When: Sunday, 13th April 2025

Sign in starts from 6.15am, all runners are required to sign in and collect their bib number at Event HQ. Pins will be provided (or you can bring a race number belt). Please ensure you arrive on time to sign in and get ready to run. If you miss your start time, you may not be allowed to race.

Entry Fees & Inclusions: Registration opens 1st December | General Entry starts: 18th February | Late Entry starts: 7th April

• 6km: Early Bird $35 | General Entry $40 | Late Entry $50
• 12km: Early Bird $45 | General Entry $50 | Late Entry $60
• 21km: Early Bird $50 | General Entry $55 | Late Entry $65
• Juniors (under 16yrs | short distance only): $18 General Entry | Late Entry $25

Minimum age to participate in our short distance events is 8 years and for the longer distances 12 years (age as of event date).

Your Entry fee includes:

• Entry to the race
• Fully marked, marshalled course
• First Aid support on course and at Race HQ
• On course professional photography
• Professional electronic timing and results
• Race bib plate with electronic timing chip, which is yours to keep
• Earn series points for your overall series ranking
• On course hydration and snack support (no cups provided, please use your own bottle)
• Post race recovery station with hydration and fruit buffet
• Post race BBQ (first sausage free- more can be purchased and proceeds will go towards helping Belgian Gardens State School kids get to camp)
• Food and coffee van services available
• Free massage post run, thanks to Fisiocrem (subject to availability)
• Amenities at Race HQ
• Exclusive deals with our sponsors
• The opportunity to win random prizes at the presentation after the race
• Great prize packs for top 3 male and female winners in each distance and cash prizes for top 3 Junior winners (under 12 & under 16)

Where: Alligator Creek Day use area, Bowling Green Bay National Park

Getting there: Alligator Creek day-use area is 30km from the city, Townsville. Follow the Bruce Highway south towards Ayr. Past Elliot Springs and then turn right after the Caltex petrol station. Keep following the signs for Bowling Green Bay National Park.

Parking: Parking marshals will advise all competitors where to park on the day. Please park in an orderly fashion and be considerate of others. Please see map below for parking areas.

Course Overview: The 3 courses will be clearly marked with pink tape, signage, arrows and caution tape. Each track junction will have a sign with directions on which way to go depending on which distance you are completing. There will also be course marshals at each significant turn.

 The course has several creek crossings and your feet will get wet, it is not overgrown and you will not need gaiters. The trails will be uneven including rocks and gravel in some sections.

Cut Off Times: The event director and event officials reserve the right to pull any competitor out of the race if they are concerned about their well being. Runners may be short coursed or directed straight to the finish, if they have not reached a certain check point by the cut off time.

• 21km Course Cut-off time: 8.30am at Event HQ. If you have not completed the first lap by this time, you will be short coursed.

6km Course

The Intro- Get a taste of what trail running is about. This course is suited for beginners with some experience or the ones who want to challenge themselves on a fast short course.

Starting from Race HQ, you follow the road before turning right and hitting your first creek crossing. From there the course takes you along a flat section (enjoy this) to the start of THAT hill. Just when you think you’re at the top, there is more! There’s an out and back that packs a punch, a fast downhill section and another creek crossing (just when your feet were starting to dry) at Cockatoo Creek, then you’re headed for home.

Download a GPX file of the course HERE.

12km Course 

The Intermediate- The best way to get your trail running skills put to the test. Good running fitness required.

The 12km course has the same start as the 6km course, across the creek, along the flat and straight up the hill. Don’t forget the out and back once you think you have made it to the top (there is always more!). Enjoy the downhill while it lasts before following the undulating terrain to your second out and back. From there the course takes you along a flat section back towards the finish line with a few more creek crossings and stairs to conquer thrown in for good measure before the finish.

Download a GPX file of the course HERE.

21km Course

The Real Deal- a mixture of terrain, difficulty and elevation.

The 21km also starts at the day-use area, across the creek, along the flat and straight up the hill. Don’t forget the out and back once you think you have made it to the top. Enjoy the downhill while it lasts before following the undulating terrain and to your second out and back. From there the course takes you along a flat section back towards the finish line. There is a few more creek crossings and stairs to conquer before running past the finish line (this bit hurts) and heading out for your second lap. Please note you must start your second lap prior to 8.30am (cut off time). As a special treat, you get to skip the out and backs and just do the fun parts for your second lap… but they don’t always feel as fun the second time around.

Download a GPX file of the course HERE.

Download the Athlete Guide here.

