Sri Chinmoy Canberra Trail Series

Great trails of Canberra

A 5-race series at popular venues close to Canberra for your enjoyment, fitness and self-transcendence

Upcoming races

Race 1: 28 April
"Cooleman Clip" 2.2km, 5km & 10km
Race 2: 12 May
"Stromlo Strides" 2km, 6.3km & 15.4km
Race 3: 27 May
"Ainslie Amble" 2km, 8.3km & 16.4km
Race 4: 23 June
"Tuggeranong Trot" 2km, 8km & 20km
Race 5: 14 July
"Gungahlin Gallop" 2.2km, 10km & 31km

About the event

The Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team offers a series of Winter trail runs at popular venues close to Canberra for your enjoyment, fitness and self-transcendence. Each event includes races of 3 distances:

* Short (2km – 3km)
* Middle (5km – 10km)
* Longer (10km – 31km)

Discounted Series entry! (the Series entry is now closed for 2024...)

There are 3 Series passes available:
* Short Distance Series – 5 races of 2 km or 2.2 km – $47;
• Medium Distance Series – 5 races of 5km to 10km – $110;
• Longer Distance Series – 5 races of 10km to 31km – $145.

Series Passes are available only up until the close of entries for Race 1 – 5pm, Friday 26 April.

Series Pass holders can elect to switch distance for any race, up to the close of entries for that race.

All races start from 10am with the exception of the long distance (31km) Gungahlin Gallop, which commences at 9am.

TO ENTER ONLINE, CLICK THE LINK BELOW EACH EVENT DESCRIPTION.

Online entries close at 5pm on the Friday prior to race day. On the day entries (see rates on right of page) are available at Registration on race morning from 9am to 9.40m only.

Introducing the Sri Chinmoy Canberra Trail Series

Welcome to the Sri Chinmoy Canberra Trail Series!

Events

Short Distance (2km – 2.2km)

    • 10am
    • per race $13 online, + $5 one-off race bib fee
    • Online entry closes at 5pm Friday prior to the race
    • One the day entry $20

Middle Distance (5km – 10km)

    • 10am
    • per race $27 online, + $5 one-off race bib fee
    • Online entry closes at 5pm Friday prior to the race
    • On the day entry $35

Longer Distance (10km – 31km)

    • 10am (Gungahlin Gallop 9am)
    • per race $31 online, + $5 one-off race bib fee
    • Online entry closes at 5pm Friday prior to the race
    • On the day entry $40

Contact

Prachar Stegemann
0404 071 327
Send Email

Award categories

  • Medals 1st 7 places Under 50; 1st 3 50-59; 1st 2 60-69; 1st 70+ (M & F) (Longer & Middle Distance)
  • Medals 1st 3 places Under 13; Under 17; 17 and Over (M & F) (Short Distance)
  • Trophies for 1st 3 places in the Series Pointscore Championship

Upcoming Races

Race 1: 28 April

"Cooleman Clip" 2.2km, 5km & 10km

The Series starts with the "Cooleman Clip", a southside adventure, exploring the wonderful tracks and trails along either side of Cooleman Ridge.

The start and finish is on Chapman Oval. Park on Tauchert St, Chapman, or along Streeton Dr. On-the-day registration opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 9.45 a.m., with races starting from 10 a.m.

Online entry for this race is now closed. On-the-day in-person entries available between 9am and 9.40am on Sunday morning at Chapman Oval.

View the route map for the 2.2km course (2 laps of the 1.1km loop), and its elevation profile, or download the 1.1km loop gpx file; view the route maps for the 5km course – 5km part 1, 5km part 2, 5km part 3 – and 5km elevation profile or download the 5km gpx file; view the route maps for the 10km course – 10km part 110km part 210km part 310km part 4, and 10km elevation profile or download the 10km gpx file.

Read the full course description and take a photo tour of the courses.

Race 2: 12 May

"Stromlo Strides" 2km, 6.3km & 15.4km

The second race of the Series increases the distances and moves to Canberra's all-purpose world-class Stromlo Forest Park – like Canberra itself, the perfect blend of natural beauty with man-made ingenuity. The "Novice" course follows the purpose-built "Deek's Track" cross-country running course; the moderate-grade 6.3km course ventures out to the majestic Blue Gums; while the longer 15.4km route ascends the summit of the Mt Stromlo before rambling a loop around the shoulder of the mountain.

Park at the Stromlo Forest Park car park at the end of Dave McInnes Drive. On-the-day registration opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 9.45 a.m., with races starting from 10 a.m.

Online entry for this race is now closed. On-the-day in-person entries available between 9am and 9.40am on Sunday morning at Stromlo Forest Park.

Download the gpx file for the 2km Novice course; view the route map and elevation profile or download the gpx file for the 6.3km course; view the route map and elevation profile or download the gpx file for the 15.4km course.

Read the full course description and take a photo tour of the course.

Race 3: 27 May

"Ainslie Amble" 2km, 8.3km & 16.4km

The "Ainslie Amble" explores some of the oldest and most loved trails in Canberra, around the base of Mt Ainslie, along with more recent single tracks on Mt Ainslie and Mt Majura. The novice 2km race follows the houses behind Duffy St, Ainslie, while the middle distance 8.3km "Majura Meander" route wanders up and around the saddle of Mt Majura. The longer 16.4km race is a testing yet thoroughly enjoyable outing, adding a full loop of Mt Ainslie, including a gut-busting ascent of the southern face and sections of the Centenary Trail.

The start/finish area is alongside the southern end of Phillip Ave, Hackett. On-the-day registration opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 9.45 a.m., with races starting from 10 a.m.

BATHROOMS for this event will be open at Hackett Oval, about 100 metres from the start/finish area.

Online entry for this race is now closed. On-the-day in-person entries available between 9am and 9.40am on Monday morning at the corner of Phillip Ave and Kellaway St, Hackett.

View the route map for the 2km course; view the route map, satellite view and elevation profile or download the gpx file for the 8.3km "Majura Meander" course; view the route map, satellite view and elevation profile or downloiad the gpx file for the 16.4km course. View the start/finish area.

Read the full course description and take a photo tour of each of the courses.

Note this race is held on the Reconciliation Day Public Holiday in the ACT – Monday 29 May 2023.

Race 4: 23 June

"Tuggeranong Trot" 2km, 8km & 20km

The Sri Chinmoy Canberrra Trail Series heads to Tuggeranong for a varied exploration of the Murrumbidgee Corridor. Barely minutes from the Town Centre, you'll think you were miles from anywhere as you wend your way northward through bushland, and return along the riverside walking track. The 2km Novice course heads south from the start/finish, while the 8km and 20km course head north. The 8km course loops around at Tuggeranong Creek, while the 20km goes as far as Kambah Pool before heading south.

Sorry, no dogs – because parts of these trails pass through areas where dogs are not permitted, runners are not allowed to be accompanied by dogs in this event.

Parking is at Pine Island North picnic area, at the end of Pine Island Rd, Tuggeranong. On-the-day registration opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 9.45 a.m., with races starting from 10 a.m.

Online entry for this race is now closed. On-the-day in-person entries available between 9am and 9.40am on Sunday morning at Pine Island North.

View the 2km course map; the 8km course map in satellite view or map view; the 20km course in satellite view or map view; and the start/finish area.

Read the full course description and take a photo tour of the course.

Race 5: 14 July

"Gungahlin Gallop" 2.2km, 10km & 31km

Canberra's north side hosts the Series finale. The track from Hall through to Oak Hill along Gungahlin's northern fringing ridge is the Rolls Royce of Canberra Trails. Especially commissioned for the Centenary Trail project, this beautifully sculptured track is a work of art, a trail to fall in love with… To fully appreciate the varying vistas in each direction, you really need to run this wonderful track both ways. That's why we've designed this course as an out-and-back.

Starting and finishing at Hall's historic Showground, both courses ascend to the summit of One Tree Hill, from where the 31km continues following the ACT/NSW border. Enjoy one of Canberra's deluxe running experiences.

Please note that for the Gungahlin Gallop, there are NO DRINK STATIONS on the course. Runners MUST BRING and CARRY their own water.

Sorry, no dogs – because parts of these trails pass through areas where dogs are not permitted, runners are not allowed to be accompanied by dogs in this event.

Enter online.

Park at the Hall Showground, at the end of Gladstone St, Hall. The 31km race starts at 9 a.m.; the 10km & 2km races start at 10 a.m.

View the 2.2km course map; the 10km course map; the 31km course map; and start/finish area.

Read the full course description and take a photo tour of the course.

The Courses

Download the 2.2km gpx file; view the 2.2km course map (2 loops of the 1.1km route) and 1.1km loop elevation profile; download the 5km gpx file; view the 5km course maps – 5km part 1, 5km part 2, 5km part 3 and 5km elevation profile.

Take a photo tour of the courses.

Introduction

Cooleman Ridge is one of the most used and loved areas around Canberra for runners, walkers, bikers and horse riders. Many have chosen to settle in Weston Creek primarily to enjoy proximity to the wonderful network of equestrian trails, fire trails, management trails, walking and single tracks that wend their way up, down, around and along both sides of this humble yet magnificent ridge.

Affording views to the north across the whole of urban Weston Creek, the Woden Valley and South Canberra over Lake Burley Griffin to Black Mountain and beyond; to the south towards Mt Tennant; and to the west over the Murrumbidgee River to the Bullen Range and the mighty beckoning Brindabellas, few vantage areas offer a fuller panoply of Canberra's rare wealth of natural blessings and beauty. 

