Rock ‘N Reef Trail Run is a new addition to the Mike Carney Toyota Trail Run Series. As we venture south to Bowen, the trail run scenery provides stunning beaches and rocky headlands. Why we love it: Rocky and technical trail sections with steep climbs and fast descents and some coasteering in the longer distances.

When: Sunday, 20th June 2021

Why not make a whole weekend out of it. We will attend the Bowen Parkrun on Saturday morning at 7am, spend the afternoon by the beach and then hold a Dash for Cash Beach Run Saturday afternoon at 4pm. After that we meet at the Castle Motor Lodge for a Welcome Dinner and a good nights sleep, ready to go for Sunday morning.

Where: Bowen, Case Park, Horseshoe Bay Road

Getting there: Bowen is approximately a 2:30 hours drive south on the Bruce Highway. Head towards Ayr and the Bowen. Once you get to Bowen, take Woodlands Road, Richmond Road and Soldiers Road to Horseshoe Bay Road. The Event HQ is set up in Case Park.

Parking: Parking inside the park will be tight so please park in an orderly fashion and ensure vehicles are not blocking any access ways. You may have to park outside the park and walk to Race HQ. There is plenty of parking along the main road (Horseshoe Bay Rd).

Accommodation: The Castle Motor Lodge is partnering with us this year and they are offering a discounted rate to all participants. When booking in, let them know you are attending the event.

Competitor Info

Distances & Entry fees:
General Entry starts: 9th May | Late Entry starts: 13th June
6km – Early Bird $33.50 | General Entry $37 | Late Entry $43
10km – Early Bird $39 | General Entry $43 | Late Entry $49
18km – Early Bird $44 | General Entry $49 | Late Entry $55
Juniors (under 16) General Entry $14 | Late Entry $20
Minimum age to participate in our short distance events is 8 years and for the longer distances 11 years (age as of event date)

Start times:
Race course briefing will be held 10min prior to race start.
18km – 7am start
10km – 7:15am start
6km – 7:30am start

Mandatory Gear:
There is mandatory gear for the 12km and 21km run. There will be mandatory gear checks at the sign in. We have marshals on the course, a safety vehicle and first aid.

• 2x compression bandages
• a fully charged and waterproofed phone (there is limited service along the course) Please download the free EMERGENCY+ app on your phone prior to the event
• Whistle
• Space blanket

Categories & Awards:
Juniors (under 16) | 16-29yrs | 30-39yrs | 40-49yrs | 50-59 yrs | 60+yrs
Top 3 Male & Female for each distance are awarded at presentation
Top 3 junior boys and girls (short distance only) are awarded at presentation
1st place in age group for each distance (excluding top 3 winners) will be contacted after the event
Presentation: Presentation will be held as soon as the Top 3 runners have finished. Prizes will be given to the top 3 runners on the day

Water & Nutrition:
It is recommended that you take at least 500ml of water per hour that you expect to be running. There is some water provided on the course, no cups, please bring your own bottle. Ensure you take sufficient nutrition with you for the duration of your run.

Facilities:
There are toilets located at the start/finish line as well as the Horseshoe Bay foreshore. 

The course runs through the Cape Edgecumbe Heights Recreation Reserve, please ensure you do not litter along the course and respect the reserve. The reserve will also be open for day users so please be mindful and courteous of other users.

Refreshments:
A food and coffee cart will be at race HQ (TBC)

Course Details
Course Overview: The 3 courses will be clearly marked with pink tape, signage, arrows and caution tape. Each track junction will have a sign with directions on which way to go depending on which distance you are completing. There will also be course marshals at each significant turn.

 The course has a few out and backs to amazing lookouts and a few stair sections. The trails will be uneven including rocks and soft sand in some sections.

Cut Off Times: The event director and event officials reserve the right to pull any competitor out of the race if they are concerned about their well being. Runners may be short coursed or directed straight to the finish, if they have not reached a certain check point by the cut off time.

18km Course Cut-off time: TBC

6km Course: The Intro- Get a taste of what trail running is about. This course is suited for beginners with some experience or the ones who want to challenge themselves on a fast short course.
Starts at Race HQ and takes you out into the Edgecumbe Reserve, winding your way up to the iconic Mother Beddock, from there the course drops down to Murray Bay, before climbing back up to the top of the WWII Lookout. As your second out and back, head back the way you came and then turn left toward Horseshoe Bay. A fast finish along the Horseshoe Bay foreshore, back to Case Park.
Download a GPX file of the course on our website.

10km Course: The Intermediate- The best way to get your trail running skills put to the test. Good running fitness required.
The 10km course is similar to the 6km course, but adds a few extra loops including a coasteering section along the beach of Horseshoe Bay.
Download a GPX file of the course on our website.

18km Course: The Real Deal- a grand tour of Bowens scenic spots, beaches and hills.
The course starts the same as the 10km course, but instead of turning around on the beach like the 10km does on the first out and back, the 18km course keeps going all the way to Flagstaff Hill. Enjoy the views of the lighthouse on the nearby island as you climb up Flagstaff Hill. On your way back along the beach you will see Mother Beddock towering above the headland of Horseshoe Bay. Once you climb up and over you will descent into Horseshoe Bay and start a short section of coasteering (aka rock hopping), taking you around the headland. A fast stretch to the finish and it’s time to put your feet up for a well deserved rest.
Download a GPX file of the course on our website

For more info and bookings please visit our website.

Venue
Case Park
Horseshoe Bay Rd
Bowen
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