Please check your spam folder for your confirmation email and other communication from us, if you have not received any emails after registering. Your confirmation email includes an ‘Edit my registration data’ button that can be used to make changes to your registration.

If you would like to check who your competition will be or if you need to check if your name is on the list, a participant list can be found here.

Event Schedule: 

Sign in and Bib collection starts from 6.15am at Event HQ. Please note the sign in commencement time for each distance: 21km from 6.15am | 12km from 6.45am | 6km from 7.15am. Please adhere to the bib collection start times in order to reduce crowding and congestion at the sign in area. Race course briefing will be held 5-10min prior to race start.

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.

21km Trail Run

• 6.15am Sign in and Bib collection
• 6.50am Race briefing
• 7.00am Trail Run start

12km Trail Run

• 6.45am Sign in and Bib collection
• 7.15am Race briefing
• 7.20am Trail Run start

6km Trail Run

• 7.15am Sign in and Bib collection
• 7.45am Race briefing
• 7.50am Trail Run start

Presentation

• 9.30am* Presentations *once all Top 3 runners are back

Mandatory Gear: Please see below for the mandatory gear requirements for the 12km and 21km run. The 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. There will be mandatory gear checks at the sign in. We have marshals on the course and a safety vehicle with additional first aid.

• 2x compression bandages
• a fully charged and waterproofed phone (there is limited service along the course) Please download the free EMERGENCY+ app on your phone prior to the event
• Whistle
• Space blanket
• Sufficient water and nutrition for the duration of the run

Categories & Awards: Juniors (under 12 & under 16) | 16-29yrs | 30-39yrs | 40-49yrs | 50-59 yrs | 60+yrs

• Top 3 Male & Female for each distance are awarded at presentation
• Top 3 junior boys and girls (short distance only) are awarded at presentation
• 1st place in age group for each distance (excluding top 3 winners) will be called up on the day to collect their prize

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 as well as age group winners.

Water & Nutrition: It is recommended that you take at least 500ml of water per hour that you expect to be running. There are creek crossings with flowing water which you may wish to utilise on your own risk. We advise to bring sufficient water for the entire duration of your run. Ensure you take sufficient nutrition with you for the run. Emergency water will be available at the turn around point for the medium and long course.

Facilities: There are toilets located at the start/finish line. 

The course runs through the Bowling Green Bay National Park, please ensure you do not litter along the course and respect the National Park and help us preserve our natural assets.

Merchandise: There will be Outer Limits merchandise for sale at Race HQ. Payment can be made in cash or via direct debit (no eftpos available).

Finish Line refreshments: Cold water and electrolytes (thanks to Fit Empire & Wellness) are provided at the finish line for competitors. Fresh seasonal fruit will also be available to all runners, thanks to The Fairfield Fresh Market. A coffee van will be on site selling drinks and food.

Sausage Sizzle: A post race BBQ, run by Belgian Gardens State School who will be cooking up a storm for all runners. First sausage is free and more can be purchased, proceeds will go towards their school camp trip to Canberra.

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 or contact race HQ. 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.

Rules & Regulations: In order for the event to run as smoothly as possible we need all participants to cooperate and stick to our rules and regulations, please read through the points below:

• No rego, No run! – We do not offer registration on the day and most our events sell out in advance. Please check with us before coming to the event unregistered.
• Visible BIB number – Please make sure your bib number is clearly visible (front of shirt) when crossing the finish line, this ensures the correct detection of your timing chip by the electronic timing system. The bib can not be covered by clothes or bags, this might cause the timing chip to not be picked up by the antenna at the finish line.
• 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! Many of our courses are a bit more technical and running on trail will take you approximately twice as long as running the same distance on road. Our trail run events are not designed to be walked, especially not the longer distances. If you have any questions in regards to choosing the right distance according to your ability, please feel free to contact us. The event officials reserve the right to short course or 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, including pants, shirts and suitable running shoes

Trail Run Etiquette:

• Be mindful that the trails are open for other users outside of the race, including runners and walkers
• Do not leave any rubbish behind. 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
• We ask you to NOT wear headphones, so you can hear other trail users around and hear the trail marshals instructions
• 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. Time considerations will always be given to the ones who stop and assist injured runners.

