Buffalo Stampede

INFORMATION PACK - 42km SkyMarathon

5 - 6 April 2014 • Bright VICBuffalo Stampede | Australia’s first sanctioned SkyRun event

RACE DIRECTOR’S WELCOME

SOME USEFUL PHONE NO.s

DROP BAGS

Welcome to the start of SkyRunning in Australasia!

The concept of SkyRunning is as old as civilisation, ever since one tribesman said to another, “race you to the top of that hill and back!”

That’s the Buffalo Stampede - running from the finest town in Alpine Victoria, to iconic Mount Buffalo, and (for Ultra SkyRunners) back again, with a few other hills added in to make things interesting.

Amongst the field of competitors, we have elite athletes from Australia and overseas, as well as some people doing their first race of marathon distance or longer, we’re proud to have such an inclusive event. The course is spectacularly tough, but doable for anyone with the right application.

We do enjoy the finest sport in the world, with the great outdoors as our arena, and with the addition of SkyRunning, the sport has, hopefully, just become much more intriguing.

Emergency Phone Number: 0458 789 759

SAVE THIS NUMBER TO YOUR PHONE BEFORE YOU START RUNNING.

This number is your first call if you need retrieval from the course. If you are in an area with difficult reception, you can often still get a text message out.

Lucas Trihey (Medical Co Ordinator): 0410 312 433

Sean Greenhill (Race Director): 0409 047 714

Melanie Michael (Assistant Race Director): 0415 308 977

DROP BAG SERVICE IS AVAILABLE FOR YOU AT BOTH EUROBIN CREEK AND THE CHALET.

To make use of the Drop Bag service, your drop bags must be taken to the Check In at the Senior Citizens Hall and left at the Drop Bag Dask. You will be instructed on how to label them when you get there.

SkyMarathonFriday 4th April 2014Social Run with the Elites

Starts: 8am • Venue: Howitt Park • Run with the elites the day before the race!

Check In

This is where you can pick up your Race Bib, Vest, Merchandise & Sponsor Specials

Starts: 2pm • Finishes: 8pm • Venue: Bright Senior Citizens Hall, Cobdon St (opposite Cafe Velo)

Athletes Forum

Starts: 6.15pm • Finishes: 7pm • Venue: Bright Senior Citizens Hall, Cobdon St (opposite Cafe Velo)

Saturday 5th April 2014SkyMarathon Check in available from 1pm – 6pm

Sunday 6th April 2014Check In SkyMarathon

Starts: 5am • Finishes: 6am • Venue: Bright Senior Citizens Hall, Cobdon St (opposite Cafe Velo)

Race Briefing

Starts: 6:10am • Finishes: 6:25am

Race Marshalling

Starts: 6:25am • Finishes: 6:29am

Race Begins

6:30am

Prize Presentation

Starts: 2.30pm • Venue: Chalet (the finish line)

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

SKYMARATHON

Run with the Elites

Eliite Athletes Forum

You can run with the elites the day before the race!

Athletes will take to the stage and give some insight into their life on and off the trails. Training, Racing and more...

ALL OFFICIAL BUFFALO MERCHANDISE AVAILABLE AT CHECK IN

Featuring: Dakota Jones • Anna Frost • Brendan DaviesBeth Cardelli • Blake Hose • Reece Ruland to name a few!

Hosted by Marcus WarnerPresident of SkyRunning Australia/New Zealand

6.15pm - 7.00pm Friday@ the Bright Senior Citizens Hall

(Cobden St, opposite Cafe Velo)

Dakota Jones, Anna Frost, Grant Guise, Andy Lee, Wes Gibsonand many more will do a 5km social run from the Buffalo Stampede’s start area

8.00am Friday • Howitt ParkAttendance is free and open to the public,

with the option of breakfast afterwards in a local café.

This is a great chance to rub shoulders with the elite, so if you’re in Bright on Friday morning and you do a bit of running, come to Howitt Park!

All Mandatory Gear Available for purchase at the EXPO on Friday evening

Space Blankets Thermals Buffs Whistles Jackets

THE COURSE

The Buffalo Stampede Marathon is a tough Marathon for all levels of trail runner looking for a challenge. The Marathon takes in part of the Ultra SkyMarathon Course and is a great stepping stone for runners looking to move into the Ultra Distance in 2015. The course starts in Bright and finishes at the iconic Mt Buffalo Chalet.

