St Albans RFS Pioneer Trail Run
We are excited to bring you the St Albans Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade Pioneer Trail Run event on Saturday, 17th April 2021. We are looking forward to a fun-filled day with challenges for runners, walkers and dogs of all ages and abilities.
Please read all of the following information carefully. Registration is through our race control partners - OnlineEntry.com.au ...
https://www.onlineentry.com.au/StAlbansRFS_Select_2021.aspx
There are three courses, all with at least one river crossing, that will take participants through the valley with awesome views of the surrounding hills and ridges. Adults, children, whole families and their pooches will have an opportunity to enjoy the sights and sounds of our Australian bush while experiencing some of the history of this early pioneering area. See our Course Descriptions page.
Dogs are allowed in both of the shorter distance events but not the 25.38km PIONEER Trail Run. The 11.07km K9 Trail Run will challenge both human and K9 participants. Please ensure that you and your pet are fit enough to take this on and seek medical/veterinary advice if you are unsure. The 2.7km WEE WOOFA Trail Run is an ideal outing for people/families and their pets to just get out and enjoy the countryside. Children will get to experience the bush, conquer a river and can finish off with playtime at St Albans Park.
River Crossings
We are excited about using river crossings to present a challenge not always found in other trail runs. At all times the comfort and safety of participants are at the forefront of our planning. Throughout the planning stages we have consulted with the SES, Police and local Council and the SES are continuing to monitor the Macdonald River and advise us on any safety concerns.
River heights on the day are dependent on the volume of rain falling in the seven to ten days prior to the event, and are therefore a little unpredictable. As at 10-04-2021 , the river crossings of all three courses were approximately 28 to 50mtrs wide and around a height of 1-1.2 mtrs on average. There is little or no rain forecast for the week leading up to the event, and river heights reported by the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) are steadily falling. The SES is expecting the Macdonald River to fall by approximately 10cms per day during the final week, so we expect crossing depths to be approximately 40-60cms on race day and safe for adults, children and large dogs. Participants should be prepared to carry small dogs for a short distance if necessary.
Hand ropes will be in place at these crossings to aid competitors if they feel they need it. Participants are urged to bring a change of clothes and shoes to be worn after their race has finished. Parents should also consider having a flotation aid on hand for young children and small dogs. During the final week of preparation, river crossing information will be updated on our website and the St Albans Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade and St Albans RFS Pioneer Trail Run Facebook pages.
Please be aware that course layouts and race start times are subject to change.
The last page of our Terms & Conditions must be printed, filled in and signed for each participant and brought with them to the Registration desk. Adults who are responsible for participating children 15yrs and under must sign for each child and will be responsible for agreeing to the Terms & Conditions being accepted for each child. Also please remember that along with the signed copy of the Terms & Conditions (last page), we also require your pet's Microchip details and confirmation of necessary vaccinations, especially C5. Documentation may be presented at the Registration desk at any time prior to the 30min cutoff for their race.
All participants (including all family members and extras if applicable) must present themselves at the Registration desk located in the St Albans Brigade Fire Shed at least 30mins prior to their start time to complete registration and receive their race bibs. All human competitors will be required to wear their bib from the time of issue until after their finish has been recorded. The bib will show their course colour, competitor number and identifying details, and contain a timing token for registering their race time (including the half-marathon time if applicable).
Please read all of the following information carefully. Registration is through our race control partners - OnlineEntry.com.au ...
https://www.onlineentry.com.au/StAlbansRFS_Select_2021.aspx
There are three courses, all with at least one river crossing, that will take participants through the valley with awesome views of the surrounding hills and ridges. Adults, children, whole families and their pooches will have an opportunity to enjoy the sights and sounds of our Australian bush while experiencing some of the history of this early pioneering area. See our Course Descriptions page.
Dogs are allowed in both of the shorter distance events but not the 25.38km PIONEER Trail Run. The 11.07km K9 Trail Run will challenge both human and K9 participants. Please ensure that you and your pet are fit enough to take this on and seek medical/veterinary advice if you are unsure. The 2.7km WEE WOOFA Trail Run is an ideal outing for people/families and their pets to just get out and enjoy the countryside. Children will get to experience the bush, conquer a river and can finish off with playtime at St Albans Park.
River Crossings
We are excited about using river crossings to present a challenge not always found in other trail runs. At all times the comfort and safety of participants are at the forefront of our planning. Throughout the planning stages we have consulted with the SES, Police and local Council and the SES are continuing to monitor the Macdonald River and advise us on any safety concerns.
River heights on the day are dependent on the volume of rain falling in the seven to ten days prior to the event, and are therefore a little unpredictable. As at 10-04-2021 , the river crossings of all three courses were approximately 28 to 50mtrs wide and around a height of 1-1.2 mtrs on average. There is little or no rain forecast for the week leading up to the event, and river heights reported by the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) are steadily falling. The SES is expecting the Macdonald River to fall by approximately 10cms per day during the final week, so we expect crossing depths to be approximately 40-60cms on race day and safe for adults, children and large dogs. Participants should be prepared to carry small dogs for a short distance if necessary.
