I hope there is not an existing thread answering all these questions already! I had a look and didn't find one, so apologies if there is...

I am planning on running in the Otford to Bundeena in December as part of my Six Foot training and was wanting to know a few things please:

1. How much soft sand is there roughly? (I will be backing up from the KJ's Escarpment Classic the previous Sunday so my legs might be crap!)

2. Is it super competitive or more of a 'training' run for most people? I've checked out the results from last year but It's hard to tell! As I'd like to think I'd have a buddy to run with so I don't get lost!


Thanks guys!!!!!

from memory there is very little soft sand.

Fatass events are mostly run for the enjoyment of running with friends and there is always someone your pace to run with.

It is a great run.

I've hiked this course a few times in the past - from memory there are two beach sections one after the other, but not very long at all. I'll be heading out for this run also, am really looking forward to it actually, it's a great course.

Thanks guys! I have some sand sections in long runs I do here, so I'll keep including them in my long runs, it'll toughen me up I did some harden-up work on my long run this morning, including a beach section and leaving the MP3 player at home!

I intend to do this run for the first time this year. Hopefully there is someone my pace (1:55 - 2:00 hr half). I assume there will be car pooling arrangements to get people from start to finish & vice versa.

The reports and photos from last year are certainly encouraging.

GraeGrae

GraeGrae,

This was the plan last year:

1. Park at Sutherland
2. Train Sutherland to Otford and walk to start
3. Run Otford to Bundeena
4. Ferry Bundeena to Cronulla (dont forget to take some money)
5. Train Cronulla to Sutherland
6. Back to car with no need to car pool

Certainly makes for an interesting day, but very doable without car pool. Option this year might be 1-4 with the tribe meeting me at Bundeena for swim and lunch.

The Hornet

The course as Kev has it plotted goes out to the end of Jibbon beach via a fire trail that consists of entirely crappy sand (I'm sure a time lapse camera would have shown me running up and down on the spot last year). The actual run back along Jibbon beach is easy by comparison - the other beach runs are not so bad either as you can run where the sand is still fairly wet and firm.

But that fire trail.....

Thanks Hornet

It is probably the better option. Give my legs a chance to recover before driving.

And thanks for the comment Twopennys. I am not a fan of soft sand either.

GraeGrae

The sand bits are Garie Beach - approx 500m-600m (?), Jibbon Beach - approx 500m, and The Sandy Track To Jibbon Beach (approx 2km), however I might have an unofficial "go short" option that just misses that out and subsitutes a great track that runs parallel to Eric St, Bundeena and then joins Jibbon Beach so you cut out The Sandy Track or we might just change the route to go down the Eric St Track.

There will be a car shuffle this year, althought the Ferry/Sutherland option outlined above is entirely feasible and nice. I now live in Bundeena and have a 7 seater so can pick up people in Bundeena and drop at the start (we now have 2 cars so can get mine back from Otford later on).

The finish this year is by the park opposite the shops/Fringe cafe. This is a beter place to hang and wait for the finishers.

It is not really a race as such (although people are welcome to run it as such), but most people run in groups for fun, company and safety. I will be an official sweep and brush the dead folk off the cliffs so we don't leave any mess! No seriously I will run at the back of the pack to make sure we don't lose anyone.

Last year we had 13 starters but its almost unpublicised so I am expecting many more this year - maybe 50-odd.

As a final offering, as its now my hometown run, I will have a water/refreshments drop at Wattamolla in a yet to be disclosed location.

Hi Kev,

Just letting you know that I'm doing this run. It's the start of my 2008 6 foot training. At least if you're sweeping - I wont get lost before Wattamolla this year (hopefully)!

I'm 99.9% in too!

You can count me in too, and I know of 2 lurkers that will be attending also.

sounds good Kev - but you forget the "newborn" option of turning left up 6 or 7kms of uphill firetrail going up to the bloody bundeena rd near that obelisk embellished car park and adding a lot of road but cutting down on the sand

The other thing is of course is the optional late start by coming by train and missing the connection at Central by one minute.

But that is a third travel option - train from another part of the country to Otford - Ferry and then Train from Cronulla to the starting point - if you have plenty of time to spare

However - if you are running at the back of the pack - I'd better not show up Kev or you won't see anyone at the end - they'll all be at church ( or whatever they do on Sundays!!!!

