NOTE: Due to flooding in the Gunbower State Forest and Gunbower National Park, we are utilising an alternative course for 2023.
Run alongside the emus and kangaroos on this non-technical trail run through the Gunbower National Park and Gunbower State Forest. The course for the Cohuna Auto Electrical Half Marathon Trail Run is mostly off-road and is an ideal introduction to trail running. If you’ve never done a half marathon before, this is the one for you. It’s flat and takes you along the dirt tracks of this stunning bush setting.
EVENT INFORMATION
| Distance | 21.1km |
| Pre-race briefing | 7:45am at the start line |
| Start time | 8:00am |
| Cut off time | 4 hours |
| Start line | Daltons Bridge |
| Finish line | Town Bridge, Cohuna |
| Course description | Non-technical trail |
| Age limit | 16 years or older on race day |
INCLUSIONS
- Race entry
- Race bib with timing chip
- Safety pins
- Water stations on course
- Finishers medal
COURSE DESCRIPTION
NOTE: Due to flooding in the Gunbower State Forest and Gunbower National Park, we are utilising an alternative course for 2023. Runners will follow an alternative course into town before joining the 12.5km course. See map and details below.
The start line is on Island Road, near the Cohuna Clay Target Club and adjacent to Daltons Bridge (see Event Info page for directions). The course enters the Gunbower National Park on Nursery Track, veers left onto Wee Wee Rup Track then loops around to join Richardsons Road, before exiting right onto Island Road and heading towards town. Island Road is bitumen. After reaching the ski run, follow the signs to veer left onto the walking track that meanders along the Gunbower Creek. As you reach the squash courts, look for the signs that direct you back onto the road towards the roundabout.
At the roundabout on Island Road, it turns right into the Cohuna Recreation Reserve. The course runs through the Cohuna Recreation Reserve before entering the Gunbower State Forest off Mill Road. You will wind your way along the tracks beside the Gunbower Creek for 6.25km before turning around and following the same route back, emerging onto Island Road at the Second Oval gate (opposite the caravan park entrance). Island Road is bitumen and this will take you to the finish line at the town bridge.
Apart from the Island Road section, the course is a mix of dirt vehicular bush tracks and single tracks and as such, can be uneven. If it has rained it can be wet, slippery and boggy in places. There will be the odd pothole, stick, branch and stones, and even kangaroo and emu poo, so runners should be mindful to look at the road surface as they are running, as well as enjoying the surrounds. See below for a detailed map and names of tracks.
When emerging onto Island Road, a marshal will direct you to cross to the left-hand side of Island Road. Participants still on the Island Road section of the course at 9.30am will need to stick to the very left of the road, as the cycling events begin. Please listen to and follow marshal instructions for your safety and that of other participants.
Aid stations
Aid stations are located at the 5.9km (toilet), 10.8km, 13.7km, 15.4km (toilet), 17.1km and 20km marks. Toilets are located at the start line at Daltons Bridge, at the ski run on Island Road, at Apex Park, inside the first oval at the Recreation Reserve, and at the turnaround point at the picnic ground adjacent to the junction of Five Sleeper Track and Rifle Butt Track.
Course markings
We will have some marshals on course, but most of the course will be marked using pink surveyors tape hanging and tied to trees. It will be placed periodically along continuous sections of track, as well as at intersecting tracks to indicate which turn to take. Red and white tape will be placed across roads that are out of bounds. Do NOT cross any red and white tape. It is important you follow the pink tape to avoid running off-course. The 12.5km entrants utilise the same course after the roundabout, so you will see ribbons for both events.
Look for these course markings:
- Pink arrows
- Pink tape strung from trees
- Red and white tape across no access areas
Course directions and map
The start line is on Island Road, near the Cohuna Clay Target Club and adjacent to Daltons Bridge (see Event Info page for directions).
The course enters the Gunbower National Park and runs along the following roads:
Nursery Track
• Left onto Wee Wee Rup Track
• Left onto unnamed track that becomes Richardsons Road. Continue on Richardsons Road
• Right onto Island Road
• Continue on Island Road into the township
• Right at roundabout into Cohuna Recreation Reserve
• Immediately right, follow track in front of first oval
• Follow track behind the second oval
• Through gate and behind pistol club (Gunbower State Forest)
• Left onto Mill Rd
• Through old sawmill
• Follow trail along creek
• Left onto Rifle Butt Rd
• Left onto unnamed road, hugging the creek
• Left onto Rifle Butt Track
• Immediately left onto unnamed road, hugging the creek
• Follow this track alongside the creek (parallel to Rifle Butt Track)
• Turn around at picnic ground adjacent to junction of Five Sleeper Track and Rifle Butt Track
• Retrace steps back and exit state forest through the gate into the second oval
• Exit onto Island Rd at the second oval gate (opposite caravan park entrance)
• Finish line at town bridge, Cohuna
Thanks to Cohuna Auto Electrical for its generous sponsorship of this event.