COMPETITOR BRIEFING
THE NORTH FACE 100
ULTRA MARATHON
BLUE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
15-17 May 2015
1) EVENT SCHEDULE ................................................................................................................................................................ 3
2) REGISTRATION, GEAR CHECK, EVENT EXPO, RUNNER Q & A, WELCOME & RACE BRIEFING, BUFFET
DINNER ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 3
LOCATION OF EVENT REGISTRATION ETC ................................................................................................................................................................................... 3
PARKING FOR REGISTRATION ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3
GEAR CHECK ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3
EVENT REGISTRATION PROCESS .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
CHECKING AND AMENDING YOUR PERSONAL DETAILS ONLINE BY 7PM FRIDAY 15TH MAY ......................................................................................... 5
ENTRY TRANSFERS AFTER 17TH APRIL ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
EVENT EXPO.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 6
BUFFET DINNER................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 6
RUNNER FORUM (Q & A WITH RUNNERS OF VARIOUS ABILITIES) ....................................................................................................................................... 7
WELCOME AND RACE BRIEFING (30 MINUTES) .......................................................................................................................................................................... 7
3) RACE START AND FINISH .................................................................................................................................................. 7
LOCATION OF RACE START AND FINISH ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 7
PARKING FOR THE START AND FINISH ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 7
FACILITIES AVAILABLE AT SCENIC WORLD ................................................................................................................................................................................. 7
SCENIC RAILWAY TICKETS ............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 8
2015 Competitor Briefing
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SCENIC WORLD FOOD ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 8
4) FREE EVENT SHUTTLE BUS SERVICE (FRIDAY TO SUNDAY) ................................................................................ 8
5) START GROUPS .................................................................................................................................................................. 10
6) CHECKPOINTS & LOGISTICS .......................................................................................................................................... 11
COMPETITOR ONLY ZONES............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 11
PROVIDED RACE FOOD AT CHECKPOINTS ................................................................................................................................................................................. 11
TOILETS ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 11
CHECKING IN AND OUT OF CHECKPOINTS ................................................................................................................................................................................. 11
AID STATIONS .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 11
CHECKPOINT 1 – NARROW NECK (10.5KM) ............................................................................................................................................................................... 12
CHECKPOINT 2 – DUNPHYS CAMP (31KM)................................................................................................................................................................................. 13
CHECKPOINT 3 – THE SIX FOOT TRACK (46KM) ...................................................................................................................................................................... 14
CHECKPOINT 4 – KATOOMBA AQUATIC CENTRE (57KM)...................................................................................................................................................... 15
CHECKPOINT 5 – QUEEN VICTORIA HOSPITAL (78KM).......................................................................................................................................................... 16
7) DROP BAGS.......................................................................................................................................................................... 17
8) SUPPORT CREWS .............................................................................................................................................................. 17
9) THE COURSE ....................................................................................................................................................................... 18
COURSE ROUTE .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 18
COURSE CONGESTION ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 20
COURSE NOTES................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 20
RUBBISH .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 20
TOILETS / HUMAN WASTE (LEAVE NO TRACE) ........................................................................................................................................................................ 21
COURSE SAFETY ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 21
HIGH VISIBILITY SAFETY VESTS ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 22
PHONE COVERAGE ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 22
FIRST AID............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 23
WITHDRAWING FROM THE EVENT .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 23
10) CUT-OFF TIMES.................................................................................................................................................................. 23
11) ESTIMATED RUNNER TIMES ......................................................................................................................................... 24
12) MANDATORY GEAR .......................................................................................................................................................... 24
13) TIMING, RACE RESULTS WITH LIVETRAIL AND PHONE APP ............................................................................ 27
THE TIMING SYSTEM -LIVETRAIL ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 27
THE NORTH FACE 100 - AUSTRALIA MOBILE EVENT APP ..................................................................................................................................................... 27
14) PHOTOS ................................................................................................................................................................................ 28
15) EVENT RULES ..................................................................................................................................................................... 29
16) INSURANCE ......................................................................................................................................................................... 30
17) WARNING AND DISCLAIMER......................................................................................................................................... 30
18) EVENT PRESENTATIONS, PRIZES, BELT BUCKLES, CERTIFICATES ................................................................. 30
19) SPONSORS & PARTNERS................................................................................................................................................. 31
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT, RELEASE AND INDEMNITY ....................................................................................................... 33
2015 Competitor Briefing
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The North Face 100
1) Event Schedule
Friday 15 May 2015 (KCC Auditorium unless stated otherwise)
100km Registration & Gear Checks
4:00pm to 7:30pm & 8:00pm to 8:30pm
Event Expo
4:00pm to 8:00pm
Runner Forum (Q&A with elite runners)
5:30pm to 6:30pm
Buffet Dinner (Scenic World)
5:00pm, 6:00pm, 7:00pm & 8:00pm seatings
Welcome and compulsory Race Briefing
7:30pm to 8:00pm
Saturday 16 May 2015 (Scenic World)
100km Race Start Groups
6:20am to 6:53am -refer to Section 5 Start Group Timings
Sunday 17 May 2015 (Scenic World)
1km-4-Kids registration
1km-4-Kids start
Presentation
100km Finish Cut-off
8:15am to 8:45am
9:00am
10:00am
10:53am
2) Registration, Gear Check, Event Expo, Runner Q & A, Welcome &
Race Briefing, Buffet Dinner
Location of Event Registration etc
Registration, gear check, event expo, elite runner Q & A session, welcome and race briefing are at the
KCC Auditorium on the Friday evening. KCC Auditorium is only accessible on foot from KCC oval on
the corner of Cliff Drive and Violet Street. The buffet dinner is at Scenic World. Refer to the Google
Map.
Parking for Registration
Event parking is limited for registration so please do whatever you can to limit the number of cars on
the Friday afternoon. The goal is for as many people as possible to take the free event shuttle bus
service between Katoomba town centre and KCC -refer to Section 4 Free Event Shuttle Bus Service.
On the Friday there are two available options for parking:
a) Park at the KCC oval which is 200m from KCC Auditorium. Enter the oval from Cliff Drive near
the corner of Cliff Drive and Violet St, Katoomba.
b) Park in the Scenic World multistory carpark. This carpark has 220 car spaces. Enter the
carpark from Cliff Drive, Katoomba.
Refer to the Google Map
Gear Check
You will need to have passed gear check before performing registration. It is preferable to perform
an early gear check in the weeks prior to the event so that registration is not so hectic. However gear
check will still be available during the same time as registration at KCC. For details of the early gear
checks refer to the event website Mandatory Gear Check section. If you have passed early gear check
you will have received a personalised gear check certificate, which you must bring to registration at
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KCC. In the race you must carry all of the same gear as was passed at your early gear check. If you
have passed early gear check, you do not need to bring any of your mandatory gear to registration. If
you have lost your gear check certificate you will need to get another certificate from the gear check
section before you can proceed to the registration tables. The staff at the gear check will be able to
confirm your status on the gear check competitor list and issue you with another certificate.
If you have not done early gear check, you will need to get all of your mandatory gear checked at KCC
before you can proceed to the registration tables. In this case you must bring all of your mandatory
gear including the additional items (waterproof pants and fleece) to registration. Please have all of
your mandatory gear very easy to access (a large cloth shopping bag is ideal). When you pass gear
check you will be given a certificate with your name, which you should present to your registration
table. The North Face Shop will be set up at KCC Auditorium for any last minute purchases.
All of your mandatory gear except for the additional items must be carried with you for the full
duration of the event. At registration you will be told what to do with your additional items of
mandatory gear -refer to Section 12 Mandatory Gear.
Event Registration Process
To registration you should bring:
1.
Either your entry confirmation email OR Photo ID: Make sure you know your race number
before coming to registration.
2.
Gear check certificate OR Mandatory Gear to complete your gear check
Runner registration is through the ‘100km Athlete Registration’ doors at the KCC Auditorium.
Support crews, family and friends must not enter through these doors but instead use the ‘general
entry’ doors. The 100km Athlete Registration will lead runners via a collection point for matches and
firelighters. At this point you should collect:
 1 x full box of waterproof & windproof safety matches: Part of mandatory gear provided by
organisers.
 1 x firelighter block for emergency use only: Part of mandatory gear provided by organisers.
You will need to provide your own zip lock bag or container for the firelighter block.
After this point, an usher will be checking gear check certificates. Those with certificates will proceed
directly to the registration tables. Those needing to have their gear checked will be directed to the
gear check section of registration.