2.2km Novice Course

The start and finish is on Chapman Oval. Park on Tauchert St, Champman, or along Streeton Dr.

The Start is near a small cement circle, on Chapman Oval, in front of the west end of the facilities block. From here, head away from the amenities block towards Streeton Dr, staying outside the cones set up around the perimeter of the oval. Join with the pedestrian path heading west, alongside the fence of Chapman Primary School. Turn left to continue alongside this fence and follow the concrete path uphill until you come to an underpass. Do not proceed through this underpass, instead turning to your left and proceed on the pedestrian path along in front of the Primary School, then down the grassy bank to return to your starting point. Repeat this 1.1km loop, for your full 2.2km course.

5km course

(split distances are approximate)

The start and finish is on Chapman Oval. Park on Tauchert St, Champman, or along Streeton Dr.

The Start is near a small cement circle, on Chapman Oval, in front of the west end of the facilities block. From here, head west across the oval aiming for the right hand side of the baseball practice net and head up the grassy hill between the trees to join a cement driveway, which leads you up to a footpath (200m elapsed) where you will turn right at some yellow poles to head along the front of Chapman Primary School. After approx. 200m (0.4K) turn sharp left to head through the underpass under Perry Drive and continue straight uphill, taking care after 80m to take the right hand path which heads steeply uphill with the houses on your right. At the top of the stairs (approx. 0.74K) take the small single track uphill near the fence and houses on your right for approx. 90m, when it merges with a firetrail heading uphill (0.83K).

After 130m you will reach a T-junction: turn right onto Cutoff Drain FT (0.96K) and follow this as it heads west behind the houses for about 700m before making a sharp left turn onto Darrell Place FT (1.7K). After 80m continue straight ahead at the 4 way track junction but 40m later take the left track at the burnt log (heading away from water tower) to start descending to the other side of the Ridge. Climb through the gate (1.95K) and 40m later turn left to join the Cooleman Ridge BNT heading southwest (1.99K). Follow this for 640m until you reach a corner where you will turn left (2.63K) to take the Little Reservoir FT back uphill for approx. 500m to reach the water reservoir (3.16K). After about 70m you will join the main FT heading downhill (3.23K) and 110 m later turn right onto Arawang Saddle FT (3.34K) and then immediately left (20m later; 3.36K) to take the small FT which takes you back down to the Cutoff Drain FT near the houses (3.49K) where you will turn left to head north. Follow this for just over 300m (3.80K) to reach the hairpin corner where you originally joined the Ridge, and turn right, downhill to retrace the same route (in reverse) as the first kilometre, with you finishing by running down the grassy bank at Chapman Oval to reach the Finish at approx. 4.8K.

Download the 10km gpx file; view the 10km course maps – 10km part 1, 10km part 2, 10km part 3, 10km part 4 and 10km elevation profile.

Take a photo tour of the courses.

Introduction

Cooleman Ridge is one of the most used and loved areas around Canberra for runners, walkers, bikers and horse riders. Many have chosen to settle in Weston Creek primarily to enjoy proximity to the wonderful network of equestrian trails, fire trails, management trails, walking and single tracks that wend their way up, down, around and along both sides of this humble yet magnificent ridge.

Affording views to the north across the whole of urban Weston Creek, the Woden Valley and South Canberra over Lake Burley Griffin to Black Mountain and beyond; to the south towards Mt Tennant; and to the west over the Murrumbidgee River to the Bullen Range and the mighty beckoning Brindabellas, few vantage areas offer a fuller panoply of Canberra's rare wealth of natural blessings and beauty.

10km course

(split distances are approximate)

The start and finish is on Chapman Oval. Park on Tauchert St, Chapman, or along Streeton Dr.

The Start is near a small cement circle, on Chapman Oval, in front of the west end of the pavilion. From here, head west across the oval aiming for the right hand side of the baseball practice net and head up the grassy hill between the trees to join a cement driveway, which leads you up to a footpath (200m elapsed) where you will turn right at some yellow poles to head along the front of Chapman Primary School. After approx. 200m (0.4K) turn sharp left to head through the underpass under Perry Drive and continue straight uphill, taking care after 80m to take the right hand path which heads steeply uphill with the houses on your right. At the top of the stairs (approx. 0.74K) take the small single track uphill near the fence and houses on your right for approx. 90m, when it merges with a firetrail heading uphill (0.83K).

After 130m you will reach a T-junction: turn right onto Cutoff Drain FT (0.96K) and follow this for approx. 1.4k as it heads west and north west behind the houses. Make a sharp left turn across the footbridge (2.59K) to climb steeply up the stairs to just before the Cooleman Trig (2.72K) where you will turn right onto the single track for 30m before climbing through a gate (2.75K) that sends you downhill from the summit (SW) for 90m until you reach a T-junction at which you will turn left (2.84K, SE) onto the Nature FT (no sign). This track descends to a saddle and an intersection with Dam FT at 3.01K, at which point you continue straight ahead, along the ridgeline. Follow this scenic single track for approx. 700m, descending to a 4 way intersection at the big water tank (3.70K) at which point you will continue straight ahead, along the ridgeline.

Follow this as it starts to climb gradually, then steeply, up to another little water reservoir (4.42K), and 50 m later to a T-junction where you will turn left (4.47K), downhill onto a major fire trail. After only 100m make a right turn (4.57K) onto the Arawang Saddle FT, which take you SW along the ridgeline towards Mt Arawang. From this point, stay on the main ridgeline and ignore the two left minor trails at 4.79K and at 5.00K that head towards Mt Arawang. At the 5K point you will start to head south, downhill, on a moderately steep descent for 250m (5.25K) before turning sharp left (towards Mt Arawang) along a lovely piece of single track. This track contours, then gradually descends, and after approx. 300m (5.57K) merges with the main track descending from the west side of Mt Arawang saddle. After 50 m (5.62K) you reach the bottom T- junction and turn left onto Cutoff Drain FT.

Stay on this FT for the next 1.5 K, doing an anticlockwise circuit of the base of Mt Arawang. Once you are on its north side be on the lookout for a ParkCare noticeboard on your left (7.07K), 40m after which (7.11K) you will turn left, cross through a small ditch and onto an indistinct single track to climb the steep, rocky single track to the Mt Arawang summit trig (7.41K). Only 10m past the summit (7.42) take the single track to the right that descends to the west, with quite a few steps, down to a 4 way track intersection at the Mt Arawang saddle. Turn right (7.79K) and head down the steps for 110m to reach the Cutoff Drain FT (7.90K). Turn left and follow this FT for just over 800m until you reach the hairpin corner where you originally joined the Ridge, and turn right (8.74K), heading downhill to retrace the same route (in reverse) as the first kilometre, with you finishing by running down the grassy bank at Chapman Oval to reach the Finish at approx. 9.8K.

View the course maps for the Novice course in satellite view or map view, and for the 5km course in satellite view or map view (10km = 2 laps of the 5km course). Take a photo tour of the course.

Introduction

The Cotter is an iconic recreation area loved by Canberrans, being only 23km from the city centre but offering a beautiful setting framed by the Cotter and Paddys Rivers and the impressive new Cotter Dam wall. The area is ideal for picnics, swimming, fishing, bushwalking and relaxation and is the perfect venue to host the first event of the Sri Chinmoy Canberra Trail Series.

The Cotter Bend, where the Paddys River meets the Cotter River, is a favourite with many for a swim, splash and for fishing. A wide pool and sandy beach marks the meeting of the two rivers. Paddys River has its genesis at Mount Tennent beyond Tharwa in Namadgi National Park and its fresh clean waters complement the Cotter as they come together at the 'Bend'.

The start/finish area for this event at Cotter Bend has plenty of grassy area with shade on sunny days, good toilet facilities and plenty of parking.

The Cotter Canter is our first event and is the ideal introduction to trail running and walking, offering distance options of approximately 5km and 10km for runners and 5km for walkers. That being said, experienced road and trail runners will also get a demanding, but scenic workout on path and trail in this setting and will need to use all of their speed, strength and endurance to post a competitive time.

Novice 2.15km “Path” Loop

The start is at a metal pole at the N end of the grassy area next to Cotter Bend Car Park. After 120m heading S along the grass (0.12) join the path heading W and after another 80m (0.20) cross the bridge and turn right to join the path heading N along the W side of the Cotter River. Follow this path under Cotter Rd (0.67) and after another 60m (0.73) take the upper path on your left which runs next to the Cotter playground on Cotter Avenue. Follow this path (Cotter Dam Discovery Trail) all the way to the bridge across the Cotter (1.10) with an imposing view of the Cotter Dam Wall. Follow the path back along the E side of the river for approximately 400m (keeping right at any junctions) before turning right (1.50) to cross back over to the other side and then left to follow the riverside path back under Cotter Rd (1.65) followed 100m later (1.75) by a left turn down to cross the river again on a small footbridge. After crossing the bridge, follow the path to the right as it winds up a grassy hill and then turns sharp right at the top of the climb (1.92). Soon after turning right at the top of the path climb, the Novice Course turns downhill to the left (down the grassy strip, following the cones) to eventually cross the Car Park (road marshal present) at the swing gate. After descending to the grassy flat, turn right to join the Finish chute through to the Finish line timing mat (2.15K).

