The Stromlo Running Festival is an annual off road event
held this year on 20 November in Stromlo Forest Park in
Canberra, and offers 50K, 30K, and 10K courses on the once
bushfire affected Mt Stromlo. It attracts runners from all
over Australia, especially with the longer two courses being
qualifiers for the 6 Foot Track Marathon.
The 10km course, in which I entered, goes around the lower
slopes of Stromlo, providing some beautiful Canberrean
scenery with some undulations that are perfectly runnable
for those of all levels; with the final 2K a downhill dash
to the finishers’ breakfast!
One of the biggest highlight of the event was the live
commentary by legendary marathoner Robert de Castella –
“Deeks”, who designed the course. Throughout the day he
tirelessly provided runners encouragement, including my
favourite “Hills are good for health!” while we all moaned
at the mere thought of them. Deeks is also a strong
supporter of the Indigenous Marathon Project where proceeds
of this event go.
A challenging course, a lovely community feel, for a good
cause.
I will be back in 2017.
Amy