Count me in

Belinda and I are also planning to be there.

I will be there again this year and vote for the Eric st finish can still remember my face plant on that fire trail.

I am keen to give this one a try, but...I would be running on my Jo Malone so how do I ensure I don't get lost? Or is it not that hard to figure it out.

I am in - nice preparation for Marathon des Sables
Cheers

Hey all,

In for this one and possibly thinking of an out and back.

Does Kevin know that it is listed as Bundeena to Otford in the CR Calendar?

milov

Hi Carmen,
There should be someone to run with, but in answer to your question you can get a map from the National Parks shop

May join you on the way back (depends the leg and weather) but somehow I need to get to car
Cheers

Maps on fatass site here:

http://www.coolrunning.com.au/fatass/hq/in...26_Instructions

Kevin normally has some maps on the morning. Take a map as it is not well marked.

Thanks, I figured there wouldn't be any markings.
Cheers
Carmen

Is there anybody else who cannot make it on that Saturday and would like to do it on the Sunday or during the week? The following two weekends (at least) are also out for me and then it is getting close to Chrissie)

I will be interstate and only returning on that day.

cheers.

I will be there. It will be my first long run in a long time.

I'm a starter this year. My first Fat Ass!!

Mudguts

I'm up for a nice run by the ocean. Just need to sort out the logistics of cars/start/finish etc. Looking forward to catching up with you again Martin, horrie, milov, rod... did I miss anyone?

ahem.

Maybe she was trying to forget you after spending so much time listening to your whinging last weekend.

Does that mean you're in for this one tim?? I'll just follow those KT26's again

no mate that was not bandanna posting.

I am in.

If Tim is going, I'm going too. I love you Tim. And Bernie G is coming. I think she loves you too.


Another fabulous adventure with Tim.

Dog.

I love me too.

Kevin

could I find out what day this is on. I live local (THE SHIRE) and have done the Garie; "Garrawarra Farm"; Otford coastal run; Wattamolla areas within the Royal National Park. This run is a tough one and a great area to run.

loneranger

but I don't think I could front up without Hermie being there... the thought of running without him would make me feel sad and lonely

milov

I hear what you are saying.

Hi horrie and i will be coming too.This is my inaugural post ..how exciting.Iv wanted to post for a while and of course need my own name.The avitar will come, looking forward to selecting one ..What will i choose?????

I am happy now

lone ranger - saturday 1st december.
all is revealed here: http://www.coolrunning.com.au/fatass/hq/in...ord_to_Bundeena

I will be adding a bit today so people can ask/give info about car shuffles.

After managing my first 30km run since March yesterday, I'm in for this one.

Are normal running shoes OK for this run?

That's all I ever wear.

This will be the fist fas ass outing for my wife and I. Over the next few days we will try and sort out our logistics, but it most likely that we will be able to offer 3 people a lift from the shire to the start.

This sounds like a good plan, i'll do it this way too. what time do you suggest to be @ Sutherland as i don't know how long it takes to get to Otford to be there for a 7am start?

There's a train leaving Sutherland at 6:09 arriving Otford 6:38 on the 1st. This train comes from Cronulla, which is where I'm leaving from.

Thank you.

I was hoping to do this one but my son has to be at the Airport for a flight to Fiji
at 6.30am (schoolies with 68 other kids). Will try and get there if I can rearrange
my schedule..

loneranger
(garry)

I'll be there and plan to do the return trip (Otford-Bundeena-Otford) same as last year.

Please read the website for complete info - I also have a link now for people to offer/request lifts and car shuffles.
http://www.coolrunning.com.au/fatass/hq/in...ord_to_Bundeena

I think you will find the Otford train comes from the City. I got the train last year and I remember someone was already on the train that had got on further up the line. I might be mistaken, but when I was looking at trains last year, you could get a train from Cronulla, then swap for the south line. Just make sure, because it would be a shame to screw it up.

Scoot, the Otford train gets into Otford at 6.40 or so and works in perfect for the 7am start. It is about 10 minute walk up from the station.


Rod

Yes rod, you're right. I got my lines muddled. I have to change at Sutherland. How lost will I get on the trails???

First time Otford to Bundeena, first time running with a group. Will have 4 mates coming as well.