5km event: One “Path” Loop followed by One “Trail” Loop

The 5km event consists of two loops:

  • An initial clockwise “Path Loop” of approximately 2.3km that follows the Cotter Dam Discovery Trail up to the Cotter Dam wall and back to the start along the two sides of the Cotter River, followed by
  • A counter-clockwise “Trail Loop” of approximately 2.8km which follows the Cotter River in the other direction, crosses Paddys River (you will get your shoes and socks wet) and then climbs to follow the Bullen Trail along to Cotter Campground, with a return along the single track path to the finish at Cotter Bend.

At the end of the “Path” Loop you will cross a Lap Timing Mat and at the end of the “Trail Loop” you will cross a separate Finish Timing Mat. These will be well signposted and obvious on the day.

The “Path” Loop

The start is on the grassy area in front of the Cotter Bend Car Park approximately 120m from the path at Cotter Bend. After 120m along the grass (0.12) join the path heading W and after another 80m (0.20) cross the bridge and turn right to join the path heading N along the W side of the Cotter River. Follow this path under Cotter Rd (0.67) and after another 60m (0.73) take the upper path on your left which runs next to the Cotter playground on Cotter Avenue. Follow this path (Cotter Dam Discovery Trail) all the way to the bridge across the Cotter (1.10) with an imposing view of the Cotter Dam Wall. Follow the path back along the E side of the river for approximately 400m (keeping right at any junctions) before turning right (1.50) to cross back over to the other side and then left follow the riverside path back under Cotter Rd (1.65) followed 100m later (1.75) by a left turn down to cross the river again on a small footbridge. After crossing the bridge, follow the path to the right as it winds up a grassy hill and then turns sharp right (1.92) to run parallel to Cotter Bend Car Park heading SW. At the Toilet Block (2.15) turn left to follow the cones back down to the grassy area and approximately 140m later (2.29) turn around the tree to follow the cones over the Lap Timing Mat (2.33) to start your “Trail Loop”.

The “Trail” Loop

The “Trail Loop” starts the same as the “Path Loop” by once again joining the path at Cotter Bend (2.42) but this time when you cross the bridge (2.52) you will turn left at the Course Marshall to follow the cones across the grass. Approx. 100m later you will encounter a small rock scramble and then join a narrow single track next to the river that soon climbs up some steps onto some more narrow single track. This will bring you out at a fire road (2.81) which you will follow for 50m (2.86) before turning left onto another wide fire road heading E. Follow this dirt road for approx. 400m before descending to cross the Paddys River (3.28; ankle to knee deep) and then climb a short, steep pitch for approx. 150m before turning left off the road (3.44) to join some delightful single track (Bullen Trail) which skirts high above the Cotter with views to your left of Cotter Bend and the start/finish area. This scenic track undulates for a while before descending to some sandy trail (4.25km) and 100m later turns sharp left (4.35) to cross a footbridge across the Cotter. After crossing the bridge turn left to follow the grassy bank climbing up to a defined single track and some steps (4.5km) and then descending some more steps to pass a toilet block (4.62). One more climb onto a small fire trail (4.70) and 150m later (4.85) cross the eastern end of the Cotter Bend Car Park and cut through the boulders to join the last final sprint along the grass to the Finish Line Mat (5.11).

10K event: One “Path” Loop, One “Trail” Loop, Repeat “Path” Loop, Repeat “Trail” Loop

Read the detailed instructions for the 5K event outlined above. You will simply repeat the 5km event in the same sequence once again, meaning that you will cross the Lap Timing Mat three times (Lap Splits: Path, Trail, Path) before finishing your second “Trail Loop” at the Finish Timing Mat. The approximate distance of the 10km course is 10.2km.

Download the 2km gpx file; view the 6.3km course map and elevation profile, and download the gpx file.

Take a photo tour of the route (includes the 15.4km course).

Introduction

A phoenix which grew from the ashes of the catastrophic fires of January 2003, Stromlo Forest Park is a superb testimony to the vision and optimism of a Canberra’s leaders of that time. A world-class recreational precinct adjacent to urban Canberra, the Park both inspires and fulfils the tastes and needs of Canberra’s highly skilled, adventurous and discerning athletic public.

Utilising the man-made resources of “Deek’s Track”, the purpose-built cross-country running track alongside numerous equestrian and fire trails exploring the various terrains and ecosystems inhabiting the scenic slopes and summit of Mt Stromlo itself, three courses of varying distance offer a spectrum of personal challenges and enjoyments.

2km Novice Course

The route is one clockwise lap of “Deek’s Track”, starting and finishing in front of the Stromlo Forest Park pavilion. This coure excludes the optional “Hill Loop”, but does include the “Creek Loop”.

6.3km course

The 6.3km race starts with a near-complete clockwise circuit of “Deek’s Track” cross-country running course, including the optional “Hill Loop” (without the furthest little steep hill extension) and the “Creek Loop”.

After about 2km (2.06), just after the track passes a large pond on the right, the route turns L (left) onto a small single track just prior to a culvert, and then veers R (right) after a further 80m to merge with a wider track running parallel with a creek on the L, and around the end of the criterium track on your R.

After 400m (2.54) this track becomes briefly bitumen. Pass around the metal gate, cross a bitumen road and continue onto the main dirt road leading straight ahead and slightly uphill. Pass “The Playground” mountain bike test trails course on your R.

500m along this track (3.05), turn L at a large intersection, then continue straight (avoid the left hand veer) after a further 110m. This trail rises and curves around to the right, gently climbing the hip of Mt Stromlo, before dipping again to reveal the summit directly ahead. Continue on what is now “Ridge Trail”, which climbs briefly and dips again, passing a few cross-roads until after about 1km (4.10) reaching a major intersection with a stand of Blue Gums on the right.

At this juncture, the Long (15.4km) Course continues ahead uphill towards the summit, while the Middle Distance (6.3km) Course turns right and downhill into the Blue Gums. After 200m among the majestic gums, the Long Course track again rejoins from the L. Both courses now follow the same route, downhill out of the Blue Gums, past some picnic tables and then a toilet block on the R, then the original turn-off point on the R.

You are back on the same course as your outbound route, now following it in reverse and downhill, past “The Playground” this time on your L, across the bitumen road, through the metal gate, past the end of the criterium course and along the narrower single track to rejoin “Deek’s Track” cross-country course at the point where you left it. Turn L here and complete “Deek’s Track” clockwise to the finish, opposite the Stromlo Forest Park pavilion.

View the 15.4km course map and elevation profile, and download the gpx file.

Take a photo tour of the route.

Introduction

A phoenix which grew from the ashes of the catastrophic fires of January 2003, Stromlo Forest Park is a superb testimony to the vision and optimism of a Canberra’s leaders of that time. A world-class recreational precinct adjacent to urban Canberra, the Park both inspires and fulfils the tastes and needs of Canberra’s highly skilled, adventurous and discerning athletic public.

Utilising the man-made resources of “Deek’s Track”, the purpose-built cross-country running track alongside numerous equestrian and fire trails exploring the various terrains and ecosystems inhabiting the scenic slopes and summit of Mt Stromlo itself, three courses of varying distance offer a spectrum of personal challenges and enjoyments.

15.4km Course

The 15.4km race commences with a near-complete clockwise circuit of “Deek’s Track” cross-country running course, including the optional “Hill Loop” (without the furthest little steep hill extension) and the “Creek Loop”. After about 2km (2.06), just after the track passes a large pond on the right, the route turns L (left) onto a small single track just prior to a culvert, and then veers R (right) after a further 80m to merge with a wider track running parallel with a creek on the L, and around the end of the criterium track on your R.

After 400m (2.54) this track becomes briefly bitumen. Pass around the metal gate, cross a bitumen road and continue onto the main dirt road leading straight ahead and slightly uphill. Pass “The Playground” mountain bike test trails course on your R.

500m along this track (3.05), turn L at a large intersection, then continue straight (avoid the left hand veer) after a further 110m. This trail rises and curves around to the right, gently climbing the hip of Mt Stromlo, before dipping again to reveal the summit directly ahead. Continue on what is now “Ridge Trail”, which climbs briefly and dips again, passing a few cross-roads until after about 1km reaching a major intersection with a stand of Blue Gums on the right. At this juncture (4.10), the Long (15.4km) Course continues ahead uphill towards the summit, while the Middle Distance (6.3km) Course turns right and downhill into the Blue Gums.

The 15.4km route heads up the front of the mountain, sweeping to the R for 600m before taking a L hairpin turn (4.71) and continuing to rise a further 600m (keeping to the R hand option at a fork just prior to the metal gate) until the bitumen Mt Stromlo Rd is reached (5.32). Turn R onto the verge on the RH side of the road (do NOT run on the road please). After 300m along the road verge, continue onto the lesser bitumen road straight ahead, where the main road turns L in front of the burned-out ruined observatory (water refill possible here at 5.60km).

Pass the Mt Stromlo summit trig on your R (5.88) and the Satellite Laser Ranging Facility on your L. A further 300m along, pass around the metal gate where the bitumen ends, continuing onto the dirt track straight ahead, now heading downhill, staying L at the fork and passing another metal gate (5.96). Extensive views across to the Brindabella Range now open up as you descend steeply for 500m, turning R (6.40) at the T-junction and then L after a further 100m (6.50) now heading down and away from Mt Stromlo.