Starting in the picturesque and welcoming township of Bright at the foothills of some of Australia’s most impressive mountains, The Buffalo Stampede Marathon covers 41.4km with the main attraction being the climb to the Mt Buffalo Chalet and the unique rock formations of Mt Buffalo. Mt Buffalo is truely a unique and amazing landscape.

Course Profile

StatsElevation: 2934m Ascent + 1941m Descent • Distance: 41.4km

Leg 1: Bright to BucklandDescription: Starting in Howitt Park on the banks of the Ovens River and in the centre of Bright, runners embark on their journey through the streets of Bright and onto the single tracks of Bakers Gully to undertake the first climb of the day with a 700m haul to the top of Mystic Mountain then down the spur to Bakers Gully and back up to Clearspot before starting the descent hrough pine plantation to the Buckland Valley. As runners travel down Harris Rd into the Buckland Valley, they get the first full frontal look at Mt Buffalo in the distance with Keating Ridge in the foreground. Both need to be tackled.

Distance: 0 – 15.2km (15.2km)

Elevation: 1029m Ascent + 1092m DescentSKYMARATHON

Leg 2: Buckland to Eurobin CreekDescription: After getting their first glimpse of Mt Buffalo coming into the Buckland Checkpoint, runners start through the settlement of Buckland and through farmland and up and over Keating Ridge. This is another testing and steep grade trail with a great downhill into the Eurobin Creek Picnic Area.

Distance: 15km – 24.3km (9.1km)

Elevation: 349m Ascent + 333m Descent

Leg 3: Eurobin Creek to ChaletDescription: The perfect setting for an aid station – Eurobin Creek will be cram packed with runner and crew facilities. Runners then face “The Big Walk”… 10km with elevation of 1126m. Taking in some of Mt Buffalos finest views and traversing soaring granite rock faces runners reach the Chalet before tackling Chalwells Galleries loop.

Distance: 24.1km – 34.3km (10km)

Elevation: 1126m Ascent + 86m Descent

Leg 4: Chalet to Chalwell Galleries (return)Description: Leaving the Chalet runners take the underground river track over rocks and creeks to Lake Catani. From here runners follow the waters edge along the Lake to Chalwells Galleries, Chalwells Galleries presents unique challenges as runners navigate monumental rock formations and return via the underground river track for a welcome finish at Mt Buffalos Grand Chalet.

Distance: 34.3km - 41.4km (7.1km)

Elevation: 430m Ascent + 430m Descent

SKYMARATHON

®

AID STATION KEYBASIC• Water

• Hammer HEED

FULL• Water

• Hammer HEED

• Hammer Gel

• Coke

• Fruit

PLUS• Water• Hammer HEED• Hammer Gel• Coke• Fruit• Hot Food (mixture from Hot Potato, Zucchini Slice, Soup,Pasta• Crew Food available for purchase. (Bacon & Egg Rolls, Coffee)

CHECKPOINTS & AID

The Buffalo Stampede Marathon has 4 aid stations.

Bakers GullyWhere: Bakers GullyDistance: 7.6kmCut Off Time: NACrew: NOAid: BASIC Unmanned (see key below)Time Open: 7amTime Closed: Last runner

BucklandWhere: Buckland Rd & Harris Rd, Buckland ValleyDistance: 15.2kmCut Off Time: NACrew: NOAid: BASIC (see key)Time Open: 8amTime Closed: N/A

Eurobin CreekWhere: Eurobin Creek Picnic AreaDistance: 24.3kmCut Off Time: 12noon (5.5hours)Crew: YESAid: Full (see key)Time Open: 8:30amTime Closed: 12noon

ChaletWhere: Mt Buffalo ChaletDistance: 34.3kmCut Off Time: N/ACrew: YESAid: Full (see key)Time Open: 9amTime Closed: 2pm

ChaletWhere: Mt Buffalo ChaletDistance: 41.4kmCut Off Time:4.30pmCrew: YESAid: PLUS (see key)Time Open: 9amTime Closed:2pmAid: PLUS (see key)Time Closed: 6pm SKYMARATHON

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THE HELIUM II JACKET

The official jacket of the Buffalo Stampede

Click the jackets to see the full colour range

SPECTATOR & CREW NOTES

Crew and Spectators are encouraged to come out in full force and encourage all runners as they make their way through a very tough course. Cow Bells are welcome!