After completing your registration you will proceed to collect your competitor t-shirt. Note the
competitor t-shirt is available in unisex sizes only based upon US Men’s sizes.
At your registration table you will need to sign in stating you have read and agree to the
Acknowledgement, Release and Indemnity. You will then receive the following registration materials:
1.
Course Map: This will be on one double-sided, A3 colour sheet which will be identical to one
of the whole course maps displayed on the website. These maps are not waterproofed. It is
your responsibility to keep your maps dry either with a waterproof map case or map contact.
The route is pre-marked on these maps. If you prefer, you can also print off your own map
from the website, directly onto waterproof paper or onto normal paper that you then
laminate. If you do this, the map must be printed in colour on A3, either on one sheet
double sided or on two single sided A3 sheets.
2.
Course Descriptions: A simple overview of the course listing each track of the route and important
safety information. These are the same as shown on the website.
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3.
4.
5.
6.
1 x Race Number and Safety Pins with Attached Disposable Timing Tag (Bib Tag): This number
must be visible on your front at all times. A recommended method is to use an elastic waist strap
like a triathlon band to secure your number and allow you to easily have your number visible over
the top of your outermost item of clothing. You will need to provide your own elastic waist strap
if you choose to do this. Do not cover your number with any backpack strap as this can prevent
your timing tag from registering at the timing points. Do not fold, bend, cut or pierce your race
number as this will damage the timing tag.
1 x Disposable Timing Tag (Bag Tag) and Cable Tie: This timing tag must be secured to the
back of your running backpack. Please bring your running backpack to registration so you
can attach the timing tag directly onto your backpack. Due to the timing tag it is preferable
not to swap backpacks during the event but if you plan to do so you will need to have your
own side-cutters or scissors to cut the timing tag (cable tie) off the first backpack and your
own spare cable tie to attach the timing tag to your second backpack.
1 x Official Support Crew Car Sticker: If you have a support crew, this sticker must be stuck
to the front windscreen of the support crew vehicle either to the top and middle or to the
top left side and beyond the reach of the windscreen wipers. If you do not have a support
crew you can use this sticker however you like. It does not need to be carried with you in the
race.
Participant Emergency Instructions: This will be a double-sided A5 sheet on waterproof
paper.
Note that there will be no late registration available on the Saturday morning.
Checking and Amending Your Personal Details Online by 7pm Friday 15th May
Any changes to your personal details must be done online (via computer, tablet or smart phone) by
7pm, Friday 15th May 2015. Prior to that date, please login to your entry via the User Profile button
to check all of your personal details are correct and make any necessary amendments to mobile
phone number, medical conditions, support crew information, emergency contact information and
postal address. Please make sure your emergency contact is aware that you are in the event and that
they will be contactable via the provided phone number during the event weekend. For competitors
who live overseas, please also provide a local contact and phone number of someone locally who
knows you are participating in the event. This can be a local friend or simply the hotel where you are
staying.
Entry Transfers after 17th April
Any entry transfers after the 17th April can only be made on Friday during registration between 4pm
and 7:30pm. If you can no longer run and are transferring your entry to someone else you do not
need to turn up to registration. However you need to inform this person that they must read the
100km Competitor Briefing document, that they will need to pay $60 at registration and that they
must fill in an entry transfer form which can be downloaded from the event website Transfers
section. You also need to send the following things to the person taking your entry:
 a copy of your event confirmation email and
 an email or letter from you indicating that they are taking your entry.
At registration the new runner needs to:
1. Line up in the ‘100km athlete registration’ queue along with all other 100km runners
2. Collect firelighters and waterproof matches, if required, for mandatory gear
3. Show a gear check certificate from having done early gear check or complete a gear check
within registration
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4. Continue to registration tables and collect the original race number and all other registration
materials by showing the original runner’s event confirmation email and signing the indemnity
form
5. Inform the staff member doing the registration that you are doing an entry transfer
6. Proceed to the ‘Transfers’ table and provide:
a) a printout of the email or letter from the original runner indicating that you are taking the
entry
b) a $60 transfer fee
c) a completed entry transfer form which can be downloaded from the event website
Transfers section. You will need to talk through this entry transfer form with the registration
changes staff. Please make particular note of the allocated start group shown on your race
number and make sure you get this start group adjusted to one that is suitable for your
running ability.
7. You must then hand in the original runner’s race number, bag tag and support crew sticker to
the ‘Transfers’ table and you will be given a new race number, bag tag and support crew
sticker.
Event Expo
Sponsor exhibits and sales: The North Face store, Petzl, Fox Creek Wines, Endura, Injinji, Body Glide.
Other exhibitors: Tarawera Ultra Marathon, Perisher X-Country Skiing, Sri Chinmoy Canberra Centenary
Trail 102.
Event merchandise to buy on the day and collection of pre-purchased items:




Limited edition 2015 The North Face 100 event supporter t-shirts from The North Face store
Special Scenic World Railway tickets collection – refer to Scenic Railway Tickets
GPS trackers will be collected from 5:40am on race day from the information table directly
beside the start line. Listen for the announcements on race day if you are one of the top
runners who will be carrying a GPS tracker or if you have hired a GPS tracker by prepurchasing online.
The 2014 event documentary for The North Face 100 on DVD
Other items for sale will include limited numbers of:



Wag bags
High visibility vests that comply with the mandatory gear requirements (from gear check).
Bandages that comply with the mandatory gear requirements (from gear check)
Buffet Dinner
The traditional pre-event Buffet Dinner will be held at Scenic World. Tickets can only be pre-purchased
online. Entry will be via the Scenic World terrace and your name will be on a list at the entry point. Dinner
will be available at the following seating times: 5pm, 6pm, 7pm and 8pm. If you have booked the 7pm
seating, you should arrive for dinner a bit earlier so you can make the race briefing by 7:30pm. If you have
booked the 8pm seating, it is fine to arrive for dinner a bit late so you can attend the full race briefing
which goes until 8pm. Tickets are via the Event Shop for $27.
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The North Face 100
Runner Forum (Q & A with Runners of various abilities)
The stage at the KCC Auditorium will be the centre of attention at 5:30pm when we gather a variety
of athletes to discuss everything you need to know about them and running. You are welcome to ask
questions. All welcome to attend.
Welcome and Race Briefing (30 minutes)
The welcome and verbal race briefing is compulsory for 100km runners to attend. Support Crews,
family and friends and 50km runners are also welcome to attend. The briefing will begin at 7:30pm
and will take approximately 30 minutes.
3) Race Start and Finish
Location of Race Start and Finish
The race start and finish is at Scenic World on the corner of Violet St & Cliff Drive, Katoomba.
Katoomba is approximately 1.5 hours drive from Sydney on the Great Western Highway. You can
easily find Scenic World with a map or GPS and there are ‘Scenic World’ signs from the lower end of
Katoomba Street, the main street through Katoomba town centre. Refer to the Google Map.
The start and finish are out the front of the main entrance of Scenic World under the ‘Orphan Rocker’
roller coaster track.
Parking for the Start and Finish
Event parking is limited for the start so please do whatever you can to limit the number of cars
associated with the event on the Saturday morning. The goal is for as many people as possible to
take the free event shuttle bus service between Katoomba town centre and Scenic World -refer to
Section 4 Free Event Shuttle Bus Service. If you are staying outside of Katoomba and need to drive,
think about parking in a street close to one of the event bus stops and taking the bus. Otherwise
please car pool, take a taxi, or walk if staying in nearby accommodation.
On the Saturday morning there is one parking option:
a) Park at the KCC oval, which is 100m from Scenic World. Note that the Southbound lane of Cliff
Drive between Violet St and Kamillaroi Rd will be closed from 5am. If coming from Katoomba
St after 5am you will need to follow the EVENT PARKING signs around Kamillaroi Rd, Oak St
and Violet St to access the entrance to the oval. If coming from Narrow Neck Road you will
need to drive via Stuarts Rd, Peckmans Rd, Kamillaroi Rd, Oak St and Violet St to access the
entrance to the oval.
Refer to the Google Map
Facilities Available at Scenic World
Scenic World is normally open from 9am to 5pm daily. On race day the Scenic World building will be
open at 6:00am with entrance and exit via the Group Entry rather than the main entrance. Scenic
World will be open for normal tourist business all day Saturday and Sunday but will also remain open
for the exclusive use of the event over the Saturday night from 5pm through to 9am Sunday. There
will be 40 portable toilets and 4 men’s urinals set up in the bus parking bays within 50m of the start
line. Food will be available for purchase from 5:30am Saturday for the entire time –refer to Scenic
World Food below.