Descend a further 360m before turning L (6.86) at the next T-junction of Stromlo Pipeline Rd, which bends after a while gently right, then left. 500m further along, turn R at the the gate bearing the sign “Space Weather Monitoring Site”(7.38), then R again after 40m (7.42) onto the Cooper Fire Trail, which curves gracefully along the valley for 1.8km. Watch out for wallabies and rabbits! Take the next available R turn (9.23km, before arriving at the next gate), now heading back uphill towards Mt Stromlo.

Climb this track for 500m, pass through a gate (9.67), cross straight over a 4-way intersection with Stromlo Pipeline Rd, to continue onto the Mountain View Track, climbing for another 500m till you meet and turn L (10.17) at the major T-junction of Forest Trail.

Stay on Forest Trail, ignoring all potential side tracks and trails, as it winds around and along the flank of the mountain for 2.8km.

Forest Trail ends at a T-junction with Ridge Trail(13.05). Turn R here and continue 400m into the Blue Gums, where you will turn L again at the next T-junction (13.45) to rejoin the Middle Distance (6.3km) course.

Run downhill out of the Blue Gums, past some picnic tables and then a toilet block on the R, then the original turn-off point on the R. You are back on the same course as your outbound route, now following it in reverse and downhill, past “The Playground” this time on your L, across the bitumen road, around the metal gate, past the end of the criterium course and along the narrower single track to rejoin “Deek’s Track” cross-country course at the point where you left it. Turn L here and complete “Deek’s Track” clockwise to the finish, opposite the Stromlo Forest Park pavilion.

View the 2km course map; download the 8.3km "Majura Meander" gpx file; view the 8.3km course map, satellite view and elevation profile, and start/finish area.

Take a photo tour of the courses.

Parking is along the southern end of Phillip Ave, Hackett.

Introduction

Ainslie is one of Canberra's original suburbs, built to house workers constructing the new capital city, it's infrastructure, institutions and significant monuments. So it's not surprising that the tracks around Mt Ainslie – and later Mt Majura – were some of the first cross-country running routes, later featuring in the Bush Capital Marathon Festival as well as a popular parkrun route.

The course of the "Ainslie Amble" suite of races, employ a variety of management trails and single tracks on and around the slopes and shoulders of both Mt Ainslie and its larger and wiser sister, Mt Majura.

2km Novice Course

The “Ainslie Amble” short course commences on the road behind the large green metal gate at the South-Eastern end of Phillip Ave, Hackett. Head northwest along the main track , past a mobile phone tower on your left, then veer left onto the Ainslie Houses Track proper, parallel to a storm water drain on your right. After almost 1 km (0.97) turn right onto a single track leading down into a gully and up, then turn right again (0.99) onto the narrow track following the top of the levee. Continue along the levee behind the houses of Duffy St, Ainslie. At 1.87, continue straight between a large rock and a metal barrier, then turn right at the fork in front of a large tree, and immediately right again to cross the concrete footbridge (1.90). After the bridge, turn left onto the faint single track to the finish.

8.3km course – the "Majura Meander"

The “Majura Meander” starts on the road behind the large green metal gate at the South-Eastern end of Phillip Ave, Hackett. Head east along the main track (Hancocks Rd – 0.32), continuing uphill past the Hackett Houses Track on your left and the powerlines overhead. After 920 metres, nearing the top of the rise, turn left onto a single track, dipping then slightly rising towards Hackett Hill, then after only 60 metres, turn left again onto another single track heading into the bush (0.98). Here you join with the Ainslie Amble long course route.

This single track meanders for 340 metres until you come under the powerlines (a recurring feature of this course), where you turn right (1.32) and dip. After only 30 metres, immediately after crossing a small concrete causeway, turn left again into the bush (1.35) on another single track, then veer right after only a further 30 metres (1.38). Follow this track for 600 metres through the trees, veering right at the next 4-way intersection (1.98), then right again at the blue metal road 80 metres further along (2.06). 60 metres along this road, turn left off this main track, under the powerlines (2.12). Cross a (usually dry) water course, and look for a faint single track on the right 50 metres later (2.17). Follow this signposted track, parallel with the (dry) creek bed on your right.

After 300 metres you will follow this track around the left hand side of a small dam (2.47), turning left at a fork on the far side of the dam (2.53) to continue through the bush for another 160 metres to skirt around the left hand side of a 2nd dam (2.69), before heading gently uphill for 300 metres to a T-junction, where you turn left (3.04), heading back onto the flank of Mt Majura. This track rises and dips and after 500 metres brings you to the main Mt Majura walking trail (3.52), where you turn right to follow what is now the Centenary Trail uphill onto several switchbacks for a further 1 km till you level out at the saddle.

Turn left at the fork (4.52 – do not head to the summit!), and immediately left again at the T-junction after 20 metres (4.54), to head around the eastern shoulder of Mt Majura, crossing a small metal grating footbridge after 300 metres (4.84). After a further 200 metres, turn sharp left (5.05) to follow the Centenary Trail down wooden, then stone stairs, becoming a bitumen walking track. 300 metres further down, turn left again onto the main gravel fire trail (5.35), which you follow for 450 metres before turning hard left under the power lines (leaving the Centenary Trail – 5.80), to head through an opening adjacent to a gate (5.82). Follow this main track under the power lines.

Follow this trail for about 680 metres, before turning sharp right onto a the main walking track coming down from Mt Majura (6.58), following the Centenary Trail signage once more. After 200 metres, turn left at the Hackett Houses Track (6.77), then immediately left onto the single track which heads down into a gully and up again. Cross directly over the large access track (Blue Metal Rd – 6.87), to continue onto the Hackett Houses Track (South) for 1 km until you reach and turn right at Hancocks Rd (7.85), which you follow to your starting point, where you turn right through a gap beside the large green metal gate (8.17), then immediately left onto a faint single track to the finish line (8.35).

Download the 16.4km "Ainslie Amble" gpx file, view the course map, satellite view, and elevation profile, and start/finish area.

Take a photo tour of the courses.

Parking is along the southern end of Phillip Ave, Hackett.

Introduction

Ainslie is one of Canberra's original suburbs, built to house workers constructing the new capital city, it's infrastructure, institutions and significant monuments. So it's not surprising that the tracks around Mt Ainslie – and later Mt Majura – were some of the first cross-country running routes, later featuring in the Bush Capital Marathon Festival as well as a popular parkrun route.

The course of the "Ainslie Amble" suite of races, employ a variety of management trails and single tracks on and around the slopes and shoulders of both Mt Ainslie and its larger and wiser sister, Mt Majura.

16.4km course

The “Ainslie Able” commences on the road behind the large green metal gate at the South-Eastern end of Phillip Ave, Hackett. Head northwest along the main track, past a mobile phone tower on your left, then veer left onto the Ainslie Houses Track proper, parallel to a storm water drain on your right. After about 1 km (1.04) veer right at the fork to stay on the (lower) Ainslie Houses Track. Another 1.3km further along (2.3), continue straight at the 4-way intersection. At 2.96, continue straight at the next intersection (do not turn left onto the Ainslie Link Track), then do take the next left heading uphill 60 metres later, onto the Campbell Link Track.

700 metres further around the mountain, at 3.71, leave this main track to veer right onto a single track with a levee and dry water course to your right. This track merges with the levee track and broadens at 3.87. After crossing down and up through a gully at 4.08, veer left onto the main track coming from behind the houses of Campbell. With power lines to your left, at 4.21 turn right onto the main track. Be alert here for the next turn after only 70 metres (4.28), left onto a single track heading into the bush. 50 metres further on, take a left (4.33) at the intersection with the next single track (don’t end up at the road!)

Continue along this single track (5.06), which runs parallel to the Mt Ainslie summit road, climbing at first easily, then more sharply. At 5.82, continue straight around a disused old gate, to emerge (5.85) on the grass shoulder alongside the Mt Ainslie summit road. Continue uphill following the left hand side of the road (do NOT run on the road at any point), then (5.94) veer left onto a 4WD track heading uphill away from the road. Another 400 metres along, veer left again (6.32) onto a steep uphill pinch towards the summit. As the path levels out, stay on the single track to the left hand side of the road (6.72), then at 6.84 proceed onto the concrete footpath to follow all the way around the left hand side of the summit lookout car park, enjoying fleeting yet spectacular views as you sweep around the summit, over Lake Burley Griffin, the Parliamentary Triangle, Civic, Black Mountain and Telstra Tower, North Canberra and across to Mt Majura. Shortly after the concrete footpath ends and you hit the dirt again, turn sharp left onto the Centenary Trail under the “Canberra 100” arch (7.30) to descend the stone staircase and continue gently down through dry bush.

Continue straight through the intersection at 7.88, and again 50 metres later veer right at 7.93 to stay with the Centenary Trail as it enjoys a nice gradual descent (including some built stairs) off the mountain through thin woodland, with the airport valley and Majura Parkway away down to your right. At 8.47, turn left at the main track (East 132 KVA) between two rows of power lines for about 450 metres, veering right at the fork at 8.92, then straight across the large track of Hancock Rd (9.00), diving directly across onto the left of two single track options. After only 70 metres, this track crosses another (9.07) to continue into the bush. Here you join with the “Majura Meander” middle distance route.

