THE
WONDERLAND RUN
B Y R O H A N D AY
L
ast year’s Wonderland was very WET! The rock canyons
are always intense, but more so when they’ve become
small rivers! So this year we’ve ordered a light dusting of
snow on the pinnacle with glorious sunshine. Whatever
turns up, this race is an experience, not just a run. You’re IN the
rocks, on top of the mountains and brushing shoulders with
the wildlife as there is more density of kangaroos here than
any place on the planet.
The first time I ran this event, the nature-connection feeling
was so intense I went for the primeval yell on top of the
Pinnacle. Normally I’d think this was a bit crazy, but you’re
excused on this course. You’ve just gone from canyons that
touch you, been encapsulated by clouds and beheld great
vistas from a height.
Wonderland Run is held annually in late August, based
from Hall's Gap. The longer 20km and 36km distances take in
the major icons of the Wonderland Range such as the Grand
Canyon, Silent Street and the Pinnacle. The shorter 2km and
8km distances are more beginner friendly while giving a taste
of the beauty of the area.
All events start from School Road, near Centennial Hall,
which is the race hub for the weekend. Saturday afternoon
the 2km kicks off at 1pm, enabling people to drive out from
Melbourne during the morning but still join in a run. The 8km
run follows shortly thereafter at 2pm. The sense of anticipation
grows for the big ones at 7am on the Sunday morning where
500 runners
test themselves against
the arduous
of
Photo:
Delly will
Carr/Sportshoot
and Super
League terrain
Triathlon
the surrounding ranges.
Due to the remote extreme terrain, runners need to qualify
by having run in other events. Check the website for more
details, but if you’ve run a half marathon in the previous 12
months, you’ve a good chance of being able to run on the
Sunday. (No pre-requisites for the Saturday
shorter runs.)
Hall's Gap is the ideal location as it has plenty of
accommodation located close to the start line and within easy
reach. You’re constantly looking up at the beauty you’ll be
running in as the township is nestled in the valley between two
ranges. Being a small town, getting around is simple, quick
and headache free.
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