza van selling pizza and coffee at Checkpoint 3.  Runners and support crew will need their own money to purchase food from this van.  There will be a free sausage sizzle (and veggie patties) for competitors at Checkpoint 4.

First aid will be available at each checkpoint and at the finish. There will also be roving first aid crews on the course.

There will be a port-a-loo at all checkpoints.

Live results should be available on the internet. You should estimate how long you think each leg will take so your support crew can use this as a guideline of when to meet you at the allowed checkpoints.  You can also phone your support crew during the event to let them know your progress.

Mobile coverage over the course varies from excellent at most escarpment / cliff top locations to non-existent when directly below cliffs on tracks such as Medlow Gap firetrail (between Tarros Ladders and Checkpoint 2).  Generally you can get reception on hills and ridges across the whole course especially when you have views directly to Katoomba.  We strongly recommend you have a Telstra Next G or an Optus phone.  If you need to buy a new phone or borrow a phone, Telstra Next G is preferable as it works on approximately 90% of the course.  Optus works on approximately 50% of the course.  We have no knowledge of phone reception provided by other carriers.

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8. MANDATORY GEAR LIST

The weather in the Blue Mountains can change very quickly from extremely hot to very cold and wet.  It could even snow in May in the Blue Mountains. Please be prepared for these extremes in conditions. Please click here to see an explanation of why you are made to carry mandatory gear.

As a minimum each participant will need to carry with them at all times the following items:

* While you must have the last two items listed above with you at registration, you will only be required to carry these items if weather conditions are bad.  The organisers will notify you at the Friday night registration if these two items must be carried on person from the start, or if they need to be left with your support crew or in a specified drop bag for use during the event. The most likely scenario (in fine weather conditions) is that you will leave these additional items with your support crew or in your Checkpoint 4 drop bag and you will be told at Checkpoint 4 if you need to carry these additional items. These items may become compulsory to carry at any time during the event irrespective of whether previous runners have already passed through Checkpoint 4 prior to the items becoming compulsory. In that case, only runners departing the checkpoint after the items become compulsory must carry the items.

There will be random gear checks during the event and if you are missing any item you will not be allowed to continue until the item can be replaced. You will also receive a time penalty.

The High Visibility Safety Vest (AS 4602:1999 -N Class for night time wear) must be worn at night when travelling on the following roads: Megalong Valley Road, the bitumen roads through Katoomba (from Farnells Road to the crossing of Cliff Drive), Tableland Road, Hordern Road.  You must also wear your reflective vest when travelling on Tableland Road and Hordern Road if leaving Checkpoint 5 anytime from 4:45pm onwards.

Recommended items:

Going to the Toilet on Course
An issue of great concern is toilet paper and human faeces being left visibly on the track. There are toilets at the start and at all checkpoints as well as on the course at 6km, near 7.5km and at 25km. If you have tricky bowels we suggest you buy a Go Anywhere Toilet Kit ("Wag Bag") which will be selling for cost price ($5) at registration. We encourage you to purchase one of these kits as we simply cannot have people leaving faeces and toilet paper in this pristine environment. Remember Leave No Trace!

About the Go Anywhere Toilet Kit
The Go Anywhere Toilet Kit, www.ferno.com.au, is a portable, waste collection system that turns solid and liquid waste into a hygienic, odourless, biodegradable substance. The non-toxic Poo Powder treats up to 900g of liquid and solid waste allowing for multiple uses. The Poo Powder contains a decay catalyst that controls odours and breaks down solid waste into a spill proof, bin friendly substance.

Each waste kit includes a zip close disposal/transport bag, a waste collection bag preloaded with Poo Powder, toilet paper and a hand sanitiser. After using the kit, carry it with you to the next checkpoint where there will be a waste bin for disposal.

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9. TRAINING ON THE COURSE

Two sections of the course in the Megalong Valley travel through private property (cross hatched area on course map). These sections are near Ironpot Ridge to the West of Dunphy's Camp and near The Six Foot Track, on the East side of Megalong Road. We have been given kind permission from the landholders to use tracks on their properties for the event day only. These landholders understandably value their privacy and therefore do not want people trespassing on their properties outside of the event day. So when training on the course you are NOT permitted to go through either the Ironpot Ridge section or the private land near Checkpoint 3. You must leave these sections out of your training as you would be putting the future of this event in jeopardy. Therefore anyone caught on these sections outside of event day will be disqualified from the event and their entry fee will not be refunded. Refer to the 'course descriptions' for how to avoid these sections of private land if training on the course. All other sections of the course are OK to train on however it is always advisable to check with the National Parks office in Blackheath first on any track closures that may be in place at the time of your trip. Track maintenance requiring closures does occur periodically throughout the year. For updates on track closures check the National Parks website or contact the NPWS Heritage Centre, phone 02 4787 8877 (open seven days 9.00am to 4.30pm).

