LMU 32K
5th October 2024
Course Summary
Leaving the event village, you’ll enjoy a flat first kilometre followed by a challenging vertical ascent toward the summit. This leads to several kilometres of switchbacks and false flats with views to the north, followed by a serious climb up Mitchells Way and the powerline track leading all the way to the top.
After the Summit Aid Station, it’s downhill to the Federal Falls trail loop and on to the next aid station at the Towac Way Aid Station.
From here, it’s a descent on fire trail followed by one more climb before the final long descent past the Boree Road Aid Station and on to the finish.
Full Course Description
Heading west from the race village you’ll exit the event centre before turning left and up a small climb. You will now cross over Mitchells Way and continue on until you eventually turn right onto Black Flat Creek Trail. You will now begin the 600m vertical ascent to the summit of the mountain. Dual tyre tracks interspersed with wildflowers and spring grasses dot much of the climb in the lower elevations.
Your view of the summit is quickly obscured by the ridge lines in the foreground that you inevitably must pass over. After around 6km of steady climbing next to the bubbling creek to your left, your route takes a sharp hairpin to the right and you’re met with a serious incline. This will continue with switchbacks and false flats for the next several kilometres as you climb sharply out of the valleys and begin to see the sprawling farmland below you to the north. You will intersect and turn a sharp left onto Mitchells Way fire trail and, depending on the time of day, you may encounter other runners who are descending to the finish line of the 22km course at this point.
From here, it’s a serious climb to the top. You will catch the occasional glimpse of the mountain summit off to your right at times, and it’s not long before you can see it all before you as you pop out on to a short section of sealed road before the infamous powerline ascent. This is exposed, wickedly steep and full of breathtaking views. If it’s hot, you’ll feel it here, and if it’s cold, you’re completely exposed on the northern flank of the mountain.
Before you know it you’ll hit the summit stretch and pop out on to the summit itself at the Summit Aid Station at 9km. You then plunge steeply off the western side and down the Snow Gum track to the Federal Falls crossover and loop. Here you will descend sharply on flowing single track before looping around and climbing, sometimes on technical ground, back towards the Federal Falls Campground. After completing this section, you’ll enjoy 3km of open graded dirt road on the run into the Towac Way Aid Station at 15km. From here, you get breathtaking views to the south as you descend easily for a while, before a hard right hand turn takes you on to the Wombat trail.
Get ready to climb sharply for several kilometres at this point, until you intersect with Gum Ridge trail and begin the long descent towards home. Enjoy the fire trail as it drops you down to the pine forest and then get your single track legs on once more as you take on the flowing Galinbundinya trails towards Boree. At the 27km point, you’ll run through the Boree Aid Station and farewell the single track for the final time.
From here, you face graded dirt roads and occasional fire trails as you set your sights on the race village. You’ll circumnavigate the southern boundary of the farm, before turning left on to Mitchells Way and finishing under the finisher’s arch.
You went there, and you’re back again…
Map and Terrain
A challenging loop course to the summit of the iconic Gaanha-bula Mount Canobolas.
Total elevation gain is 1,300m.
A GPX version is available for download: LMU 32K GPX
A detailed online map is also available: Lonely Mountain Ultra Course Maps
Strava Route
Course Flyover
Checkpoints and Aid Stations
Location | Distance |
---|---|
Summit Aid Station | 9k |
Towac Way Aid Station | 15k |
Boree Road Aid Station | 27k |
Provisions will include water, electrolyte drink, hot water for tea, coffee or soup, fruit, lollies, baked goods and crisps. Please note – the exact provisions may vary and we recommend that all participants carry their own nutrition as required, and in line with mandatory gear requirements.
Spectators are permitted at the race village only due to the limited road access in other areas.
Entry includes:
- Start and finish precinct
- Challenging courses
- Checkpoints and aid stations
- Professional timing
- Medical support on course
- Complimentary buff
- Volunteer support
- Gear check
- Participant guide
- Finishers medal
Registrations Open | 9am Saturday March 16th 2024 |
Early Bird Registrations Close | 11:59pm Saturday 25th May 2024 |
Registrations Close | 11:59pm Thursday 3rd October 2024 |
Entry Fee | Early Bird - $150 Regular - $170 |
Race Categories | Male & Female 18-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+ |
Start Time | 8am Saturday 5th October 2024 The mandatory race briefing will start at 7:35am |
Cut-off Times | Course Finish at 5pm Saturday 5th October 2024 |
Awards Presentation | ~12pm Saturday 5th October 2024 |
Age Requirements | At least 18 years of age on the event date |
Note: there will be no registrations on the day of the event.
Check out our Race Day Information for all the details.
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