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CMS is right beside Scenic World and is allowing runners to take a shower after finishing the race.
Towels will not be provided so please pack a towel into your Finish drop bag along with a complete
change of warm clothes and comfortable dry footwear. If you do take up this offer please make sure
not to leave any rubbish or lost property in the showers and change rooms such as used strapping
tape. Please think of your fellow runners and clean up after yourself.
Scenic Railway Tickets
The Scenic Railway will be open for rides between 6:20am to 9am on the Saturday for friends and
family and support crews only. This is so you can watch your runner start and then take the railway
down into the valley to see them run through the Scenic World Boardwalks around the 5.5km mark.
Tickets are $30 for adults and teenagers 14 years and up (normally $35) and $17 for kids under 14
(normally $18). These discounted / early ride tickets can only be pre-purchased online from the
Event Shop on the website. In addition to the early railway rides from 6:20am, these tickets will give
all day access to all rides at Scenic World from 9am (Skyway, Cableway and Railway). Tickets must be
pre-purchased online by 5pm, 14th May and will need to be collected at KCC during registration on
the Friday. The railway takes 84 passengers in each trip. The railway will depart from top station
(and bottom station) every 10 minutes. The elevation drop is 206m and maximum gradient is 52
degrees or very steep!
Scenic World Food
Scenic World will have a coffee cart selling tea and coffee from 5:30am Saturday. Eats270 is the food
court and bar at Scenic World. Eats270 will be open from 9am Saturday for the whole event with the
bar closing at 2am Sunday morning. A full menu is available for purchase from Eats270 until 5am
Sunday. This includes burgers, pasta, pizza, hot chips, roast and vegies. From 5am to 9am Sunday
there will be a BBQ serving bacon and egg rolls as well as a coffee cart. At 9am Sunday the full menu
will be available again. All support crew, family and friends are welcome to come and relax at Scenic
World and at the finish line.
4) Free Event Shuttle Bus Service (Friday to Sunday)
On the Friday, Saturday and Sunday there will be a free event shuttle bus service to take runners,
support crews and spectators between Katoomba town centre and Scenic World / KCC. Please use
these buses as much as possible to limit event traffic. The buses will not operate after 8AM Sunday.
The buses will be on a continuous loop starting opposite The Carrington Hotel down Katoomba Street
(via Palais Royale Hotel and 3 Sisters Motel), Cliff Drive, Kamillaroi Road, Oak Street, Violet Street,
Cliff Drive, Katoomba Street, Waratah Street, Parke Street, Bathurst Road, Katoomba Street and The
Carrington Hotel. It is approximately a 10 minute ride from The Carrington Hotel to KCC / Scenic
World. The full loop from Carrington Hotel back to Carrington Hotel with pick up and drop off will
take approximately 25 minutes.
The Katoomba bus stops (refer to the Google Map) are located at:
 Bus Stop 1: Opposite The Carrington Hotel at the top of Katoomba Street
 Bus Stop 2: Outside Palais Royale Hotel on Katoomba Street
 Bus Stop 3: Outside 3 Sisters Motel on Katoomba Street.
 Bus Stop 4: On the corner of Violet Street and Cliff Drive. This is the stop for both KCC and
Scenic World and is a 200m walk to KCC auditorium and a 100m walk to Scenic World.
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The North Face 100
There should be adequate numbers of buses to get everyone to and from Scenic World and KCC at
the peak times. Refer to the table below for the bus times:
Day
Friday
Saturday
Time
3:30pm to 5:30pm
5:30pm to 9:00pm
5:00am to 7:40am
7:40am to 9:00am
9:00am to 10:00am
12:30pm to 11:59pm
Sunday
00:00 to 8:00am
2015 Competitor Briefing
No. of Buses
2 x buses (TO AND FROM REGISTRATION)
4 x buses (TO AND FROM REGISTRATION)
8 x buses (TO RACE START)
2 x buses (FROM RACE START)
1 x bus (FROM RACE START)
1 x bus (FROM FINISH) buses leaving bus stop 4 on the
half hour and hour
1 x bus (FROM FINISH) buses leaving bus stop 4 on the
half hour and hour
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The North Face 100
5) Start Groups
The first start is at 6:20am.
You requested a start group in your online entry. Race organisers will scrutinise your start group
request based upon the previous result you listed in your online entry and will either approve your
requested start group or re-allocate you to a lower start group. The start group approval process will
be completed in the days after 15th April. Please make sure you check your final approved start
group. Your approved start group will be shown on your race number. You must start in the start
group that appears on your race number as the timing system requires this for you to get an official
result. If you start in an earlier start group than that specified on your race bib you will
automatically be disqualified. This will not be corrected later. If you are late for your start the
results will also show you as disqualified however this will be corrected during the day.
Note that the start time used to calculate your final result and your belt buckle eligibility will be the
gun time of your start group, ie anyone crossing the start line between 6:20:00 and 6:22:50 will be
given a start time of Start Group 1 which is 6:20. Your timing tag records which start group you start
in as you cross the start line timing mat.
If you find that your start group is much faster than you, you will get left behind and after a short
time runners from the group behind you will catch up to you. In this case you absolutely must let
faster runners from later start groups pass you as soon as they catch up to you. If you are on
narrow walking track this will mean that you will probably have to stand off to the side of the track to
let the faster runners go past and continue to do this until runners of your own ability catch up to
you. The table below shows the start group timings:
Start Group Timings
Start Group
Start Time
Expected race time
Expected
Position in field
Number of runners in start
group (based on 950 starters)
Start Group 1
6:20am
9hrs15min to
13hrs30min
Top 15%
142
Start Group 2
6:23am
13hrs30min to
15hrs10min
15% to 30%
142
Start Group 3
6:30am
15hrs10min to
16hrs40min
30% to 45%
142
Start Group 4
6:40am
16hrs40min to
17hrs55min
45% to 60%
142
Start Group 5
6:48am
17hrs55min to
19hrs35min
60% to 80%
189
Start Group 6
6:53am
19hrs35min to 28hrs
80% to 100%
189
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The North Face 100
6) Checkpoints & Logistics
Competitor Only Zones
The main sections of each checkpoint will be bunted off to separate support crew zones from the
competitor only areas. As runners arrive at Checkpoints 3, 4 and 5 they will be within a bunted off
area which contains the race food area/marquee and drop bag area/marquee. Support crews are not
permitted to enter these areas of the checkpoints. For the runner to access their support crew they
simply exit through a gap in the bunting to their waiting support crew. When they are finished being
supported they simply re-enter the gap in the bunting and continue on course. It is important for
runners to re-enter the gap before they continue on course otherwise they may miss crossing the
timing mats at the exit of Checkpoints 3, 4 and 5. Support crews must not enter any competitor only
designated areas at Checkpoints.
Provided Race Food at Checkpoints
There should be plenty of race food provided for all runners with the same amount of options
whether you are the first runner or the last runner. Please note though that the type of food
provided at each checkpoint (CP) is limited. So you should not rely solely on the food supplied at the
checkpoints except at CP1 and CP2 where you have no other option. Endura gels are in limited
supply so please be mindful of other competitors and only take one at each of the checkpoints where
they are available.
Toilets
There are toilets at every checkpoint.
Checking in and out of checkpoints
Immediately before arriving at every checkpoint you will pass through a timing zone where your time
will be registered. On arrival at each checkpoint make sure you follow the bunting so that you pass
through each timing zone. There are also timing zones that you will pass through as you exit each of
checkpoints 3, 4 and 5. Ensure you do not miss these exit timing zones especially if you have been
out of the main checkpoint area with your support crew.
Aid Stations
In addition to the five checkpoints there are also two aid stations on the course. These are:
 66km Water Point with tap water, chips, salt, lollies and a toilet.
 91km Emergency Aid Station with 2 x 1000 litre water tanks, chips, salt, lollies and First Aid.
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The North Face 100
Checkpoint 1 – Narrow Neck (10.5km)
Location: CP1 is at the locked gate on Glenraphael Drive, Narrow Neck, Katoomba.
Opening Times: 0705 – 0925
Support Crew: Support crews are not permitted at this checkpoint or on Glenraphael Drive as the
parking and space at the checkpoint area is too limited.
Sustenance: Water, Endura Rehydration drink (pre-mixed), Endura gels (1 per person), fruit, salt,
lollies.