This single track meanders for 340 metres until you come under the powerlines (a recurring feature of this course), where you turn right (9.41) and dip. After only 30 metres, immediately after crossing a small concrete causeway, turn left again into the bush (9.44) on another single track, then veer right after only a further 30 metres (9.47). Follow this track for 600 metres through the trees, veering right at the next 4-way intersection (10.07), then right again at the Blue Metal Rd 80 metres further along (10.15). 60 metres along this road, turn left off this main track, under the powerlines (10.21). Cross a (usually dry) water course, and look for a faint single track on the right 50 metres later (10.26). Follow this signposted track, parallel with the (dry) creek bed on your right.

After 300 metres you will follow this track around the left hand side of a small dam (10.56), turning left at a fork on the far side of the dam (10.62) to continue through the bush for another 160 metres to skirt around the left hand side of a 2nd dam (10.78), before heading gently uphill for 300 metres to a T-junction, where you turn left (11.13), heading back onto the flank of Mt Majura. This track rises and dips and after 500 metres brings you to the main Mt Majura walking trail (11.61), where you turn right to follow what is now the Centenary Trail uphill onto several switchbacks for a further 1 km till you level out at the saddle.

Turn left at the fork (12.61 – do not head to the summit!), and immediately left again at the T-junction after 20 metres (12.63), to head around the eastern shoulder of Mt Majura, crossing a small metal grating footbridge after 300 metres (12.93). After a further 200 metres, turn sharp left (13.14) to follow the Centenary Trail down wooden, then stone stairs, becoming a bitumen walking track. 300 metres further down, turn left again onto the main gravel fire trail (13.44), which you follow for 450 metres before turning hard left under the power lines (leaving the Centenary Trail – 13.89), to head through an opening adjacent to a gate (13.91).

Follow this main track under the power lines.

Follow this trail for about 680 metres, before turning sharp right onto a the main walking track coming down from Mt Majura (6.58), following the Centenary Trail signage once more. After 200 metres, turn left at the Hackett Houses Track (14.86), then immediately left onto the single track which heads down into a gully and up again. Cross directly over the large access track (Blue Metal Rd – 14.96), to continue onto the Hackett Houses Track (South) for 1 km until you reach and turn right at Hancocks Rd (15.94), which you follow to your starting point, where you turn right through a gap beside the large green metal gate (16.26), then immediately left onto a faint single track to the finish line (16.44).

View the 2km course map, the 8km course map in satellite view or map view, and the start/finish area.

Take a photo tour of the course (includes 20km course).

Introduction

Pine Island Reserve is located on Pine Island Road in Greenway, just minutes from Tuggeranong. Such easy access to the banks of the Murrumbidgee is a real advantage for Canberrans. There is a playground for the kids, free electric barbecues, clean toilet facilities and picnic tables.

Pine Island is the perfect starting point for the second race in the Sri Chinmoy Trail Series as it is linked with parts of the Bicentennial National Trail and Canberra Centenary Trail as well as the Murrumbidgee Discovery Track. You will get to run/walk through a superb mixture of native forest and farmland, while those doing the longer option up to Kambah Pool will get great views of the Brindabellas and the Bullen Range as well as experience Red Rocks Gorge, one of the most spectacular gorges along the whole Murrumbidgee River. Both courses pass by the historic Tuggeranong dry stone wall, built in the 1860s to mark the boundary between two early rural properties.
 

2km "Novice" Course

The start is on the W (playground) side of the yellow locked gate at the N end of the Car Park on the grass. Cross the grass to join the dirt path heading S past the playground, past the toilet block (0.27), and cross a wooden bridge (0.43). After just over 700m you leave the single track to cross a grassy area (follow the cones) between the trees for approx 200m (0.88K) before taking a small grass track through to a 2nd grassy area where you run for just over 100m before turning back around a cone at the brown timber picnic table (1.03K) and retracing your steps back towards the start. To finish you will keep heading N up the dirt path past the Finish line and then approx 60m later turn right after the trees and right again to head into the Finish chute heading S (2.00K).
 

8km Course

The race starts on the grass next to the locked gate at the W end of the Pine Island N Car Park.

Staying on the grass, follow the boulders all the way along the road heading back towards the Car Park entrance for approx. 440m (0.44) before turning left to pass through onto the Bicentennial National Trail. Here you will follow a wide grassy track keeping the fenceline to your left. After another 600m or so (1.0) the trail turns left and heads W at the Tuggeranong Archery Range and then 200m later (1.22) turns right (NW), staying near the fenceline. Another 350m later the track turns right (1.57, NE), with a Dam appearing on your right after 300m or so (1.87), soon after which you will turn left through a gate to rejoin the Bicentennial National Trail (1.94) heading N.

Follow this track for about 500m before taking care to turn left at the fork in the track (2.48) to head NW. After another 300m or so(2.77), turn right at the T-junction to head uphill towards Tuggeranong Town Centre. Climb through the fence (3.3) to take the narrow dirt track up onto the bike path on Athlon Drive (3.41), which you will only follow for approx. 170m (3.58) before veering off onto the dirt road on your left heading towards Tuggeranong Creek. This will take you through a gate (3.72) and then gradually start to curve to the left (3.86) to run parallel with the Creek.

Soon you will reach the Drink Station (4.41) and continue straight ahead to soon pass through a gate (4.48) and make a short climb. Turn left at the fork and continue climbing before descending on grassy/rocky tracks to meet the Murrumbidgee Discovery Trail (MDT) next to Tuggeranong Creek at about the 5K mark. Continue on this trail, ignoring all side tracks. Follow the MDT through a gate at the Tuggeranong Stone Wall (5.44), taking care only 80m later (5.52) to turn right off the large track and onto the narrow MDT which stays low and runs parallel to the Creek.

This delightful piece of single track takes you on a scenic journey along the Creek and eventually brings you out at the finish at Pine Island N on the grassy area near the playground and BBQ areas (8.03).

View the 20km course in satellite view or map view; and the start/finish area.

Take a photo tour of the course.

Introduction

Pine Island Reserve is located on Pine Island Road in Greenway, just minutes from Tuggeranong. Such easy access to the banks of the Murrumbidgee is a real advantage for Canberrans. There is a playground for the kids, free electric barbecues, clean toilet facilities and picnic tables.

Pine Island is the perfect starting point for the second race in the Sri Chinmoy Trail Series as it is linked with parts of the Bicentennial National Trail and Canberra Centenary Trail as well as the Murrumbidgee Discovery Track. You will get to run/walk through a superb mixture of native forest and farmland, while those doing the longer option up to Kambah Pool will get great views of the Brindabellas and the Bullen Range as well as experience Red Rocks Gorge, one of the most spectacular gorges along the whole Murrumbidgee River. Both courses pass by the historic Tuggeranong dry stone wall, built in the 1860s to mark the boundary between two early rural properties.

20km Course

The 20km course is the same as the 8km course but diverges at the drink station at 4.41km to add on another 12km loop by heading up to Kambah Pool via the back of Urambi Hills and the back of the Gleneagles Golf Course, returning to the same drink station via the beautiful trail along the Murrumbidgee through Red Rocks Gorge.

The race starts on the grass next to the locked gate at the W end of the Pine Island N Car Park.

Staying on the grass, follow the boulders all the way along the road heading back towards the Car Park entrance for approx. 440m (0.44) before turning left to pass through onto the Bicentennial National Trail (BNT). Here you will follow a wide grassy track keeping the fenceline to your left. After another 600m or so (1.0) the trail turns left and heads W at the Tuggeranong Archery Range and then 200m later (1.22) turns right (NW), staying near the fenceline. Another 350m later the track turns right (1.57, NE), with a Dam appearing on your right after 300m or so (1.87), soon after which you will turn left through a gate to rejoin the Bicentennial National Trail (1.94) heading N. Follow this track for about 500m before taking care to turn left at the fork in the track (2.48; Course Marshall) to head NW. After another 300m or so, (2.77) turn right at the T-junction to head uphill towards Tuggeranong Town Centre. Climb through the fence (3.3) to take the narrow dirt track up onto the bike path on Athlon Drive (3.41), which you will only follow for approx. 170m (3.58) before veering off onto the dirt road on your left heading towards Tuggeranong Creek. This will take you through a gate (3.72) and then gradually start to curve to the left (3.86) to run parallel with the Creek. Soon you will reach the Drink Station (4.41)

At the Drink Station turn right down the steps to cross a bridge across Tuggeranong Creek and follow the trail downhill for 200m before turning right at the fence (4.61) to climb up behind Urambi Hills. You will steadily climb for almost 1.4K before the track reaches a fence, where you will turn left (6.0) to rejoin the BNT heading W towards the mountains. The BNT continues to climb behind the houses at the S end of GlenEagles to pass through a gate (6.43) and then starts to descend, opening up great views of the Bullen Range and Brindabella Mountains. Approx. 500m later (6.69) turn left at the T junction near the tree to stay on the BNT and head downhill on a wide fire trail for about 300m before it turns right (6.97) to head down to follow the edge of the houses (7.34) and then the edge of the GlenEagles Golf Course (7.58), eventually climbing (8.28) up to Kambah Pool Rd (8.49) where you will turn left to head towards the Mountains and Kambah Pool. Follow the single track that runs parallel to the road all the way down to where it eventually joins Kambah Pool Rd (10.32). Take care here to stay on the far left edge of the road for only 200m as it steeply descends before turning left at the drink station to join the Murrumbidgee Discovery Track and the Canberra Centenary Trail (10.51). You will now follow this single track for approximately 6K, taking in the wonderful scenery of Red Rocks Gorge and then heading back out into farmland and bushland leading back to Tuggeranong Creek, where you will cross the bridge in the other direction and head up the steps to the original drink station at the start of this big loop (16.57).

