Event #3: Finch Hatton Flow

Date: Sunday 4 August, 2024

Time: 7am Start (Sign on from 6am)

Distances: 6km, 12km, 18km

Start/Finish: Finch Hatton MTB Trails

Our third event is poised to kick off with an invigorating challenge that awaits all participants, setting the stage for an exciting and memorable experience. Prepare yourself for a thrilling fusion of excitement as you navigate picturesque trails.

Opting for the extended route will treat you to expansive landscapes that showcase a unique perspective of the MTB Trails. The journey will take you through various levels of difficulty, from challenging ascents to fast-paced descents that reveal breathtaking views of the Valley.

Located amidst a mix of terrains, this event in Finch Hatton, just 60km from Mackay City Centre, provides convenient access with just a 50-minute drive from Mackay near Eungella, making it a perfect off-the-beaten-path destination.

Please note, that no running is allowed on the trails outside of this event! We have access once a year to deliver a trail running experience!

COURSE OVERVIEW:

There will be course marshals at each significant turn. All 3 courses have a variety of terrain from singel trail to 4WD terrain - uneven in sections and guaranteed to provide trail runners with a challenge.

Please note that the courses could change due to Weather Conditions.

6km Sprint

A fun run that follows the G’day G’day access trail and descends down the Shuttle Trail. This is for beginners or junior cross country athletes who want to challenge themselves on a fast short course.

Starting and finishing at the Finch MTB head!

12km Loop de Loop

The Intermediate - guaranteed to feel the burn!

Starting at the Finch Hatton MTB Trail Head, athletes will head off onto a variety of fire trails, MTB trails and ascents. Some water and refreshments will be available on course, however runners need to be self-sufficient.

18km Flow Run

Strap your ankles and get ready for a little bit of everything - take on every ascent possible to open breathtaking views of the valley!

The course starts and finishes the same at the Finch Hatton MTB Trail Head. This course provides rolling downhills and punchy ups provides small challenges for any style of runner!

The course will be clearly marked with pink tape, signage, arrows and caution tape. Some water and refreshments will be available on course, however runners need to be self-sufficient.

Event Schedule:

Sign in and race chip collection starts from 7.00am at the FINISH/START Line. Race course briefing will be held 5-10min prior to race start. 18km run starts at 7.00am | 12km run starts at 7.10am | 6km run starts at 7.15am.

The race start is self seeded and we advise the faster runners to position themselves at the front and slower runners at the back. This will help to prevent bottlenecks along the trail and faster runners becoming stuck behind slower runners.

Parking:

Plenty of parking is available at the MTB Park. Additional overflow parking is available outside of the Finch Hatton RSL Hall across the road. .

Camping:

If you want to make the most of your weekend, you can camp at the Finch Hatton Show Grounds.

Mandatory Gear:

Please see below for the mandatory gear requirements for the 18km & 11km run. Mandatory gear must be carried for the duration of the run, event officials reserve the right to refuse a participant to start the race if they do not comply with mandatory gear requirements. We have marshals on the course and a safety vehicle with additional first aid.

2 x snake compression bandages
mobile phone (there is limited service along the course) Please download the free EMERGENCY+ app on your phone prior to the event
Whistle
Timing Chip
200ml of water and snacks (there are basic aid stations, however we recommend runners to be self sufficient).

Categories & Awards:

Top 3 Male & Female for each distance are awarded at presentation
Top 3 junior boys and girls (short distance only) are awarded at presentation

Presentation:

Presentation will be held as soon as the Top 3 runners have finished. Prizes will be given to the top 3 runners on the day

Water & Nutrition:

We advise to bring sufficient water for the entire duration of your run. Ensure you take sufficient nutrition with you for the run. Only one water station will be available on course at the 6km point however it will be limited due to logistics.

Facilities:

Toilets are available at the START/FINISH Line. Toilets are also available at Finch Hatton township.

Finish Line Refreshments:

We will have basic fruit and water available after the run. There are great places to eat afterwards

One Hungry Mumma
The Gift Shed
Finch Hatton Pub
Pinnacle Hotel (stop in on your way home).

Safety:

The trails include sections of challenging and remote single track, be sure to exercise caution on these sections.

If you DO NOT FINISH the race you must see an event official and return your timing chip. If you do not report to an event official and a search party is sent out, this will be at the competitors cost. It may be hot so please take precautions to stay safe in the heat.

Race Rules

In order for our events to run as smoothly as possible we ask all athletes to cooperate and stick to our rules and regulations:

No rego, No run! – Please respect our event, we have permissions from landowners, local and state authorities and have insurances to cover our athletes. Please do not jeopardise our licences and insurances by running without a registration.
Timing Chip – Please make sure your timing chip is on your left ankle, this ensures the correct detection of your timing chip by the electronic timing system. The timing chip can not be worn on your wrist or carried in your back pack, this might cause the timing chip to not be picked up by the antenna at the finish line. Please return your timing chip at the end of the run - a fee of $50 will apply to any missing timing chips.
No shortcuts – please stick to the marked track, for safety and fairness reasons. All courses are clearly marked and we have marshals out on the course.
Fitness level – please choose the right distance according to your fitness level! This event is not designed to be walked, especially the 17km or the 11km events (a little bit of walking is allowed). Event officials reserve the right to pull competitors out of the race if they are concerned for their well-being.
Obey traffic regulations unless otherwise instructed by an event official
Treat other competitors, officials, volunteers and spectators with respect and courtesy
Dress Code – please wear appropriate clothing and suitable running shoes

Running Etiquette:

Be mindful that the trails are open for other users outside of the race, including 4WDs, Motor bikes and MTBs
Do not leave any rubbish behind, this is a State Forest and Private Lease Area. What you bring in you must take out
Keep left and give way to runners passing from behind
Don’t approach any wildlife you may come across on the trails, there is scrub cattle in the area
STRICTLY NO headphones, so you can hear other trail users around and hear the trail marshals instructions (and cattle)
Stop and give assistance to other runners if needed. If another competitor falls and injures themselves, it is not an opportunity to pass them. Give assistance and ensure they are ok and send for help. Time considerations will always be given to the ones who stop and assist injured runners.

Series Points

This is the third of 4 events in our 2024 trail running series including:

ZACH MACH Trail Run - 11th May 2024
Eungella Rainforest Run - 7th July 2024
Finch Hatton Flow Run - 4th August 2024
Captain's Crossing (The GONG) - 12th October 2024

Age groups are as follows (as of 31 December 2024):

Under 16 years
16 to 29 years
30 to 39 years
40 to 49 years
50 to 59 years
60+

Points are awarded based on the following criteria:

Athletes receive points for each run. Your total score is the sum of all your attended (and finished) races listed above.
The winner will receive 25 points. Each place will receive 2 less points (ie. 2nd place 23 points, 3rd place 21 points etc.).
Points are calculated separately for men and women