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The North Face 100
Checkpoint 2 – Dunphys Camp (31km)
Location: CP2 is located at Dunphys Camp at the end of Megalong Valley Road.
Opening Times: 0840 – 1345
Support Crew: Support crews are not permitted at this checkpoint as Megalong Valley Road will be
closed to all but local residents and local traffic to allow a safer passage for the runners.
Sustenance: Water, Endura Rehydration drink (pre-mixed), Endura gels (1 per person), fruit buns,
fruit, salt, chips, lollies, hot water, tea & coffee.
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Checkpoint 3 – The Six Foot Track (46km)
Location: CP3 is located within Private Property beside The Six Foot Track with access via Megalong
Valley Rd, Megalong Valley.
Opening Times: 0945 – 1810
Support Crew: Support crews are permitted at this checkpoint. Unsupported runners will get access
to their CP3 drop bag here.
Sustenance: Water, Endura Rehydration drink (pre-mixed), fruit buns, fruit, salt, chips, lollies, instant
noodles, hot water, tea & coffee. Snax on Trax Café will be selling sausage sandwiches, rissole
sandwiches, bacon and egg sandwiches, cakes, soft drinks, tea, hot chocolate and coffee between
10:00am and 6:00pm. Runners will need their own money to purchase food from the café. Runners
can go to the front of the queue so they do not have to wait.
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The North Face 100
Checkpoint 4 – Katoomba Aquatic Centre (57km)
Location: CP4 is located on the indoor basketball courts at Katoomba Sports and Aquatic Centre,
Catalina Ave, Katoomba.
Opening Times: 1105 – 2130
Support Crew: Support crews are permitted at this checkpoint. Unsupported runners will get access
to their CP4 drop bags here.
Sustenance: Water, Endura Rehydration drink (pre-mixed), fruit buns, fruit, salt, chips, lollies, soup,
instant noodles, hot water, tea & coffee.
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The North Face 100
Checkpoint 5 – Queen Victoria Hospital (78km)
Location: CP5 is located at Queen Victoria Hospital on Tableland Road, Wentworth Falls (Kings
Tableland). The turnoff onto Tableland Road from the Great Western Highway is approximately
1.8km South-East of the centre of Wentworth Falls.
Opening Times: Saturday 0915 – Sunday 0430
Support Crew: Support crews are permitted at this checkpoint. Unsupported runners will get access
to their CP5 drop bags here.
Sustenance: Water, Endura Rehydration drink (pre-mixed), fruit, fruit buns, instant noodles, salt,
chips, lollies, hot water, tea & coffee. Snax on Trax Café will be open from 9:00am to 11:59pm
Saturday. They will be selling sausage sandwiches, rissole sandwiches and bacon and egg sandwiches
during daytime and curry bowls with rice during the evening and night. They will also have cakes,
soft drinks, tea, hot chocolate and coffee at all times. Runners will need their own money to
purchase food from the café. Runners can go to the front of the queue so they do not have to wait.
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7) Drop Bags
A support crew is certainly not necessary in the event. By using the drop bag service you can
participate very successfully without a support crew. The drop bag service is only for those runners
that do not have a support crew. Please do not leave valuables in your drop bags.
Drop bags will be taken to the following locations:
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Checkpoint 3 (Six Foot Track)
Checkpoint 4 (Katoomba Aquatic Centre)
Checkpoint 5 (Queen Victoria Hospital)
The Finish (You may leave a bag at Scenic World near the start line)
Runners may leave one closable SOFT BAG (we recommend a Woolworths Cool Bag) to be taken to
each drop bag location. Checkpoint drop bags must be no bigger than 20 litres. The finish drop bag
can be as large as you need. Plastic bags/garbage bags and hard plastic boxes will not be accepted.
Drop bags must not contain any glass bottles. We would prefer if your bags are not too heavy or the
bags may rip in handling so it is preferable that they do not contain liquids. If you must put liquids
into your drop bags, they must be securely contained.
Checkpoint drop bags need to be delivered to the checkpoint trucks at KCC on the Friday during
registration. You must place your bags in the corresponding checkpoint truck. It is your
responsibility to put your bags in the correct checkpoint truck! The finish drop bags should be left in
the designated area at the start at Scenic World on the Saturday morning.
Each drop bag must be very clearly labelled with the competitor’s surname, race number and
checkpoint location (ie CP3, CP4, CP5 or FINISH). At each checkpoint, event staff will line the bags up
in race number order. Any bags without a name and number written clearly, securely and easily
visible will not be able to be placed into order.
Runners may use a mixture of a support crew at some checkpoints and the drop bag service at other
checkpoints. Runners are asked not to use the drop bag service for any checkpoints that their
support crew will be definitely attending. At the drop bag checkpoints, only the runner can collect
their drop bag. When you are finished with each drop bag at each checkpoint you should take your
drop bag to the used drop bag pile. This will help allow the drop bag tent to remain orderly for the
benefit of runners yet to arrive.
Drop bags will be returned to the drop bag marquee near the finish area at Scenic World within 4
hours of the relevant checkpoint closing time. It is the responsibility of each runner to collect their
drop bags from Scenic World. Any drop bags not collected by midday on Sunday will be disposed of.
8) Support Crews
Support crews are most welcome at the event. In fact Support Crews, family and friends add a
tremendous amount to the excitement of the event and the atmosphere for runners especially at the
Start and Finish line.
To keep the event manageable as well as fair and safe for all runners there is some information that
support crews need to know. If you have a support crew, you must make sure the support crew read
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the separate support crew briefing document. You should print out the Support Crew Briefing and
give a copy to them well before the race.
In summary, support crews are only permitted at the Start, anywhere on foot along the first 4km of the
route off the side of Cliff Drive (not on Cliff Drive) while the Cliff Drive road closure is in place (5am and
8:30am), around the 5.5km mark where the route goes through the Scenic World boardwalks in the valley
(access via Scenic Railway only –refer to Scenic Railway Tickets within Section 3), Checkpoint 3, Checkpoint
4, Checkpoint 5 and the Finish. Support crews must not attempt to travel anywhere near to the top of The
Golden Stairs, Checkpoint 1 and Checkpoint 2 even just to watch. This means that support crews must not
drive, bike ride or walk on any section of Glenraphael Drive (the access road to Golden Stairs and
Checkpoint 1) and support crews must not drive, ride a bike or walk along Megalong Valley Road South of
the entrance to Checkpoint 3. Along Glenraphael Drive there is no room to travel or park without blocking
off this narrow dirt road thus preventing access to Checkpoint 1 and the Narrow Neck section of course for
event First Aid crews and event staff. For Checkpoint 2 the runners travel on the only access road to the
checkpoint so it would be unsafe to also have support crew driving, riding or walking out and back on this
narrow and winding dirt road. Each runner may have multiple people to act as their support crew
however, due to parking availability, only one vehicle per runner is allowed to park directly at these
checkpoints and this vehicle must have the support crew sticker displayed to be allowed into the parking
areas. Assistance may only be provided to runners at Checkpoints 3, 4 or 5. No assistance is allowed at
any other point on the course. Runners may want to forewarn their support crews by phoning or texting
when they are a certain distance from the supported checkpoints (also refer to Timing, Race Results with
LiveTrail and Phone App within Section 13 for how support crews can track you). Support crews are not
permitted to run with or pace runners. Support crews need to be self sufficient with their own food, warm
clothing, rain jackets, headlamps, water etc. It will be very cold at night and there are limited facilities at
Checkpoint 3 and Checkpoint 5 so they need to be prepared. If you need to be assisted from the course
you are not allowed to get your support crew to collect you. Instead you must follow the Participants
Emergency Instructions card to phone for assistance. Your support crew may collect you from checkpoints
3, 4 or 5 once you have signed the withdrawal form at the checkpoint.
Runners may be penalised for any disruptive behaviour or violation of event rules by their support
crew.
9) The course
This is one of the most amazing and challenging running courses around. Take time to appreciate the
spectacular views of the World Heritage listed Blue Mountains National Park. The North Face 100 is
for experienced trail runners only. The course is tough and remote with very little support.
In addition to travelling through the National Park and land of the traditional owners, the
Gundungurra People, you will also be travelling on private land and land managed by Blue Mountains
City Council, Six Foot Track Heritage Trust, NSW Department of Lands and the Sydney Catchment
Authority. The course logistics, including the location of checkpoints and access for support crew is
based on permissions and safety on roads. Please abide by the relevant directions and instructions.