Aside from the start / finish – there are 3 Aid Stations that crew are able to visit.

Buckland

Location: Corner of Buckland Valley Rd and Harris Rd in the Buckland Valley.Distance for Runners: 15kmMarathon: YESCrew: NO crew assistance is permitted at this aid station. This is a safety measure as there is not ample parking for all crew cars and no sufficient off road safe area to gather.Spectators: YESAid Available: This will be a basic Aid Station. It will have Water & Hammers Heed electrolyte drink. You can spectate from here but you may NOT pass anything to or assist your runners at this point. There will be aid available for runners to help themselves as well as Marshalls to enable safe route at the Harris Rd/Buckland Valley Rd crossroads.

Eurobin Creek

Location: Eurobin Creek Picnic Area, At the entry to the Mt Buffalo National Park. Mt Buffalo Rd.Distance for Runners: 24.1kmMarathon: YESCrew: Full Crew assistance is allowed. This is a great picnic area with plenty of room to set up and await your runner before they tackle “The Big Walk”.Spectators: YESAid Available: This will be a FULL Aid Station. (See key)Crew Facilities: YES Toilets are available. Hot Food and drinks will be available for purchase.Distance by Car from Bright: 13km - approx 20 mins)

ChaletLocation: Mt Buffalo ChaletDistance for Runners: 34.1km & 41.4kmDistance by Car from Eurobin: 21km - approx 35 mins)Crew: YES.Spectators: YESAid Available: This will be a PLUS Aid Station. See key below.Crew Facilities: YES – Toilets are available. Coffee and BBQ Available

SKYMARATHON

ULTRA SKYMARATHON

MANDATORY GEAR

The Buffalo Stampede events cover some isolated ground at high elevations. Whilst usually the weather is good in April, conditions can change at any time so runners need to be prepared. Runners in the Ultra need to be especially well prepared, as, if they are injured late in the event, they could be waiting in possibly cold and dark conditions before assistance arrives.

Requirements will vary depending upon the weather forecast, and will be advised 1 hour before the scheduled race start time. All runners should travel to Bright with all items of compulsory gear, it is hoped that runners will be able to participate with as little gear as possible however we will not compromise safety and the kit decision on the day is final and not negotiable. Please come prepared with all Mandatory items. GEAR CHECK WILL BE DONE ON COURSE AND AT THE FINISH.

ULTRA (good weather)• Waterproof jacket with hood (we recommend the Helium II - Outdoor Research)• Headlamp (we recommend the Petzl Nao or Tikka II)• Thermal long sleeve shirt (not a compression shirt)• Beanie, buff or similar warm headwear• 1 litre fluid• Mobile phone (preferably Telstra Next G), this should be the phone attached to the number supplied when entering the event• Whistle• Space blanket or bag

ULTRA (bad weather)• Waterproof jacket with hood (we recommend the Helium II - Outdoor Research)• Headlamp (we recommend the Petzl Nao or Tikka II)• Thermal long sleeve shirt (not a compression shirt)• Waterproof tights or pants (not compression) *• Beanie, buff or similar warm headwear• Full fingered gloves *• 1 litre fluid• Mobile phone (preferably Telstra Next G), this should be the phone attached to the number supplied when entering the event• Whistle• Space blanket or bag

NutritionPlease bear in mind that you need a nutrition plan for these events – there is both distance and terrain to take into account when you consider the appropriate amount of food you will require to adequately fuel yourself for the duration of the event. This is your responsibility.

SUMMARY OF CLIMATE AVERAGES IN APRIL (courtesy of the Bureau of Meteorology)

Bright: Average max temp: 21.4 • Average min temp: 5.9 Hottest max temp in April: 33.4 • Lowest min temp in April: minus 1.8 Average rainy days in April: 8.4

Mount Buffalo Chalet: Average max temp: 11.8 • Average min temp: 5.5 Hottest max temp in April: 24.4 • Lowest min temp in April: minus 3.5 Average rainy days in April: 9.1

SKYMARATHON

Course Map

Start

Mystic

Bakers Gully

Clearspot

Buckland Rd

Course Map

Eurobin Creek

Keatings RidgeMt Buffalo Chalet

Big Walk

Chalwells Loop

Start KOTM

End KOTM

Finish

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BUFFALO_TikRXP Mar14.indd 1 13/03/14 12:20 PM

Any violation of the rules will be grounds for disqualification and possible banning from future events.