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10. EVENT PHOTOS FOR PURCHASE

Aurora Images will once again be taking great photos of your experience out there on The North Face 100 track. For more information on ordering photos click here.

11. AURA - SANCTIONED EVENT

The North Face 100 is an AURA (Australian Ultra Runners Association) sanctioned event. For more information on AURA and how you can become a member, visit their website: www.aura.asn.au

12. ACCOMMODATION & PASTA BUFFET

The start and finish of The North Face 100 is at the luxurious Fairmont Resort in Leura.

Fairmont Rooms: Room only rate (no breakfast) - $206
Superior Rooms: Room only rate (no breakfast) - $251
Deluxe Rooms: Room only rate (no breakfast) - $301

To make an accommodation booking, please contact reservations on: 02 4785 0000, or email reservations@fairmontresort.com.au. You must say you are involved with The North Face 100 running event.

The Pasta Carb-Loading Buffet on the Friday night will be on again at the Fairmont Resort with 6pm and 8pm sittings. $37.50 per head ($19 for kids) which includes your choice of pasta (including vegetarian option), bread, salad, and tea/coffee. You will need to pre-book, spaces are limited.

To make a meal booking, contact reservations on: 02 4785 0000, or email reservations@fairmontresort.com.au

For other accommodation go to the Blue Mountains Tourism Website: www.visitbluemountains.com.au

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13. PRIZES

$1,500 will be awarded to the first solo male and first solo female to cross the line. The three fastest solo men and women will also receive free entry to next year's event. Prizes will be awarded to 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd in each category in the 100km solo and Marathon Pairs relay.

The much sought-after The North Face 100 belt buckles will be awarded as follows:
"Gold" Buckle to the winners
"Silver" Buckle to those finishing in under 14 hours
"Bronze" Buckle to those finishing in under 20 hours
Belt Buckles are only available to solo runners.
Certificates will be awarded to all finishers in both the solo and Marathon Pairs relay events.

Please note that you or a representative need to be present at the event presentation to collect your prize. Prizes will not be sent out.

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14. EVENT RULES

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15. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

There is no requirement to have completed any other particular event in order to participate in The North Face 100. You do however need to be at least 18 years old. You also need to be an experienced trail runner and must be sufficiently skilled and trained to undertake the event. The course is very tough and demanding with remote sections that can result in slower first aid / rescue response times. It is a combination of fire trail and narrow walking tracks including some very steep sections on staircases, on ladders, on dirt and on rock and sections that are rough under foot. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit enough to complete the event which may take you up to 28 hours to finish. Ensure that you are in good health and that you do not have any illness that will hinder your ability to complete the event. It is your responsibility to monitor your health and condition during the event and to withdraw from the event if you are no longer fit enough to continue.

Below is a link to the Indemnity Form which you are required to read and sign. Please print this out and have it ready to hand in at event registration on the Friday night.

Indemnity and release TNF100 2012.pdf

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16.INSURANCE

The organiser of the Event, AROC Sport, has public liability insurance cover. This does not include personal accident insurance for competitors. We recommend that you arrange your own personal accident insurance and ambulance cover before participating in the Event to cover any unforeseen personal costs you may incur due to ambulance trips, medical expenses or time off work due to injuries sustained whilst participating in the Event.

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17. KIDS EVENT (1km-4-Kids)

The 1km-4-Kids is an enter on the day 1km fun run for kids on the Sunday morning. The race will start at 10am Sunday near the finish line of The North Face 100. Entry is free. Kids must be under 15 years old on the day of the event to participate. Entries will be taken from 9:15am to 9:45am in the finish foyer of The North Face 100 just inside the Fairmont Resort. All kids are welcome.

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18. SPECTATORS

Spectators are more than welcome to come and watch the event. The most accessible places to see the event in the Katoomba area are:

1. From 6:50am at the start at The Fairmont Resort and anywhere along the first 6km as the runners make their way through the streets of Leura. However please note vehicle access and parking is very limited.
2. From 12:30pm to 11pm at Checkpoint 4 at Katoomba Aquatic Centre and the surrounding streets as well as the Cliff Top Walk and Echo Point.
3. From 4pm at the finish at The Fairmont Resort

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