Course Route
The course is marked with a combination of pink flagging tape (with reflective strips from CP3) and
A5 size red on white arrows and crosses. At all intersections there will be an arrow indicating the
direction to travel followed by two pieces of confirmation pink flagging tape a short distance along
the correct route. There will be a cross within 20m along any of the incorrect routes out of each
junction. There will also be pink flagging tape at least every 500m along the entire route. There are
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The North Face 100
distance signs every 5km. Some of the course markings will be put up over a week before the event.
Whilst the route will be checked in the few hours prior to the arrival of the first runners, it is still
possible for vandals to pull down or change the markings. It is the ultimate responsibility for each
runner to know the course and follow the map so they have a general idea of where they are on the
course at all times.
The Tarros ladders are at the 21km mark (off the end of Narrow Neck) and are usually descended on
steel spikes in the rocks. For the event there will be two extension ladders in series with rope safety
cages. A constant flow of runners is allowed on the ladders so there could be up to eight people on
the ladders at a time. Please be careful going down the ladders. Please also move onto, down and
off each ladder as quickly as possible to limit queues forming. Be aware that there is little
opportunity to pass another runner between the end of Glenraphael Drive and the base of the
ladders, a distance of 400m. If you use trekking poles, you should collapse them before you get to
the ladders and put them inside your backpack to prevent them from getting caught in the rope cage.
If you have non-collapsible trekking poles or a very large backpack you should travel via the alternate
route via Duncan’s Pass (see below).
The Tarros ladders will be the primary route through this section. However, once the ladders become
busy, event officials will direct runners to the alternate route via Duncan’s Pass. The Duncan’s Pass
route is about 400m longer. Duncan’s Pass is not a designated walking trail so it should not be used
outside of the event. To prevent a walking trail forming there will be matting and bunting placed
here for the duration of the event.
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Course Congestion
There is not much opportunity to pass whenever you are on walking tracks so it is very important that
you let people pass especially if the next start group catch up to you. If you do find that you are in
the front of a long line of runners, you should be aware that often the runner directly behind you or
even two and three behind may not want to pass. However the runners further back in the line may
actually want to pass but it is extremely tricky for them to do so because they can’t ask you directly.
If you hear someone yell out that they would like to pass, they are not being rude, it is the only way
they can let you know. So if you find you have a long line of people behind you, especially if you are
at the front of the group, please yell back from time to time to ask if anyone wants to pass. This will
hopefully allow everyone to keep happy and on the usual friendly terms with each other. This is a
long and hard race and there is always such great camaraderie and respect between the runners as
people battle against the course and struggle within themselves rather than against fellow
competitors. We hope the feel of the event can remain very friendly. If everyone can be respectful
of each other by allowing others to pass when requested, the atmosphere of the event should always
remain friendly.
Course Notes
The walking tracks can be rough and uneven. Particularly rough sections are at The Landslide (around
the 7km mark), from the end of Glenraphael Drive to the top of Tarros Ladders (around the 21km
mark), some sections along Ironpot Ridge between 33km and 35km, and the untracked downhill
section between 35km and 36km.
There are also sections with steep staircases that you will be descending. These are between the
4.5km and 5.5km marks on Furber Steps and the top of Federal Pass at around the 63km mark. These
stairs are extremely steep and narrow and will be slippery in wet conditions. You must take extreme
care.
In wet conditions the walking trails become very slippery. Please take care, especially around the cliff
edges. Tarros Ladders and the rocks accessing the ladders will also be slippery when wet. The
Golden Stairs up to Checkpoint 1 at Narrow Neck are also very slippery when wet and have some
exposed cliff sections. Take extreme care.
The walking tracks sometimes go along unguarded cliff edges. It is your responsibility to proceed
with caution.
Rubbish
It should go without saying – there is a NO LITTERING rule. This is a World Heritage listed area that
we are very lucky to have permission to use. Please use the bins provided at each checkpoint to
dispose of your rubbish. In particular, watch that you do not inadvertently drop your gel wrappers /
bar packets and the tops off the gel wrappers. Every year we pick up lots of gel wrapper tops from
the course. These may be small and we don’t mind cleaning up after you but it is impossible to
actually find 100% of these small items of rubbish while doing a clean up. If you see rubbish that is
obviously from another runner we would love you to pick it up. In past years we have been very
proud of the way in which runners have not littered, please keep up the great work this year. We
hope if you watch this 4 minute film, you may do a better job at holding onto those gel wrappers and
gel wrapper tops www.midwayfilm.com.
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Toilets / Human Waste (Leave No Trace)
Please do not leave poo and piles of toilet paper for everyone to see either on or beside the track.
On the course there are toilets at the following locations:
 as you return past the start area (4km -44 toilets)
 at Checkpoint 1 (10.5km -4 toilets)
 at Narrow Neck fire tower (17.5km -1 toilet)
 at Checkpoint 2 (31km -3 toilets)
 at Checkpoint 3 (46km -5 toilets)
 at Checkpoint 4 (57km -4 toilets)
 at Echo Point (60.3km -4 toilets)
 at Leura Cascades carpark, 200m off the course route (64km -2 toilets)
 at Gordon Falls Reserve (66km -2 toilets)
 at Conservation Hut area (71.8km -2 toilets)
 at Wentworth Falls Picnic Area (72.8km -2 toilets)
 at Checkpoint 5 (78km -4 toilets)
If you do need to poo while on the course and you are not near a toilet and don’t have a wag bag, get
at least 15 metres from the track and well away from any gullies and watercourses, make a hole at
least 15 to 20 cm deep and cover it up afterwards. Instead of using toilet paper, wash using water. If
you use toilet paper put this in a zip lock bag and take it out with you. Many of the walking tracks
across the course are narrow with steep banks making it hard to get a decent way off the track but if
you continue a little you will find somewhere suitable. Wag bags will be available for purchase at
registration.
Course Safety
This is a long event and contains walking track as well as fire roads. You will be going out to remote
areas that are not easily accessible. The temperature in mid May in the Blue Mountains can vary
widely from below zero, snow and rain to pleasant sunny days. The nights are always cold so expect
a night maximum of 5 degrees Celsius. The wind chill can lower this substantially. The mandatory
gear requirements are for your safety and are the bare minimum that you will need. If the forecast is
for bad weather you should consider carrying, or having accessible, extra gear such as a warmer
fleece and waterproof jacket and pants. If you are injured, tired or lost you may have to wait out in
the open for up to several hours during the night in wet, freezing conditions. Please check forecasts
and be prepared for all conditions – they can change quickly. First Aid teams will try to reach any
injured participants as soon as possible but depending on the location this may still take up to 2
hours.
You should familiarise yourself with the correct use of a space blanket. If using a space blanket, wrap
it fully around your body. It will not work if you drape it over the top of you. If you need to stop,
seek shelter from the elements, use your backpack for insulation from the ground, put on all your dry
clothing and wrap the space blanket as tightly as possible around your whole body. In emergency
only light a small fire for warmth using your matches and firelighter. Do not create a bush fire.
Each runner is ultimately responsible for their own wellbeing. Please be aware of the effects of
dehydration, hypothermia, and extreme fatigue. If you are not fit to continue please pull out at the
next checkpoint.
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The walking tracks are not closed to other users. Please be aware of tourists and other walkers on
the walking trails. There are some steep and narrow stairways with no passing in many spots. You
must be patient and must not push past people. There will also be many other walkers on most of
the tracks along the cliff tops in Leg 5.
Most roads are not closed to traffic. The only road closures will be the full road closure on the first
3.8km of the race on Cliff Drive, the half road closure of the Southbound lane of Cliff Drive between
Violet St and Kamillaroi Rd and the half road closure on Tableland Rd between 76km and 78km. All
other roads will be completely open to vehicle traffic. So you must give way to all vehicles on the
public roads. Be particularly careful at road crossings. You should run on the footpath or road verge
of all bitumen roads unless told otherwise.
High Visibility Safety Vests
The high visibility safety vest (Australian Standard AS/NZS 4602:1999 or AS/NZS 4602:2010 or AS/NZS
4602: 2011 –D/N Class for day and night time wear) must be worn as the outer most layer at night
when travelling on the following roads:
1.
At night along Megalong Valley Road. This is the main dirt road from the 39km mark. You
must wear your vest from the 39km mark all the way to CP3.
2.