Turn right at the drink station and then continue straight ahead to soon pass through a gate (16.62) and make a short climb before descending on grassy/rocky tracks to meet the Murrumbidgee Discovery Trail (MDT) next to Tuggeranong Creek at about the 17.2km mark. Follow the MDT through a gate at the Tuggeranong Stone Wall (17.56), taking care only 80m later (17.64) to turn right off the large track and onto the narrow MDT which stays low and runs parallel to the Creek. This delightful piece of single track takes you on scenic journey along the Creek and eventually brings you out at the finish at Pine Island N on the grassy area near the playground and BBQ areas (20.19).

View the 2.2km course map, the 10km course map, and start/finish area.

Take a photo tour of the course (includes the 30km course).

Introduction

Hall is older than Canberra, and cross-country runs were held starting and finishing from Hall form the earliest days of organised runs in Canberra. The Hall Showground – the start/finish venue for the third of the Sri Chinmoy Canberra Trail Series – is an historic venue, which has hosted the National Sheep Dog Trials for the past 30 years. It boasts excellent facilities, including multiple showers and toilets.

The track from Hall through to Oak Hill is the Rolls Royce of Canberra Trails. Especially commissioned for the Centenary Trail project, this beautifully sculptured track is a work of art, a trail to fall in love with… With varying vistas in each direction, you really need to run this wonderful track both ways to fully appreciate it: hence the out-and-back option. Enjoy!

2km Novice Course

From the Start, head clockwise around the Hall Showground following the cones for 340m to exit left through a gate and then head 60m to turn right at Hall St (0.40K). Head up the hill, staying on the RHS of the road until you get to the top where you will continue straight onto the gravel road and the Centenary Trail (0.87K). After another 130m of gentle climb, turn right (1.00K) onto the single track to head downhill for only 100m before turning right to step over a fence (1.1K) and then turn left to continue downhill on the single track with the fence on your LHS. After a lovely winding run through the trees you will come to 2nd fence to step over on your left (1.56K). Now you will head straight towards the Showground on a dirt track – passing through an open swing gate 120m later (1.68K), and a 2nd open swing gate another 60m later (1.74K) to cross over to the entrance gate to the Showground (1.78K). (Yellow arrows) Turn left to cross over the Start mat again (1.80K) and run one more clockwise lap of the oval to reach the Finish timing mat near the Grey Shed (2.19K).
 

10km course

The 10km course is an out-and-back to the summit of One Tree Hill and return. The course starts with a loop of Hall Showground (300m) to get into a running rhythm. Pass through the gate at the western side of the Showground, cross the dirt access road into the grassy enclosure. At the north-western end of the grassy enclosure, climb over a stile (500m) and join the old Hall cross-country track through the bush. You will reach a fenceline, which you follow to the left (west) heading uphill. Climb another stile on your right (1.05K) to join a faint single track heading uphill, which joins with the Centenary Trail, Turn right here and almost immediately pass over or through a fence into open ground, heading north and uphill.

Follow the Centenary Trail along the side of the ridge through woodland. At 4.56km take the left hand fork to join the One Tree Hill summit trail, climbing steeply including some stairs to the summit of One Tree Hill (4.98km). Be sure to have your number recorded by the marshal, then turn around and return via the same route, including a lap of the Showground to finish.

View  the 31km course map, and start/finish area.

Take a photo tour of the course.

Introduction

Hall is older than Canberra, and cross-country runs were held starting and finishing from Hall form the earliest days of organised runs in Canberra. The Hall Showground – the start/finish venue for the third of the Sri Chinmoy Canberra Trail Series – is an historic venue, which has hosted the National Sheep Dog Trials for the past 30 years. It boasts excellent facilities, including multiple showers and toilets.

The track from Hall through to Oak Hill is the Rolls Royce of Canberra Trails. Especially commissioned for the Centenary Trail project, this beautifully sculptured track is a work of art, a trail to fall in love with… With varying vistas in each direction, you really need to run this wonderful track both ways to fully appreciate it: hence the out-and-back option. Enjoy!

31km course

The 31km course is an out-and-back to the summit of Oak Hill and return. The course starts with a loop of Hall Showground (470m) to get into a running rhythm. Pass through the gate at the western side of the Showground, cross the dirt access road into the grassy enclosure. At the north-western end of the grassy enclosure, climb over a stile (670m) and join the old Hall cross-country track through the bush. You will reach a fenceline, which you follow to the left (west) heading uphill. Climb another stile on your right (1.2km) to join a faint single track heading uphill, which joins with the Centenary Trail. Turn right here and almost immediately pass over or through a fence into open ground, heading north and uphill.

Follow the Centenary Trail along the side of the ridge through woodland. At 4.93km take the left hand fork to join the One Tree Hill summit trail, climbing steeply including some stairs to the summit of One Tree Hill (5.17km). Be sure to have your number recorded by the marshal. Turn around here and descend again to turn left at the main track (5.6km).

Continue along the Centenary Trail N and E through varying terrain, a lovely mixture of shaded woodland with occasional open stretches for some sun and to enjoy the views back across northern Canberra and over into New South Wales. Most gates will be open, however some will be closed – these must be climbed over or through. After 13.8km you reach a small reservoir on your left, followed 200m later by the Northern Border Campground (water station). Continue uphill for a further 1km to the lookout at the summit of Oak Hill (marshal), with vistas across Gungahlin. Be sure to have your number recorded here. Turn around here and return via the same route – including the re-ascent and descent of One Tree Hill (be sure to have your number recorded here again!). Enjoy your victory lap back at the Hall Showground!

 

Course Records

Distance Age Category Male Time Date Female Time Date
2.15km Under 13 Alexander Spaccavento 10:33 28/5/2018 Chloe Pragt 10:29 28/5/2018
2.15km Under 17 James Egan 10:07 27/5/2019 not yet claimed    
2.15km 17 and Over Darryn Shannon 10:52 27/5/2019 Nerida Spaccavento 10:33 28/5/2018
5km Under 50 Trent Dawson 18:58 27/5/2019 Tash Cole 22:12 28/5/2018
5km 50 - 59 Mark Duncanson 22:46 28/5/2018 Stacey Jukes 27:44 28/5/2018
5km 60 - 69 David Alder 23:27 27/5/2019 Jennifer Saul 36:15 28/5/2017
5km 70 and Over Jim White 30:50 27/5/2019 not yet claimed    
10km Under 50 Thomas Brazier 37:23 29/5/2016 Sarah-Jane Miller 42:57 28/5/2017
10km 50 - 59 Kerry Baxter 43:00 29/5/2016 Kim Greaves 51:08 28/5/2018
10km 60 - 69 David Clarke 45:59 28/5/2018 Jennifer Kellett 58:59 27/5/2019
10km 70 and Over Terry Dixon 59:12 27/5/2019 not yet claimed    

 

Distance Age Category Male Time Date Female Time Date
2.2km Under 13 Ryan Huynh 8:26 26/4/2021 Saleena Ramboer 8:58 28/4/2024
2.2km Under 17 Daniel Randall 8:51 26/4/2021 Tara Holmes 8:40 28/4/2024
2.2km 17 and Over Rohan Tankey 11:01 28/4/2024 Talia Chambers 10:15 26/4/2021
5km Under 50 Kodi Clarkson 18:39 28/4/2024 Elizabeth Humphries 22:38 25/4/2022
5km 50 - 59 Andrew Tully 21:19 25/4/2022 Shiree Yap 26:44 28/4/2024
5km 60 - 69 David Jarvis 29:22 26/4/2021 Ros Smith 36:15 25/4/2022
5km 70 and Over Trevor Jacobs 28:52 30/4/2023 Patti Wilkins 44:05 26/4/2021
10km Under 50 Tom Driscoll 38:52 30/4/2023 Petra Mossop 45:12 30/4/2023
10km 50 - 59 Glen Robinson 44:39 28/4/2024 Natalie Wood 54:52 28/4/2024
10km 60 - 69 Ian Prosser 51:33 28/4/2024 Elizabeth Simpson 59:55 26/4/2021
10km 70 and Over Peter Clarke 53:34 26/4/2021 Susan Archer 1:08:00 26/4/2021

 

Distance Age Category Male Time Date Female Time Date
2km Under 13 Wyatt Lewis 8:36 14/5/2023 Saleena Ramboer 7:57 14/5/2023
2km Under 17 no claimants unknown   Tara Holmes 7:31 12/5/2024
2km 17 and Over Ryan Tankey 9:33 14/5/2023 Sibylla Muecke 9:48 14/5/2023
6.3km Under 50 Kodi Clarkson 21:40 12/5/2024 Sarah King 26:33 12/5/2024
6.3km 50 - 59 Andrew Tully 24:21 15/5/2022 Shiree Yap 31:26 12/5/2024
6.3km 60 - 69 David Jarvis 34:31 16/5/2021 Elizabeth Simpson 31:10 14/5/2023
6.3km 70 and Over Trevor Jacobs 31:11 14/5/2023 Monika Short 1:02:33 15/5/2022
15.4km Under 50 Bradon Suter 58:44 12/5/2024 Petra Mossop 1:07:54 16/5/2021
15.4km 50 - 59 Andrew Tully 1:03:09 16/5/2021 Kym Kennedy 1:16:42 15/5/2022
15.4km 60 - 69 Ian Prosser 1:18:13 12/5/2024 Elizabeth Simpson 1:26:43 16/5/2021
15.4km 70 and Over Peter Clarke 1:24:51 15/5/2022 Susan Archer 1:34:03 16/5/2021

