A UNIQUE new event that pitches trail runners and cyclists against each other, and against one of the most notable climbs in Australia, Mt Donna Buang, has been confirmed.
Rapid Ascent has launched a new event that promises challenges for participants, with the new Vertical K – Mt Donna Buang to be held on 29 November at Warburton.
This challenge pitches man and bike against one of the most notable climbs in Australia.
Promoters say it is a test of strength over a vertical kilometre for trail runners and cyclists, who will start together at the base of Mt Donna Buang and take different courses to race each other to the summit, which is over one vertical kilometre above.
Mt Donna Buang is well-known among trail runners thanks to the tall timber forests lining the Yarra Valley and the network of trails that climb up its steep sides.
It’s Australia’s first Vertical Kilometre SkyRace and Vertical K – Mt Donna Buang Sky Race gives runners a 1098m vertical ascent over just 8km meaning it’s short, sharp and very steep.
The course starts in Warburton by going up Martyr Road, Australia’s steepest residential street that has an average gradient of 20 per cent and with 31 per cent on the steepest stretch.
Cyclists will be riding up the sealed road to ascend 1077m throughout their tough 17.8km race.
Starting in Warburton, riders will get up to speed with 800m of flat riding before ‘The Donna’ climb starts in earnest where the road kicks up to a moderate five per cent gradient that remains fairly consistent as it climbs up through the magnificent temperate rainforest.
In the final section to the summit, the road kicks up to a 10 per cent gradient.
The trail runners join the cyclists for an 800m stretch along the road at the 13.5km point (just after the 5.6km point in the run course), allowing each discipline to eye up one another before the final race to the summit.
This new event has been developed by Rapid Ascent, an adventure event management company that is renowned for innovation and professional sports events.
“We’re very excited to launch this new style of event and provide a unique opportunity to race against competitors in another sport, and we’re extremely proud to be hosting the first ever sanctioned Vertical K Sky Race in Australia,” said Sam Maffett, General Manager of Rapid Ascent.
“It’s going to be an extremely tough race as competitors will need to push their pain barrier to reach the summit in good time.”
“There’s one section in particular where the runners and cyclists share the road for about 800m; it’s a good opportunity to eye up your rivals and really race that final section to the summit,” he said.
Visit www.VERTICALK.com.au for entries or to find out more.