At night once you get to the bitumen roads through Katoomba at the 56km mark. You need
to wear your vest along all the bitumen roads to access CP4 and continue to wear your vest
from CP4 to the crossing of Cliff Drive at about the 59km mark. You can remove your vest
again after crossing Cliff Drive.
3.
When entering Willoughby Road or Sublime Point Road from 4:45pm onwards, you must
wear your vest along Willoughby Road, Sublime Point Road and Fairmont Place. You can
remove your vest once the bitumen road turns to dirt beside Fairmont Resort.
3.
When entering Hordern Road from Wentworth Falls walking tracks from 4:40pm onwards,
you must wear your vest along Hordern Road, Coronation Road and Tableland Road. You
can remove your vest at CP5 but remember you still need to carry it to the finish.
There will be a limited number of high visibility vests for sale at the Event Expo so that international
runners can purchase the required vest.
Phone Coverage
There is Telstra mobile phone coverage over most of the course. Optus has between good and
patchy coverage over approximately 50% of the course. There is very limited coverage on other
networks such at Vodaphone. Note that text messages may get through where reception is poor.
There is no phone reception at the following locations:
1.
There is very limited or no reception with Optus on Furber Steps and all the way along
Federal Pass to CP1. Telstra is quite good along most of this section.
2.
No Optus reception from the 17.5km mark near the Narrow Neck Fire Tower until Ironpot
Ridge (at 31.5km). There are some coverage patches and texts may be possible. You can get
coverage at CP2.
3.
Telstra reception is patchy from 17.5km to 20.5km and is close to non-existent from 23.5km
through to 29km.
4.
Reception on both Optus and Telstra is patchy on the Northern side of Ironpot Mountain
(35km – 36.5km).
5.
No reception on either Optus or Telstra from the 38km mark and along the Megalong Valley
Road to the 42km mark.
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6.
7.
8.
No reception on either Optus or Telstra from the 51km mark up the Six Foot Track to the top
of Nellies Glen at 53.6km.
No Optus or Telstra reception from Fern Bower (63km) on Federal Pass, along Amphitheatre
Track to Leura Cascades (64km).
No Optus reception between 85km and 87km (in the gully of Jamison Creek) or between
89km and 92km (in the gully of Leura Falls Creek) or between 93km and The Finish. There is
Telstra reception for most of Leg 6 except for down in the two main creek gullies (Jamison
Creek and Leura Falls Creek), in the 400m either side of Leura Forest and on the lower
section of Furber Steps.
First Aid
There is first aid available at each checkpoint and at the Finish. There are also roaming first aid
vehicles on the course for emergencies. Each participant is responsible for their own basic first aid
and should carry their own blister pads/bandaids, body lubricant, sunscreen and strapping tape.
If you pass an injured runner or a runner who is obviously struggling on the course please stop to help
them and follow the Participant Emergency Instructions card. Keep a record of how long you stopped
to assist and we will adjust your time accordingly at the finish.
Withdrawing from the Event
If you intend to withdraw from the event you must do so at a checkpoint unless you are assisted from
the course by event First Aid crews. To withdraw at a checkpoint you must go to the event officials at
the checkpoint and do the following:
1. Notify the checkpoint staff that you are withdrawing from the event.
2. Complete and sign the checkpoint withdrawal form.
After you have withdrawn, you may contact your support crew to collect you from either checkpoint
3, 4 or 5. If you do not have a support crew we will endeavour to arrange transport for you back to
the Event HQ as soon as possible. Note that usually you won’t have to wait long but there is a chance
you may have to wait several hours for a non-emergency lift back to Event HQ.
If you withdraw from the event at any other safe location and you are unable to go to the nearest
checkpoint to complete the withdrawal form you must immediately phone the Withdrawal
Coordinator phone number (listed on your Participants Emergency Instructions card) and state that
you are withdrawing from the race.
If you can’t continue to the next checkpoint and need first aid help on the course you must use the
phone numbers on your Participant Emergency Instructions card to contact the event First Aid
Coordinator who will arrange to retrieve you. Support crews are not allowed to enter the event
course to collect runners.
10) Cut-Off Times
There is a 28-hour limit to complete the full 100km course. If you complete the course in under 20
hours you will receive The North Face 100 bronze belt buckle. If you complete the course in under 14
hours you will receive an exclusive The North Face 100 silver belt buckle. The winning solo male and
female will receive The North Face 100 gold belt buckle. Your start group start time will be used to
determine your race time and hence your belt buckle award.
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The following cut-off times are for leaving the relevant checkpoint. If you miss the cut-off then you
must follow the directions of officials. The Finish cut-off is at 1053 on Sunday morning.
Checkpoint 1 (Locked Gate, Glenraphael Drive, Narrow Neck) – Saturday 0925. Runners arriving at
CP1 after this time will not be allowed to continue on the course.
Checkpoint 2 (Dunphys Camp) – Saturday 1340. Runners arriving at CP2 after this time will not be
allowed to continue on the course.
Checkpoint 3 (Private Land beside The Six Foot Track) – Saturday 1810. Runners arriving at CP3 after
this time will not be allowed to continue on the course.
Checkpoint 4 (Katoomba Aquatic Centre) – Saturday 2130 Runners arriving at CP4 after this time will
not be allowed to continue on the course.
Checkpoint 5 (Queen Victoria Hospital) – Sunday 0430. Runners arriving at CP5 after this time will
not be allowed to continue on the course.
11) Estimated Runner Times
Checkpoint
1
2
3
4
5
Finish
First Runner Arrival
(6:20 start)
0711
0844
1000
1100
1315
1530
Middle of field Runner Arrival
(6:40 start)
0810
1045
1310
1510
1920
2340
Last Runner Arrival
Cut-Off
(6:53 start)
0920
0925
1320
1340
1740
1810
2125
2130
0425 (Sunday)
0430 (Sunday)
1030 (Sunday)
1053 (Sunday)
12) Mandatory Gear
The following Mandatory Gear must be carried by each runner at all times (this is the final list –please
disregard any other lists you may have seen or printed out). This is the absolute minimum gear that
you should be carrying.
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1 x long sleeve thermal top (polypropylene, wool or similar). Cotton, coolmax, lycra and any
compression garment will not be sufficient even if the compression garment is called a
"thermal compression garment". You may still use compression garments however they do
not replace this mandatory item. Refer to the link on the event website for an explanation.
1 x long leg thermal pants (polypropylene, wool or similar). Cotton, coolmax, lycra and any
compression garment will not be sufficient even if the compression garment is a "thermal
compression garment" You may still use compression garments however they do not replace
this mandatory item. Refer to the link on the event website for an explanation.
1 x waterproof and breathable jacket with fully taped (not critically taped) waterproof seams
and hood. The jacket must fit the wearer correctly. A recommendation only for a good jacket
is one that has a waterproof rating of over 20,000mm hydrostatic head and a breathability
MVTR rating of 25,000g/m²/25hrs (plastic rain poncho, wind jacket, water resistant jacket etc.
not acceptable). Any non-membrane jacket must still be in very good condition with
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
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
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


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waterproof coating intact.
1 x beanie, balaclava or buff
1 x full-fingered lightweight thermal gloves (polypropylene, wool or similar)
1 x High Visibility Safety Vest that complies with Australian Standard AS/NZS 4602:1999 –D/N
Class for day and night time wear. It must be made of a combination of retroreflective and
fluorescent materials. This is not a running vest but a workwear vest. It can be purchased at
hardwear stores or workwear stores for about $20. Your vest must have AS/NZS 4602:1999 or
AS/NZS 4602:2010 or AS/NZS 4602:2011 as well as Class "D/N" on the tag. This must be worn
on road sections at night. The vest must be clearly visible from both the front and the back,
even when wearing your backpack so you must have an oversized vest that covers your whole
torso AND your backpack.
1 x headlamp (test your headlamp on bush tracks at night prior to the event to make sure it
provides enough light to both see the track and the course markings). Petzl is the headlamp
sponsor.
1 x small backup light / lamp / torch in case of headlamp failure but still bright enough for you
to walk by and see course markings
1 x mobile phone in working order with fully charged battery. Make sure you have a method
to keep your phone dry in all conditions (Telstra is strongly recommended as coverage on the
course is far better than any other network)
1 x compass for navigation in the very unlikely event that you get lost. While we recommend
a good quality compass such as the Silva Field 7, you can bring any compass as long as the
magnetic needle will settle quickly and will point to magnetic North. A waterproof watch
compass is allowed as long as you can calibrate it and use it correctly. An iPhone compass is
not acceptable as it is not waterproof and the batteries may be needed for making emergency
calls.