Each runner is to wear their officially provided SkyVest.

Each runner will be provided two race bibs. These are to be attached front and back, if you are wearing a pack that covers your SkyVest, they must be displayed prominently.

Pace runners are not allowed.

Runners must follow the marked trail at all times. Any runner departing from the official trail must return to the point of departure on foot before continuing. A runner who may be drastically off course may be returned by vehicle at the Race Director’s discretion.

The Buffalo Stampede course crosses or uses several public roads. Except for the very start, these roads are NOT CLOSED TO TRAFFIC and vehicles have the right of way as they do on any public street. Please bear this in mind.

Trails on the course are still open to members of the public. Please treat them with the utmost politeness. Be particularly aware of mountain bikes, as they move quickly without making much noise.

Between Bright and the Buckland Valley, the course passes through commercial pine plantations. Please be on your best behavior and leave no trace in the plantations. You may encounter areas which have recently been logged, although no logging activity is planned for race weekend. There is a small chance you may encounter forestry trucks during the event- they are aware the run is on but please treat them as you do vehicles on the street. You may also encounter logging equipment left unattended over the weekend, please give it a wide berth if you do.

Each runner must complete the entire course under his own power. No physical or mechanical aids are allowed, with the exception of Walking Poles which are allowed.

Except in case of medical emergency, runners may not accept aid or assistance in any form from anyone between checkpoints. Please ensure crew are aware of this.

Runners may not store supplies of any kind along the trail.

Runners must carry all Mandatory Gear on their person. No Dumping, No Muling.

All cut-off times will be strictly enforced. Runners must be checked OUT of the checkpoint BY the cut-off time. Runners returning to the checkpoint after the cut-off time will be removed from the event.

We operate under a strict “leave no trace” policy. Litter and rubbish which is left on the trails will incur both time penalties and possibly disqualification for repeat offenders.

Runners must refrain from any act of bad sportsmanship, including abuse and physical contact.

Any runner who is unable to finish the event must personally inform staff at the aid station of the nearest checkpoint of his decision to withdraw and make sure their race number is recorded. Runners who leave the course without turning in their race number will be classified as “lost,” thereby activating the First Aid Wilderness Team to look go out on the trails and look for them.. In the case we are looking for you but you have gone home without notifying us – any costs associated with this will be billed to the runner.

This is a trail run event and not a walking event. Unless you are an exceptional walker you cannot expect to walk the entire course and still finish before the cut off times. All runners, will walk during the event at times, especially the uphills and especially as fatigue sets in. While this is expected – setting out to walk the entire course is not within the realm of this event.

PERFORMANCE RULES & CUTOFFS

The purpose of these rules is to ensure the events integrity as a test of individual performance under equal conditions for all who are participating. The performance rules were put together with the following guiding principle in mind.

“A fair and safe event for all participants.”

SKYMARATHON

Cut-Off’s Buffalo SkyMarathonChalet- 41.4kmCourse closes at the finish line at 4.30pm (10 hours)

This event is a tough event and we have made the cut off times as generous as possible to ensure you have time to walk the tough sections and spend time in an aid station if needed but still finish well before the cut off times.

As daylight falls and runners are out in the bush after a long day on their feet the risk of injury increases significantly and it is mainly the safety aspect that has been taken into account as we set the cut off times.

Runners will have their times recorded as they enter an aid station. They will also have their time recorded as they leave an aid station.

The cut off time reflects the deadline for leaving the aid station. If you are in the aid station after the cut off time – you will be removed from the event. This policy will be strictly enforced. It is not negotiable.

An Aid Station Marshall will make an announcement at 3,2 and 1 minutes to instruct all runners in the aid station that the aid station is closing.

While it seems strict – we are simply drawing a line in the sand. It is definite and clear and we believe this means it will allow all runners to be clear on the procedure if they are flirting with cut off times. We wish you all the best.

Eurobin Creek Cut-Off – 12noon 5.5hours

SKYMARATHON

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Carrying one of the highest prize pools in Australia’s trail running history, The Buffalo Ultra Stampede combines a pure and tough mountain running experience with a coveted prize pool to bring you a premier event worthy of international attention.

