This was a double FKT project, done unsupported from the day-1 start to the day-2 finish. Carrying everything I’d need for two days, including sleeping gear to camp overnight, my plan was simple; set a new FKT on day-1 while running the net uphill direction on fresh legs and then beat that running in the net downhill direction on tired legs on day-2.
My project was a fundraising activity in support of the Bob Brown Foundation’s environmental campaign to secure permanent protection for Takayna/Tarkine in Tasmania. Fundraising continues and there are some great prizes up for grabs.
Day one
- Time: 14:59:39
- Distance: 105.99 km
- Elevation gain: 3510 m
- Elevation loss: 2215 m
At 0720 on 14 December 2024, I started my run from Warburton. After an initial stretch on bitumen, I turned onto the singletrack up to Starlings Gap. While runnable, progress to the Little Ada River was slowed by significant bark and tree litter on the track, making for a surface into which the feet repeatedly sank and snagged.
The Little Ada River at 27km was a key point as it was the last palatable water until the Thompson River headwaters at 81km. While I knew there would be a few off-route water opportunities through this section and I anticipated puddles and a few swampy dams, I nonetheless refilled with two litres. With the temperature forecast to be in the mid-twenties (Celsius), stay hydrated was important.
Once past the Little Ada River, the route takes to good quality gravel roads that allowed me to enjoy the passage through the eucalyptus forest. It is simply beautiful.
My caution about water availability proved reasonable as even puddles were uncommon. My options were infrequent swampy waterholes and drainage trenches; neither type was particularly attractive, and I was glad I brought two filter flasks. I took water at every availability and still went dry for periods.
Reaching the turn onto Newmans Road at ~80km, I was buoyed by clean, flowing water. Accumulated fatigue from the distance, the warm weather, and periods without water was setting in, so I slowed the pace knowing that I still had another whole day to come.
Frangipani Saddle (~83km) gave revelation to the second unknown. From here, the foot track to the AAWT is typically slow going. Fortune smiled upon me as the track was easily navigable. Despite the track being difficult to see if one were not looking for a track, vegetation was not particularly dense.
Once at the AAWT junction (~91km), the track largely kept my pace tempered as it was narrow, twisty, rocky, and obstructed by vegetation. It was an opportunity to power hike with a ‘smooth is fast’ mentality.
The sun was setting as I moved towards the turn-off to Baw Baw (~100km). The last 6km was covered with headtorch under the full moon.
Once finished for the day at Baw Baw, I simply ate and camped the night.
Day two
- Time: 14:17:51
- Distance: 94.34 km
- Elevation gain: 2134 m
- Elevation loss: 3196 m
The weather forecast was in the low thirties (Celsius), so I was keen to make an early start to allow me to get through as much of the long dry stretch before the heat set in.
Upon waking, I was tired. I set off at 0542 without delay that could cause me to reconsider my decision to go. Pleasingly, once moving, my body felt good and it appreciated the slightly lighter pack. I set a conservative pace, nonetheless.
Having run the route the day before and with the day’s hot conditions, I was fortunate to know where water was available. I filled up without hesitation at each opportunity, again thankful for filter flasks. Once through the long dry stretch, I took a moment at the Little Ada River (80km) to hydrate and refresh.
With around 40km to go and knowing that I was tracking to potentially beat my day-1 time, I began pushing the pace. This felt good on the gravel roads, however it was more difficult on the littered singletrack after the Little Ada River. I could feel the hammer knocking progressively harder.
Passing Starlings Gap (89km), I had a long downhill and then a stretch of flat bitumen ahead of me. I had been looking forward to this point, but it was starting the descent that the hammer started knocking really hard. After a short stretch of walking painfully slow, I knew beating my day-1 time was beyond me. After staggering a bit more, I knew it was time to cut losses and I called for a pickup.
Conclusions
Despite not finishing day-2, I am pleased that I gave it my all in pursuit of beating my day-1 time. Had I not pushed, I could have finished, but that was not my goal for day-2; my goal was beating my day-1 time.
This double FKT project was a successful fundraising activity. I’d like to thank everyone who donated, as well as the generous support of businesses who offered prizes: Endurance Edge, Tarkine Athletics, Tarkine Trails, Trek Tours Australia, Paddy Pallin, MOOR Endurance Fuel Co, Vahy, and Love Tea.