1 x whistle
1 x emergency space blanket, light bivvy sack or equivalent
1 x compression bandage minimum dimensions 7.5cm wide x 2.3m long unstretched. If in
doubt, the wrapping should list ‘heavy weight cotton crepe bandage’ or ‘heavy cotton elastic
bandage’ (this item is used for the treatment of sprains or snake bite)
1 x lightweight Dry Sack to keep your compulsory clothing dry (new zip lock bags are fine but
Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil dry sack is recommended)
Capacity to carry 2 litres of water (water bladder or water bottles)
2 x bars / food portions
1 x Ziploc bag for your personal rubbish
1 x waterproof map case or any other way to keep your maps and course descriptions
protected such as map contact
1 x course map and set of course descriptions (provided by organisers). At registration, you
will be provided with one double sided A3 course map and set of course descriptions. You will
need to protect these from getting wet (using item above)
1 x full box of waterproof & windproof safety matches (provided by organisers)
1 x firelighter block for emergency use only (Jiffy Firelighter provided by organisers). You will
need to provide your own zip lock bag or container.
1 x A5 Participant Emergency Instructions card on waterproof paper (provided by organisers)
1 x race number with timing tag to be worn on your front and visible at all times (provided by
organisers). A recommended method of securing your race number is to use an elastic waist
strap like a triathlon band which allows you to easily have your number visible over the top of
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
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your outermost item of clothing. You will need to provide your own elastic waist strap if you
choose to do this.
1 x disposable timing tag (bag tag) to be secured to the back of your running backpack with
cable tie (provided by organisers)
1 x long leg waterproof pants*
1 x 100-weight long sleeve synthetic fleece top**
*You will only be required to carry the waterproof pants if weather conditions are wet. You will
be notified during the Friday night registration if they must be carried on person from the start, or
if they need to be left with your support crew or in a specified drop bag for use during the event.
** There will be two different scenarios for what you will need to do with your fleece top. These
will depend on weather conditions:
SCENARIO 1. The fleece top may be compulsory from the start if weather conditions are
expected to be bad. You will be notified at the Friday night registration if the fleece top must be
carried from the start.
SCENARIO 2. If not made compulsory from the start, the fleece top will be compulsory to carry
from CP4 from 4:30pm and compulsory to carry from CP5 from 7:30pm. Depending on your
speed, you will need to have your fleece available at either CP4 or CP5. Please read the following
recommendations and decide which option will guarantee you have the fleece top in the right
location for when it becomes compulsory:
a) You will definitely be through CP4 well before 4:30pm so you should put your fleece into your
CP5 drop bag.
b) You will definitely be through CP4 after 4:30pm so you should put fleece into your CP4 drop
bag.
c) You will be through CP4 around 4:30pm or are not actually sure what time you will be through
CP4; either put the items into CP4 drop bag and carry them from CP4 regardless of the time or
have two fleeces with one in CP4 drop bag and one in your CP5 drop bag.
If you have a support crew this will be easier as they can have your fleece available at CP4 and at
CP5.
There will be up to 3 separate random gear checks during the race. Everyone will have to do these.
There will be signs on the course forewarning you that a gear check is coming up and what items will
be checked. There are severe time penalties (up to two hours per item) for not carrying the
mandatory equipment plus you will not be able to continue on course until you acquire the missing
item - and it will be up to you to arrange for the item to be brought to you.
For the purposes of live tracking of the top runners, the expected top 15 male and top 10 female
runners in the field will be carrying a GPS tracking unit. The GPS unit is the size of a matchbox and
weights 60 grams. The units will be handed out at the race start line to these top runners and any
other runners who have hired one.
Other recommended items:
Body Glide or other body lubricant
Sunscreen
Cap or sun hat
Spare socks
Spare headlight batteries
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Additional warmer clothing at supported checkpoints; it could snow in May in the Blue Mountains,
and it could be wet - be prepared.
A spare good quality headlamp in case your primary headlamp stops working and so you don’t have
to run the rest of the way with only your backup light.
More substantial first aid kit (sterile dressings, roll of strapping tape, blister care such as blister block
patches, Compeed or Fixamol, antiseptic wipes, painkillers, and any relevant personal medications).
13) Timing, Race Results with LiveTrail and Phone App
One disposable timing tag (bib tag) will already be fastened onto the back of your race number. To
provide more reliability, another disposable timing tag (bag tag) will need to be attached to the back
of your backpack with a zip tie. Make sure you do not fold your race number or your bag tag as you
may damage your timing tags. Also make sure your race number is not covered by any backpack
waist strap, chest strap or other article of clothing. The bib timing tag can fail to be read if the race
number is covered over and held tightly against your body. At each checkpoint, follow the bunting to
the checkpoint area to ensure that you pass through the timing zone to have your time recorded.
Race timing will be done at the start to check you started in your correct start wave. Race timing will
also be done at Checkpoint 1 (10.5km), Tarros ladders (21km), Checkpoint 2 (31km), Ironpot Ridge
turnaround (34km), Checkpoint 3 (46km), Checkpoint 4 (57km), 66km water point (66km),
Checkpoint 5 (78km), Sewerage Treatment Works (94km), base of Furber Steps (99km) and at the
finish.
Results from every timing point will be automatically posted to the live event website as soon as each
runner arrives. Race reports, photos and the map with live GPS tracking of the top runners and those
who have hired GPS trackers will also be posted to the live website. Runners, support crews, families
and friends should open The North Face 100 website as this will become the live site during the
event. Facebook and Twitter will be regularly updated with race information during the event.
Please feel free to tweet if you have any news, thoughts or comments before, during or after the race
and don’t forget to use #tnf100 within your tweet. The social media pages are linked from the live
website.
The Timing System -LiveTrail
After checkpoint 1, the timing system, LiveTrail, will show an estimate of where every runner is
located at all times. It will show runners’ estimated positions on a course map or elevation profile. It
will also give an estimate of the time that each runner is due to arrive at their next timing point.
The North Face 100 - Australia Mobile Event App
In the next couple of weeks you will be able to download the new The North Face 100 - Australia
mobile app. The app will be available for iPhone and Android mobile users. A link to either the Apple
app store or Google play store will be available from our Facebook page as soon as they are
launched.
Our New Mobile App will also have all the essential race information you need including, the event
schedule, news and updates and event feed via Facebook.
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The North Face 100 – Australia App will be one of the methods we will communicate any updates or
notifications so please accept and allow The North Face 100 to send notifications to your mobile
when you first open the app on your iPhone.
Live Timing Data taken from LiveTrail, including a leaderboard will be available in the app under the
entrants and timing section. Followers can search for your bib number or name and follow your
progress as you pass through each timing point.
Also don't forget to use the simple mandatory gear checklist in the App to make sure you have
packed and carrying all your mandatory gear.
14) Photos
Aurora Images will be taking your photo on the day. Images will be available for you to purchase
from their website www.auroraimages.com.au where you will be able to search for your image by
race number. This is another reason to make sure your race number is completely visible on your
front at all times. It usually takes at least 5 days after the event for the images to be sorted and
displayed on the Aurora website.
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15) Event Rules
1. You must complete the marked course on foot under your own power. Trekking poles are
permitted.
2. Your race number must be visible at all times on the outside of your clothing and on the front of
your body. Do not cover over your race number with any backpack strap or article of clothing.
3. Your bag timing tag must be attached to the back of your running backpack. If you change your
backpack during the event you must reattach the bag tag to your new backpack.
4. You must start in the start group that appears on your race number as the timing system requires
this for you to get an official result. If you start in an earlier start group than that specified on
your race bib you will automatically be disqualified. This will not be corrected later. If you are
late for your start the results will also show you as disqualified however this will be corrected.
5. The wearing of iPods or other music players with headphones is not allowed at all on Leg 1. This is
both for road safety and so you don't hold up faster runners on the single track of Leg 1. Also you
must switch off music at all checkpoints so you can hear directions given to you by event
marshals, you must switch off music when travelling on all public roads so you can hear
approaching traffic and you must switch off music when on any cliff sections of the course such as
near Tarros Ladders area and Ironpot Ridge area so you don't cause yourself or someone else to
get pushed off a cliff. So while you may use iPods after Checkpoint 1, it is up to you to use them in
a sensible and safe manner so that you remain aware of your surroundings at all times.
6. If you withdraw from the event, you must sign the withdrawal form at the closest checkpoint
(unless assisted from the course by First Aid crews).
