Hi Paul, thanks again for letting me continue, and for the kind words in the race report.
The true hero of the day certainly was at the back of the field - Julie Savage. The most patient and encouraging sweep ever. I doubt I would have made it to the end without her there.
Thoroughly enjoyed the event, and look forward to doing another of your events.
22—40—64—85 km Alpine Runs
This classic Alpine run offers four challenging distances in some of the most spectacular country in Victoria’s Alpine National Park. In 2023 Hells Cauldron—The Anvil 85 km variant of the Razorback Run is open to all runners.
For years Running Wild has been developing and testing a more challenging run to complement the Razorback Run, but one that goes back to the basics of trail running using a map, compass and trail reading skills, so now we present an "extremish" ultra run open to experienced trail runners.
The Run
Hells Cauldron—The Anvil, where you can be roasted by the sun, lashed by howling winds and frozen to the core by the icy rain and snow—all in one day; a run where you must be prepared for everything. For those entering The Anvil, it's not when you will finish, but IF you will finish and how wrecked you will be.
Hells Cauldron—The Anvil ultra is one of Australia's toughest and most spectacular mid distance Alpine ultra trail runs, with over 4,800 m of ascent and descent over 85 km. If you are contemplating this run, be aware, it is extreme in difficulty and has cut off times that will challenge you to the hilt.
For those still wanting a challenge, there is the 64 km Razorback Ridge run, which takes in the entire length of the Razorback as well as heading across to the Bogong High Plains to take some great ascents and descents as well as some of the most stunning ridge running in the Australian Alps.
The 40 km Razorback Circuit gives you a great climb to the summit of Mt Feathertop, the second highest peak in Victoria, a terrific ridge run and a quad busting descent.
The 22 km short course Razorback Ridge offers a delightful day out to the Summit of Mt Feathertop and back along the Razorback.
2023 includes the 58 km loop for the benefit of runners in the 160 km Alpine Challenge as it gives them the chance to run this section in daylight, whilst
Set in the heart of Victoria’s high country, the Razorback Run/Hells Cauldron is one of the most amazing high altitude runs that Australia has to offer.
Key Information
Date: Saturday 16 March 2024
Location: Harrietville Victoria, Australia
40/64/85 km Runs
Start/Finish: Harrietville Caravan Park
Pre-race check in: 05:45 A.M.
Start Time: 06:00 A.M.
22 km Run
Start/Finish: Diamantina Hut – Great Alpine Road
Pre-race check in: 07:45 A.M.
Start time: 08:00 A.M.
Cut off 64 km: 17:00 P.M., Diamantina Hut
Cut offs 85 km:
11:00 A.M. (5 hours) 15 km – Mt Feathertop Summit
2:00 P.M. (8 hours) 41 km – The General Mt Hotham
9:00 P.M. (15 hours) 69 km – Diamantina Hut
1:00 A.M. (19 hours) Finish line – Harrietville
Runners arriving at Mt Feathertop summit after 11:00 A.M. will be directed to the 64 km course.
Runners arriving at The General after 2:00 P.M. will be directed to Diamantina Hut and finish of the 64 km course.
Runners arriving at Diamantina Hut after 9:00 P.M. will be assessed as to whether they can continue (physical condition, weather).
Equipment: see—Mandatory Safety Gear
Navigation: This is an unmarked course with limited checkpoints. Participants must be able to navigate with Map/Compass/GPS.
There are no GPX/Strava files provided for Hells Cauldron.
Entries: Razorback Run/Hells Cauldron Entry
Support:
22/40/64 km runs – there is one aid station located at Diamantina Hut.
85 km – there are aid stations located at The General and at Diamantina Hut.
Participants must be self supporting. Water is available from streams, soaks and water tanks; it is recommended that it is treated before drinking.
Accomodation: In Harrietville:
- Harrietville Caravan Park – (03) 5759 2523
- Snowline Hotel – (03) 5759 2524
- Harrietville Hotel Motel – (03) 5759 2525
- Casbak Apartments – (03) 5759 2531
- Feathertop Chalet – (03) 5759 2688
Registration: From 05:00 P.M. Friday at the Harrietville Hotel Motel
Pre event briefing/dinner: Harrietville Hotel Motel (bottom pub near the bridge) 8:30 P.M. Friday
This is a mandatory briefing and participants should bring their running kit for checking.
No briefing/No gear check = No start
Presentations/post run dinner:
22 km – Presentations at 1:00 P.M. at the Caravan Park
40/64 km – Presentations and post run dinner – Snowline Hotel (top pub) 07:00 P.M. Saturday
85 km – Presentations 8:00 A.M. Sunday at the Caravan Park
Experience the thrill of running to the summit of Mt Feathertop, Victoria’s second highest peak and Australia’s only real mountain and enjoy stunning views of the high country from the Summit, the High Plains, Swindlers Spur and the Razorback—weather permitting.