 

Distance Age Category Male Time Date Female Time Date
2km Under 13 Patrick Maundrell 7:54 30/5/2022 Saleena Ramboer 7:58 27/5/2024
2km Under 17 Thomas Dempster 8:22 29/5/2023 Tara Holmes 7:39 27/5/2024
2km 17 and Over Rohan Tankey 9:27 29/5/2023 Laura Ramboer 8:25 27/5/2024
8.3km Under 50 Kodi Clarkson 33:35 27/5/2024 Elizabeth Humphries 38:21 30/5/2022
8.3km 50 - 59 Andrew Tully 37:56 30/5/2022 Shiree Yap 48:04 27/5/2024
8.3km 60 - 69 David Alder 43:57 31/5/2021 Elizabeth Simpson 53:11 29/5/2023
8.3km 70 and Over Trevor Jacobs 49:17 29/5/2023 Julie Bell 1:06:21 31/5/2021
16.4km Under 50 Adrian McLean 1:07:11 31/5/2021 Petra Mossop 1:15:54 29/5/2023
16.4km 50 - 59 Andrew Tully 1:14:12 31/5/2021 Fleur Flanery 1:26:29 29/5/2023
16.4km 60 - 69 Ian Prosser 1:28:13 29/5/2023 Pam Muston 1:37:10 29/5/2023
16.4km 70 and Over Trevor Jacobs 1:48:05 30/5/2022 Diana Schneider 2:17:19 27/5/2024

 

Distance Age Category Male Time Date Female Time Date
2km Under 13 Caleb Quispes 7:59 28/6/2020 Saleena Ramboer 8:05 25/6/2023
2km Under 17 Thomas Huxley 8:46 24/6/2018 Tara Holmes 8:15 23/6/2024
2km 17 and Over Abhinandan Willis 7:09 28/6/2020 Laura Ramboer 8:40 23/6/2024
8km Under 50 Kodi Clarkson 28:45 23/6/2024 Elizabeth Humphries 33:33 25/6/2023
8km 50 - 59 Andrew Tully 32:30 26/6/2022 Kate Savage 40:45 24/6/2018
8km 60 - 69 Colin Pearce 37:57 26/6/2022 Elizabeth Simpson 42:17 25/6/2023
8km 70 and Over Trevor Jacobs 44:49 26/6/2022 Bobby Abernethy 56:42 25/6/2023
20km Under 50 Matthew Robbie 1:13:34 30/6/2019 Elizabeth Humphries 1:27:14 28/6/2020
20km 50 - 59 Andrew Tully 1:25:39 27/6/2021 Fleur Flanery 1:39:54 25/6/2023
20km 60 - 69 Trevor Jacobs 1:42:24 26/6/2016 Pam Muston 1:51:08 28/6/2020
20km 70 and Over Peter Clarke 1:59:20 23/6/2024 Diana Schneider 2:39:02 23/6/2024

 

Distance Age Category Male Time Date Female Time Date
2.2km Under 13 Daniel Randall 9:50 19/7/2020 Saleena Ramboer 9:42 16/7/2023
2.2km Under 17 Joel Kelly 14:56 22/7/2018 Tara Holmes 10:09 14/7/2024
2.2km 17 and Over Liam White 11:13 18/7/2021 Catherine Prince 14:44 14/7/2024
10km Under 50 Kodi Clarkson 39:29 14/7/2024 Elizabeth Humphries 44:24 21/7/2019
10km 50 - 59 Adrian Sheppard 44:54 18/7/2021 Sarah Fien 50:44 22/7/2018
10km 60 - 69 Trevor Jacobs 52:35 19/7/2020 Elizabeth Simpson 59:18 19/7/2020
10km 70 and Over Trevor Jacobs 58:31 16/7/2023 Diana Schneider 1:16:54 14/7/2024
31km Under 50 Daniel Carson 2:08:33 16/7/2023 Marnie Ponton 2:35:01 16/7/2023
31km 50 - 59 Andrew Tully 2:28:51 18/7/2021 Fleur Flanery 2:53:26 18/7/2021
31km 60 - 69 Mark Duncanson 2:56:52 16/7/2023 Pam Muston 3:21:28 16/7/2023
31km 70 and Over Trevor Jacobs 3:57:45 14/7/2024 Clare Wall 4:28:55 14/7/2024

 

Series Pointscore Championship

Points will be awarded and accrued for all age groups in the Middle and Longer distance events of all races of the Sri Chinmoy Canberra Trail Series from 2023, as follows:

1st place in age group: 10 points
2nd place in age group: 9 points
3rd place in age group: 8 points
4th place in age group: 7 points
5th place in age group: 6 points
6th place in age group: 5 points
7th place in age group: 4 points
8th place in age group: 3 points
9th place in age group: 2 points
10th place in age group: 1 point

All entrants in all Middle and Longer distance races at all events of the Sri Chinmoy Canberra Trail Series will automatically be included in the pointscore competition. To qualify for a Series award, runners must score points from a minimum of 3 races.

Points awarded for Longer and Middle distance races are of equal value, and accrue to a runner's personal series pointscore tally, regardless of whether they are earned from a Middle or Longer distance race.

There are no points awarded for age group placings in the Short distance races.

To ensure that all runners remain in the same age category for the entire Series, a runner's age category is calculated from their age on 31 December at the end of the current series.

PRIZES will be awarded for the Series Pointscore Championship at the conclusion of race 5, the "Gungahlin Gallop" at Hall Showground, to the TOP 3 placegetters in each age category.

The progressive season pointscore tally is published with the event results, after each race of the Series.

Previous Results

  • 2024 Jul 14th
    Sri Chinmoy "Gungahlin Gallop" 31km, 10km and 2.2km Trail Races, Sunday 14 Juiy 2024

    Despite its name, in many ways the most demanding and technical of the 5 Series trails, this is definitely NOT a course to be galloped! Incessant ups and downs, twists and turns, rocky and varying terrain, the course calls for full concentration and careful foot placement from go to woe, with scarcely any easy cruising along the way. Which can be frustrating, as it also affords some of the best views, if only one could pause and take it all in…

    Britt Harridan ran the 2nd fastest time ever for a female in the 31km race, to place 7th outright with her sleek 2:38:56. It needed a fantastic run to better Sara Parkins’ 2:40:43 for 2nd place, capping off a wonderful Series for Sarah. 3rd place went to the consistent Keira Germech in 2:51:15, who also claimed 3rd place in the Series pointscore wards.

    Kim Greaves took out the F50-59 with her 3:32:57, from Bron Adams’ 3:55:18, with Susie Barratt in 3rd with 4:03:40. Pam Muston again showed her indomitable class in winning the F60-69 with 3:37:26; while Clare Wall became the first ever winner in the F70+ category with 4:28:55.

    Bradon Suter ran yet another superb race at the front of the men’s field, clocking another winning time of 2:24:06, ahead of 2nd placed Tim Cochrane with 2:25:16, and 3rd Lachlan Williams in 2:27:45.

    Ben Crabb has been having a great season in the M50-59, and again won the category with a fine 2:46:49, from Kevin Eager’s 3:01:43 and Andrew Dempster’s 3:10:40. Mark Duncanson was again too good in the M60-69, for a win in 2:57:03, from Kim Houghton’s 3:11:33 and Stephen Graham with 3:34:36; while Trevor Jacobs stepped up to claim the M70 and Over course record with his outing of 3:57:45.

    In the 10km race, Kodi Clarkson iced the cake of his sensational season, beating his own exceptional record from last year by 3 seconds, to win in 39:29. Patrick Clark ran on his own, a wholehearted 41:45 for 2nd place, ahead of 3rd Lachlan Dow in 44:33.

    Aston Duncan continued his great returns from this Series, to win the M50-59 by a decent margin in 47:22, from Glenn Paterson with 51:49 and Darren Blackhurst with 53:04. Jon Schol blitzed the field in the M60-69 to take the win in 52:45, ahead of John Woollard with 1:00:59 and Chris Mill in 1:46:34; while Peter Fogarty relished the hills to take home the main 70+ prize with his 1:02:01.

    Elizabeth Humphries was never challenged in the women’s 10km race, placing 8th outright with a dashing 47:03; while up-and-coming Lisa Winssinger shone to take 2nd with 50:13, with the consistent Sarah King completing the podium placings with 51:08.

    Natalie Wood had a super race to win the F50-59 in 56:36, from Shiree Yap’s 58:57 and Anita Scherrer with 1:00:58. Nik Christen took out the F60-69 in 1:07:56, from Alice Jones in 1:13:45 and Ceinwyn Whittaker with 1:21:49; while Diana Schneider set a new F70+ age group course record with her 1:16:54.