7. If you need First Aid help on the course you must use the phone numbers on your Participant
Emergency Instructions Card to contact event organisers who will arrange to retrieve
you. Support crews are not allowed to enter the event course to collect runners.
8. A High Visibility Safety Vest that complies with Australian Standard AS / NZS 4602:1999 –D/N
Class for day and night time wear must be worn over the top of your torso and back pack at the
times and locations as specified under High Visibility Safety Vests in Section 9.
9. You must stay on the marked course. Short cuts are not permitted. If you get lost return to the
last sighted marking.
10. You must carry the Mandatory Gear at all times during the event. Random gear checks will be
performed during the event. Any participant without the mandatory gear will not be able to
proceed until they arrange for the missing item to be replaced. For the sake of fairness to other
runners there will also be a penalty ranging from a time penalty to disqualification based on the
severity of the breach. Take special note of what to do with your fleece top.
11. You must obey directions of checkpoint staff or course marshals and withdraw from the race if
you miss any time cut-offs at checkpoints or on course.
12. Littering is prohibited.
13. You must not leave human faeces on the track. If you need to poo either use a toilet, a wag bag
or get well off the track and use leave no trace principles.
14. You must not take dogs into National Parks.
15. You must obey any information signs such as track closures, etc.
16. In training you must stay out of any out of bounds areas as shown on the course maps.
17. Leave gates as you find them. If closed, you may open it to pass through but it is your
responsibility to close the gate after you.
18. The participant is responsible for the actions of their support crew. Support crews must comply
with all instruction from event staff and officials. The participant may be penalised or disqualified
for actions or breaches of the rules by their support crew.
19. Support crews must obey all road rules and drive within the speed limits. Please ensure that
support crew get sufficient rest and are not tired when driving.
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20. Support crews must follow the instructions of all checkpoint staff, road marshals and road traffic
controllers.
21. Support crews must not eat the provided race food at checkpoints. The food is for the
competitors only.
22. Outside assistance is only permitted at Checkpoints 3, 4 and 5. Support crews are only permitted
at the Start, Scenic World boardwalks, Checkpoints 3, 4 and 5 and the Finish. Support crews
MUST NOT even attempt to drive, bike ride or walk to the top of The Golden Stairs, Checkpoint 1
or Checkpoint 2.
23. Support crews and non race participants are not permitted to run with or pace runners.
24. Support crews are not allowed to enter the event course to collect runners.
25. Support crews are limited to one vehicle per participant at Checkpoints 3, 4 and 5.
26. Runners will be given one support crew car sticker with their runner's bib number. To be allowed
into the checkpoint parking areas, this sticker must be stuck to the outside of the support
vehicle's front windscreen at the top and middle of the windscreen or top left hand side of the
windscreen beyond the reach of the windscreen wipers.
27. Vehicles must not be parked anywhere on Cliff Drive.
28. The event organisers are not responsible for the safety or whereabouts of support crew.
29. Breaking any of the rules may incur a time penalty or disqualification. Any such penalties are at
the organisers’ discretion and are final.
16) Insurance
The organiser of the Event, AROC Sport, has public liability insurance cover. This does not include
personal accident insurance for competitors. We recommend that you arrange your own personal
accident insurance and ambulance cover before participating in the Event to cover any unforeseen
personal costs you may incur due to ambulance trips, medical expenses or time off work due to
injuries sustained whilst participating in the Event.
17) Warning and Disclaimer
This event is for experienced trail runners only. Please ensure that you are sufficiently skilled to
undertake the event. The course is a very tough, demanding course held in a remote location. There
are very steep sections and sections that are rough under foot. It is your responsibility to ensure that
you are fit enough to complete the event which make take you up to 28 hours to finish. Ensure that
you are in good health and that you do not have any illness that will hinder your ability to complete
the event. It is your responsibility to monitor your health and condition during the event and to
withdraw from the event if you are no longer fit enough to continue.
18) Event Presentations, Prizes, Belt Buckles, Certificates
Belt buckles will be awarded from a marquee within the finish line area immediately after crossing
the finish line. Finishers’ certificates will be available for download and print after the event directly
from your result within LiveTrail.
All 100km prizes will be awarded on the Sunday morning at the 100km presentations. The 100km
presentations will take place at the finish line beginning at 10am Sunday. Prizes will be awarded to
1st, 2nd and 3rd place getters in each category. There are also lots of special or spot prizes. Whether
you are called up for a prize for placings or spot prizes, you or a representative with photo ID needs
to be present to collect the prize. Prizes will not be posted out after the event.
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19) Sponsors & Partners
Thanks to all our sponsors and partners that are supporting this event and providing a mass of
products and prizes for all the competitors.
Sponsors
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Event Partners
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Acknowledgement, Release and Indemnity
AROC Sport Pty Ltd
This is an important document which affects your legal rights and obligations. You must read it carefully prior
to entering the event. During online entry you must tick a box to confirm you have read and understood this
form. Please re-read this form in the few days or weeks prior to the event to make yourself aware of the risks
of participating. Only those participants doing a late entry transfer need to print and sign this form and bring
to event registration.
In consideration of AROC Sport Pty Ltd (the “Event Organisers” or “AROC”) accepting my participation in either The
North Face 100 (100km) or The North Face 50 (50km) Ultra-Marathon Trail Run to be held in The Blue Mountains on
16-17 May 2015 (the “Event”) I agree to this release of claims, waiver of liability and assumption of risk.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
I have read and understood the Competitor Briefing document and information relating to the Event.
The Event Organisers may, at their sole discretion, refuse entry or cancel an entry (with full refund) to any
person for any reason whatsoever.
I understand the demanding physical nature of the Event. I declare, as a condition of entry to the Event, that I
have sufficiently trained for this Event and that I am not aware of any illness, injury or any other physical
disability which may cause me injury or death whilst participating in the Event.
In the event that I become aware of any medical condition or impairment, or am otherwise sick or injured prior
to or during the Event, I will withdraw from the Event.
I acknowledge that participating in the Event is a dangerous activity and that by such participation I am
exposed to certain risks. I acknowledge that the enjoyment of trail running is derived in part from the inherent
risks and exertion beyond the accepted safety of life at home or at work and that these inherent risks
contribute to such enjoyment and is a reason for my participation in the Event.
I acknowledge and understand that whilst participating in the Event:

I may be injured, physically or mentally, or may die from various causes including, but not limited to,
over exertion, dehydration, cardiac arrest, slips, trips or falls, accidents with other participants,
spectators and road users, or accidents caused by my own actions;

My personal property may be lost or damaged;

I may cause injury to other persons or damage their property;

The conditions in which the Event is conducted may vary without warning;

I may be in a remote or isolated location where access to medical support may be limited and take
significant time to reach me;

There may be no or inadequate facilities for treatment or transport of me if I am injured;

I assume the risk and responsibility for any injury, death or property damage resulting from my
participation in the Event
I agree that if I am injured or require medical assistance, the Event Organisers can, at my cost, arrange
medical treatment and emergency evacuation as deemed necessary by the Event Organisers. I agree that I
am responsible for my own medical and ambulance insurance cover.
I agree to release, indemnify and hold harmless the Event Organisers, its officers, employees, agents,
volunteers, contractors, public bodies, landholders and sponsors, from and against any and all claims,
demands, right or cause of action, suits, expenses, costs and proceedings of any nature whatsoever which
may be made by me or on my behalf or by other parties for or in respect of or arising out of any injury, loss,
damage or death caused to me or my property as a result of my entry or participation in the Event whether by
negligence, breach of contract or in any way whatsoever.
I also agree that in the event I am injured or my property is damaged I will bring no claim, legal or otherwise,
against the Event Organisers in respect to that injury or damage.
I agree to allow my name, results, photographs, videos, multimedia or film likeness to be used for any
legitimate purpose by AROC, the sponsors, or assigns without payment or compensation.
I acknowledge that my image may be taken by an Event photographer and that Event photographer may
contact me to offer for sale images of me at the Event.
I agree to abide by the Event rules and the directions of all Event officials.
I acknowledge that the Event Organiser may change the advertised course without notice if the Event
Organisers deem this necessary. I also acknowledge that the Event Organiser may cancel the Event due to
weather conditions, safety considerations, terrorism or ‘acts of god’ and that in such circumstances my entry
fee will be non-refundable.
Participant Name: …………………………………
Race No: ……………………………….
Signature:…………………………………………..
Date:…………………………………….
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