Series Points System:

• You will receive points for each run you complete in your choosen distance, and your total score is the sum of all your attended (and finished) races in the same distance category.
• The winner of a race receives 100 points. Every other runner receives points based on their time compared to the winner’s time.
• For example, Sarah wins the race in 35:00. Sonja finished in 42:00. Sarah’s score is 100 because she won. Sonja’s score is 83.3. It is calculated by dividing the winner’s time (35 minutes) by her time (42 minutes) and then multiplying the results by 100. So 35/42 x 100 = 83.3
• Points are calculated separately for men and women. Men use the men’s winning time, and women use the women’s winning time to calculate points.
• You are counted as a Series participant if you complete at least FOUR of six races in the Series in the SAME distance (i.e. short, middle or long). If you choose a different distance for the other runs, these points will NOT count towards your total points.
• Your age group for the Series will be your age as at end of the year
• Awards are presented to the overall top three male and female runners (for each distance), as well as the first male and female runners in the following age groups: Juniors (under 12 & under 16 – in short distance only), 16-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+. Please note: Age for age group awards is calculated as AT END OF YEAR.
• The overall top three male and female runners are not eligible for age group awards.
• An end of Series celebration and Awards Presentation night will be held after the last event.

Registration opens 1st December 2023 and closes Saturday, 13th April at 10am or when sold out!

Please visit the Trail Run Series Registration page to register or click the link below.

NOTE: When registering online, you agree to the Online Waiver.

Change, Cancellation and Refund Policy

Participant no longer able to attend/participate

Registered Participants who are no longer able to attend or participate in their registered event may:

• Request a refund as outlined and in accordance with clauses 2 and 3;
• Request a transfer of their registration to another event as outlined and in accordance with clauses 4 to 6; or
• Request that their registration be transferred to another athlete as outlined and in accordance with clauses 7 to 9.

1. Participants may request a refund by emailing ‘events@outerlimitsadventure.com.au’ no less than 14 days prior to the event. No refund requests will be considered or refunds issued after this date.
2. Refunds made in accordance with clause 2 are subject to a $10 transaction fee per registration being refunded.
3. Participants may request to transfer their registration to another Trail Run Series event within the same calendar year by emailing ‘events@outerlimitsadventure.com.au’ no less than 7 days prior to the event. No transfer requests will be considered or transfers issued after this date.
4. Event registrations can only be transferred once. If the registered participant is unable to attend their nominated subsequent event, the entry fee will be forfeited.
5. Transfers made in accordance with clauses 4 and 5 are subject to a $5 administration fee per registration that is payable at the time of transfer.
6. Participants may request to transfer their registration to another athlete by emailing ‘events@outerlimitsadventure.com.au’ no less than 7 days prior to the event. No athlete transfer requests will be considered or athlete transfers issued after this date.
7. Written requests for an athlete transfer must include the full name of the athlete being nominated in the registered participant’s place as well as their mobile number, email address, gender, date of birth and emergency contact information.
8. Athlete transfers made in accordance with clauses 7 and 8 are subject to a $5 administration fee per registration that is payable at the time of transfer.

Participant seeking to change nominated distance

Registered Participants may change their nominated distance for the event by either:

• Clicking the ‘change link’ contained in the confirmation email received upon registration; or
• By emailing their request to ‘events@outerlimitsadventure.com.au’.

1. Changes requested by email will be subject to a $5 administration fee.
2. Where a registered participant is changing to a shorter distance, no credit or refund will be issued for any difference in registration fees between the two distances.
3. Where a registered participant is changing to a longer distance, the price difference between the two distances must be paid by the registered participant at the time of requesting the change.

Event Changes/Cancellation

Outer Limits reserves the right to alter the course without notice, reschedule and/or cancel the event in consultation with emergency services, government agencies and event stakeholders.

1. Should the event need to be rescheduled, all registrations will be automatically transferred to the new date.
2. Registered participants unable to attend the new date must notify Outer Limits by emailing ‘events@outerlimitsadventure.com.au’. Registered participants will then have the option to have their registration refunded (as outlined and in accordance with clauses 2 and 3), registration transferred (as outlined and in accordance with clauses 4 to 6) or nominate another athlete to take over their registration (as outlined and in accordance with clauses 7 to 9).
3. In the unlikely circumstance that the event has to be cancelled and is unable to be rescheduled, all registered participants will receive a credit towards a future Trail Run Series event. The credit will be valid for 12 months.
4. Refunds are not available where the event is unable to be rescheduled.

If you are not running and would still like to be part of the event, why not come and give us a hand. Our events can only be successful with a great team on the ground and there are plenty of things to do. If you are interested to volunteer at the Trail Run, please fill out the below form and we will be in touch closer to the event.