Male and Female Prizes

Highest placed Australian / New Zealand representative: **World Championship Package including Airfares, entry and accommodation to the World SkyRunning Ultra SkyMarathon Championships in Chamonix in June 2014.

First: $1000.00 • Second: $500.00 • Third: $250.00

** Highest placed runner from Australia or New Zealand in lieu of the cash prize gains selection to represent AU/NZ at the World SkyRunning Ultra SkyMarathon Championships to be held in June 2014 in Chamonix, France. Along with representation, the winner will also benefit from economy return airfare*, entry and accommodation at the World SkyRunning Ultra SkyMarathon Championships. In the case of an Australian/New Zealander winning the event – the prizemoney will then be pushed down the line with 2nd: $1500, 3rd: $800 and 4th: $500. In the case of an International athlete winning the event, the World Championship Package is passed down to the highest placed athlete from AUS/NZ overall and the cash prizes will be handed down ie: 3rd: 800 and 4th: $500.

Age Group Prizes - Male and FemaleFirst place in each of the following categories will be awarded sponsored product prizes.

18 – 30 yrs • 31 – 40 yrs • 41 – 50yrs • 51 – 60 yrs • 61yrs+

Terms and Conditions:• You MUST be present at the awards ceremony to collect your prize. We do not post prizes.• Prize money is via bank transfer within 14 days of the event. Those who have won prize money will receive an email requesting relevant details for payment.• International Athletes cash prizes will be paid promptly by arrangement.• All cash prizes are in Australian Dollars.• Airfares have an upper cap of $2200AU in value per return airfare. These airfares will need to be booked within 7 days of the finish of the event. A form will be emailed to you to ensure prompt booking can be made. You will require a valid passport for this prize to be allocated.• Airfares cannot be substituted for cash or other prizes. If you do not claim the world championships package, this prize is not handed down or substituted.• The accommodation and entry into the SkyRunning World Championships is courtesy of the ISF. Mountain Sports will assist in the organisation of these.• For age group prizes – age is calculated on the day of the event. If a false age is given – prizes will be revoked.• Age Group Prizes are sponsored product and cannot be exchanged for cash.• Mountain Sports is the promoting company of the Buffalo Ultra Stampede and is responsible for providing the advertised prizes with the exception of the accommodation and entry into the World Championships.

MARATHON PRIZES

SKYMARATHON

KOTM

Buffalo Stampede Sky UltraMarathonKing of the Mountain Climbs

Mystic – 4.1km • Clear Spot – 2.1km • Buffalo Big Walk – 10km

Total Distance: 16.2km • Total Climb: 2219m

Buffalo Stampede SkyMarathonKing of the Mountain Climb

Buffalo Big Walk – 10km

Total Distance: 10km • Total Climb: 1126m

KOTM Rules1. To be in the running for the King of the Mountain you must register online and be a participant in either the Buffalo Stampede Sky UltraMarathon or the Buffalo Stampede SkyMarathon.

2. The timing for the KOTM is a mix of Electronic and hand timing. Mystic - Electronic Timed, Clearspot - Hand Timed, Big Walk: - Hand Timed.

3. Only the official time will be used to determine the KOTM. ** In the case of an electronic timing failure – the backup video may be used.

4. To have your time valid in the KOTM event you must finish the event you are entered into before the cut off time. This will be either the Buffalo Stampede Ultra SkyMarathon or the Buffalo Stampede SkyMarathon.

5. Each climb will be clearly marked the start and finish

6. No aid or outside assistance is allowed during each of the climbs.

7. Poles are allowed.

8. Runners are to run within the spirit of the King of the Mountain event. Runners deemed to be behaving outside the spirit of the event will be disqualified.

KOTM Prizes1st Male & Female: $500.00 2nd Male & Female: Prize Package from the King of the Mountain Sponsor

The King of the Mountain crown is a contest within both the Buffalo Stampede Sky UltraMarathon (75km) and the Buffalo Stampede SkyMarathon (42km). The essence of the contest is to find athlete (male and female) who can muster the fastest combined climbing time for the designated climbs within the event. While both the Sky UltraMarathon and the SkyMarathon both have a King of the Mountain title up for grabs, each is a little different.

KOTM

Helios