It’s been awhile since I’ve decided to do an FKT
So chose to give my next one a go:
BMX - Blue Mountains Express FKT
Solo & Unsupported
Glenbrook Station to Mount Victoria Station
82km & 2608m + Elevation
Time of 10hrs:07mins:37sec
New FKT time by 1hr:4mins
Thank you to both Lou Clifton and Corey philpott for putting this route together and setting the initial time to aim for with my attempt.
Such a great course which is about 90% on trail and only about 10% on road/paths
Starting at Glenbrook Station, (and not jumping on the next train 😝) you head up the Oaks FT to Woodford, then head along the Bedford creek FT and Inga FT to Tablelands road Wentworth Falls. (Taking the short trail detour at end of Inga so not to trespass on private property)
From here you’re basically running along the new Grand Cliff Tops trail from Wentworth Falls through Leura to Katoomba Echo Point.
From Katoomba you run along pathways and dirt roads that basically follows the Hwy and train line through Medlow Bath, Blackheath to Mt Victoria where one finishes at the train station.
It was the perfect day for it with great weather for a 4:30am start, and after running through some pre dawn fog receiving a wonderful sunrise as I reached Woodford. Then full sunshine all the way through to Mt Victoria.
Being inline with the attempt of how I like to do all my FKT, I ran this Solo and unsupported, which means I can get no support or use any shops, and have to carry everything from start to finish and only allowed to use public taps for water top ups
These were done at (with photos taken for evidence):
Woodford (end of Oaks Trail) - 27km
Wentworth Falls car park - 48km
Echo Point Katoomba - 61km
All my logistics worked perfectly for me.
Thanks to Tailwind, I was able to do the challenge on 8 bottles of tailwind (mixed flavours), carrying the easy to use stick pack for topping up along the way.
Also as always, the T8 gear was flawless especially as it was super humid for the whole way and having no issues at all
Love the Sherpa Shorts, Commandos and there mix ‘n’ match socks.
The shoe of choice that was supplied to me by Runnulla were the Hoka Mafate Speed 4. Finishing with no issues or blisters at all.