    Tara Holmes capped an exceptional Series in the Girls Under 17, having set new age group records in all 5 races – you can’t do better than that! Tara again won the uphill-downhill 2.2km race outright, in a fine 10:09. Next home in 10:39 was Boys Under 13 winner, Felix Botticchio; ahead of Male 17+ winner Rohan Tankey’s 11:58; Girls Under 13 joint-winners Laureen Winssinger and Katherine Holmes who dead-heated with 12:26; and Female 17+ leader Catherine Prince, who also set a new age group best time for this course of 13:44.

    THE 2024 SERIES POINTSCORE AWARDS

    Runners have to finish a minimum of 3 races in the Series to qualify for an award … with 10 points being awarded for a win, 9 points for 2nd, 8 points for 3rd etc all the way to 1 point for 10th place in each age group, for both middle and long distance races at each venue of the Series, most of the Sri Chinmoy Canberra Trail Series pointscore placegetters for each age group, were not decided until much of the 31km field were in.

    Two runners achieved the perfect score of 50 points, winning every race they entered:

    * Kodi Clarkson had another sensational year, not only winning every middle distance race of the Series and therefore taking the pointscore award in the Male Under 50s, he also broke the course record for every venue – many of the previous records already being his own from last year!

    * Diana Schneider likewise had the perfect score of 50 points, 5 wins from 5 starts to take out the top award in the Female 70 and Over category (and 3 course records along the way).

    3 runners ALMOST got the perfect score, winning 4 out of 5 races, and placing 2nd in one race each:

    * Bradon Suter had the measure of Brayden Clews-Proctor, providing some fantastic head-to-head racing in the early races of the Series, but came second to Brayden in the Tuggeranong Trot, costing him the one point which would also have secured him the overall Male Under 50 top award (in the event that he had tied with Jodi Clarkson on 50 points, Bradon would have scored the prize as he raced long-course events which accrue more value in a countback).

    * Shiree Yap was also on track for a clean sweep, until a 2nd placing today in the 31km meant she had to settle for 49 points, still more than enough to secure 1st place in the Female 50-59 Series pointscore.

    * Sarah Parkins likewise had a sensational season, also winning every race until today’s Finale, where a phenomenal run from Britt Harriden pushed Sarah back to 2nd placing, though again her 49 points represented a comfortable overall victory in the Female Under 50s.

    * Aston Duncan started with a 3rd placing at the Cooleman Clip, but thereafter, won every middle distance race, to finish with 48 points and win the Male 50-59 top Series trophy.

    The full pointscore standings after all 5 races, is published alongside this report.

     

  • 2024 Jun 23rd
    Sri Chinmoy "Tuggeranong Trot" 20km, 8km and 2km Trail Races, Sunday 23 June 2024

    Early Sunday rise was well worth it and richly rewarded by the Murrumbidgee River Nature Reserve which welcomed us with its stunning flora covered with frost and reflecting sunrise beams in white protective and crispy layers of icy water. The air was filled with tranquillity and local animal habitants such as birds and kangaroos seemed to feel at ease as we started to prepare for our 2km, 8km and 20km race. Birds sensed opportunity for a free buffet which consisted of delicious lentil burgers, watermelon and bananas being prepared for all runners after having accomplished their races. Initially kangaroos were curiously glancing at us but they soon realised that we were too focused on setting up the race so they calmly continued eating their grassy breakfast.

    There were hardly any people at this hour of the morning, however, soon the park started to buzz with excitement of arriving race participants and also members of the public. Pine Island offers its beautiful trails to walkers, runners and mountain bikers. The nearby Murrumbidgee River, which runners run along, added even more richness, variety, beauty and harmony into the whole atmosphere. Water cascades and surrounding trees, especially pines, offered their calmness and were emanating peace which we all hugely need.

    26 people participated in 2km run. 5 Boys under 13. 5 Males 17 and over. 11 Girls under 13, 2 Girls under 17 and 3 Female 17 and over.

    Felix Botticchio won in boys under 13 category in 9:10, followed by Liam Whitehead in 10:01 and Angus Botticchio in 10:02.

    Rohan Tankey led in Male 17 and over category in a time of 10:09. Second place was granted to John Astridge in 11:23 and third place went to Allister Botticchio in 13:25.

    Saleena Ramboer won in Girls under 13 category in 8:26, followd by Annika Astridge in 09:01 and Samantha Romboer in 09.38.

    Tara Holmes ran a superb 08:15 (a new course record) in Girls under 17 and Hannah Nockels finished in 10:01.

    Female 17 and Over were led by Laura Ramboer in 08:40 – another course record time for her category. Second place went to Kristina Whitehead in 15:04 and Hannah Fabros took third place in 17:48.

    The 8km run gathered 147 runners and out of 147 runners there were 43 Male under 50, 16 Male between 50-59, 3 Male in 60-69 category and 4 in 70 and Over. 63 Females in Under 50 category,  13 Females in 50-59 and 5 in 60-69.

    Kodi Clarkson led the Male under 50, breaking his own course record with 28:45. Patrick Clark was right behind in 29:36 and Thomas Naden finished in 32:43.

    In 50-59 Male category, Aston Duncan won in 34:36, followed by Ian Naden in 38:32 and Andrew Dempster in 40:16.

    Richard Honey won Male 60-69 in 43:50, Graeme Smyth took second place in 47:27 and Chris Mill received third place in 55:36.

    Male 70 and Over was led by John Kennedy on 50:35, followed by Rod Harrod in 54:37 and Eric Wainwright in 1:06:44.

    Sarah King won Female Under 50 in 36:08 and Prue Davies ran very close behind in 36:30, followed by Lisa Winssinger in 37:45.

    Shiree Yap led Female 50-59 category in 42:18. Michele Legge took second place in 46:38 and Natasha Newman took third place in 47:29.

    Alice Jones won Female 60-69 in 54:16, Jennifer Rankine received second place in 56:54 and Judith Bibo finished third in 1:05:12.

    The most popular run turned out to be 20 km run which welcomed 172 runners at the start line. There were 74 Male under 50, 25 Male in 50-59 category, 5 Male in 60-69 category and 2 in Male 70 and Over.

    50 Female under 50 decided to participate in 20km run. 13 Female in 50-59, 2 Female in 60-69 and 1 in 70 and Over category.

    Brayden Clews-Proctor achieved an astonishing result of 1:16:44, followed by 1:17:12 which went to Brandon Suter. Daniel Carson ran just behind the two leaders in 1:18:57.

    Glen Robinson won in Male 50-59 in 1:28:23. Second place went to Ben Crabb in 1:30:25 and Tony Hrstic tool third place in 1:39:42.

    Mark Duncanson ran in fantastic time of 1:43:21 in Male 60-69 category. Ian Prosser closely followed him in 1:44:26 and Stephen Graham finished in 2:01:29.

    Peter Clarke came first in Male 70 and Over in a superb new course record time of 1:59:20 and Trevor Jacobs in 2:06:24.

    Sarah Parkins won Female Under 50 in fantastic 1:32:15. Grace Crane took second place in 1:38:29 and Keira Germech came third in 1:39:38.

    Female 50-59 was led by Natalie Wood in an amazing 1:48:19. Narelle Smyth came second in 1:56:01 and Kim Greaves finished third in 1:56:24.

    Pam Muston finished in 2:08:32 winning in Female 60-69 and Kerri Gisik came second in 2:35:56.

    Diana Schneider won in 70 and Over in another new record time of 2:39:02.

    All runners deserve a big applause and congratulations for their running efforts and running results in such a challenging course which is uneven, hilly, bushy and muddy. To achieve such astonishing results on a difficult trail run is an admirable achievement. Runners celebrated their hard work with nutritious and well deserved veggie burgers and fruits and received their medals at the end of each race category.

    We hope to see you at the next race, the “Gungahlin Gallop” in July and we wish you happy running!

  • 2024 May 27th
    Sri Chinmoy "Ainslie Amble" 16.4km, 8.3km and 2km Trail Races, Monday 27 May 2024

    Everyone agreed the morning was freezing – it was a hot topic. On this morning, a record 417 people decided the way to warm up was running up and down a few of Canberra’s highest mountains. The registration team was more terrified than the runners looking at the line of people wanting to register on the day. Fortunately with our new online registration system the line moved fast and the race started on time. 

    Our volunteers who were also running the 8km had additional pressure to get back down the mountain – they relaxed from the intensity of scaling Mt Majura by making hundreds of burgers. Even more than the winner of the Ainslie Amble, those monitoring supplies were sweating over whether we could feed everyone. This was a race run on rations – but everyone got a burger! The drinks station – normally a ‘load and leave’ position – was a constant flow of water and vibrant green sports drink.

    Special mention to all who broke course records on the day:

    In the 2km, Saleena Ramboer set a new fastest time for Girls Under 13 of 7:59, while her mother, Laura Ramboer broke the Female 17 and Over best time with her 8:25; while Tara Holmes made it a treble be setting a new record for Girls Under 17 of 7:39.

    In the 8.3km race, Kodi Clarkson continued his record-breaking season with a new outright course record of 33:35, and Shiree Yap likewise maintained her fantastic form with another F50-59 record of 48:04.

    Diana Schneider, being the trailblazing first Over 70s woman to complete the 16.4km race, now holds the record for this group of 2:17:19.

    Additional photos from the morning can be viewed at the ACT Masters Athletics website, courtesy of John Kennedy.