Hand ropes will be in place at these crossings to aid competitors if they feel they need it. Participants are urged to bring a change of clothes and shoes to be worn after their race has finished. Parents should also consider having a flotation aid on hand for young children and small dogs. During the final week of preparation, river crossing information will be updated on our website and the St Albans Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade and St Albans RFS Pioneer Trail Run Facebook pages.
Please be aware that course layouts and race start times are subject to change.
The last page of our Terms & Conditions must be printed, filled in and signed for each participant and brought with them to the Registration desk. Adults who are responsible for participating children 15yrs and under must sign for each child and will be responsible for agreeing to the Terms & Conditions being accepted for each child. Also please remember that along with the signed copy of the Terms & Conditions (last page), we also require your pet's Microchip details and confirmation of necessary vaccinations, especially C5. Documentation may be presented at the Registration desk at any time prior to the 30min cutoff for their race.
All participants (including all family members and extras if applicable) must present themselves at the Registration desk located in the St Albans Brigade Fire Shed at least 30mins prior to their start time to complete registration and receive their race bibs. All human competitors will be required to wear their bib from the time of issue until after their finish has been recorded. The bib will show their course colour, competitor number and identifying details, and contain a timing token for registering their race time (including the half-marathon time if applicable).
Important Points to Note
Getting There
St Albans lies approximately 20 kms northwest of Wisemans Ferry, nestled on the banks of the Macdonald River and can be reached by either of two Hawkesbury River ferry crossings in the small township of Wisemans Ferry where the two rivers meet. Although St Albans is tucked away in the Macdonald Valley, there are a number of routes to get there. (Please Note: For those dependent on GPS units, they must be set to allow ferry crossings and possibly also gravel roads.) Click here for map.
For those travelling from or through the Greater Area of Sydney, proceed through Dural or Windsor to eventually wind down the hill to Wisemans Ferry along the Old Northern Rd. From here there are two ways to reach St Albans.
The best route is over the Webbs Creek ferry at the western end of town near the Police Station then via St Albans Rd providing an all weather bitumen road to St Albans village. An alternate route is over the Wisemans ferry at the northern end of town near the Convict Road Kiosk in Wisemans Ferry Park then left via Settlers Rd, however this contains 10 kms of gravel road with bitumen at either end. Both ferries are free and run 24/7 with friendly crews that can give further directions if required.
For those travelling from the Central Coast or up Newcastle way, leave the motorway at Peats Ridge and take Wisemans Ferry Rd through Central Mangrove to Wisemans Ferry. You can then ignore the ferries and continue along Settlers Rd to St Albans.
For those travelling from the north west (Hunter Valley, New England Hwy etc. through Cessnock and/or Wollombi) you can experience some of the pioneer convict's road building work along the Old Great North Rd/Wollombi Rd off George Downs Drive, but be aware that this route includes 35 kms of gravel road.
Parking/Camping Instructions
St Albans village has a number of paddocks close by (yes folks, we live in the country) that have been set aside for parking/camping. Continuing our fundraising theme, we will be charging $10 per vehicle to park, however camping will be free. We would encourage all visitors to consider an overnight stay with us to experience and enjoy our pioneering heritage. Click here for information on St Albans village.
Accommodation
If we cannot persuade you to try camping in our village, then click here for some Macdonald Valley accommodation suggestions.
Merchandise
To aid our fundraising efforts, t-shirts for humans and bandannas for dogs will be available for purchase to proudly display your connection to Australia's early pioneering spirit and to remember us until next year. These items can be purchased along with entry tickets, and shortly they will also be available for purchase here on our website. We will also have a mouth watering sausage sizzle going for most of the day to help satisfy your newly found country appetite.
There will be a number of information and vendor's stalls in the village. You will be able to pick up flyers and brochures on rural living and things to do and see in the Valley. You will also be able to buy real food direct from the ground, trees or bees. Artists and artisans will also be presenting their work or wares for your pleasure.
Fun Stuff
We want this day to be packed with fun for everyone. There is a play area and activities in the park for children (and maybe the 'big' kids too), a jumping castle next to the Fire Shed and a Doggie Dress-Up competition for pets (dogs only) regardless of whether they are running or just on a lead looking after their owner/family on the day.
We will be judging all dogs and awarding a special prize for the most interesting/funny outfit. If you are dressing up your pet, please take the time to read this article and make sure they will be happy and safe on the day.
... https://www.mnn.com/family/pets/blogs/common-sense-guide-dressing-your-pet
We are also hoping to host a number of disabled communities for the day giving them a chance to enjoy our outdoor environment and maybe participate in some specially organised activities.
St Albans lies approximately 20 kms northwest of Wisemans Ferry, nestled on the banks of the Macdonald River and can be reached by either of two Hawkesbury River ferry crossings in the small township of Wisemans Ferry where the two rivers meet. Although St Albans is tucked away in the Macdonald Valley, there are a number of routes to get there. (Please Note: For those dependent on GPS units, they must be set to allow ferry crossings and possibly also gravel roads.) Click here for map.
For those travelling from or through the Greater Area of Sydney, proceed through Dural or Windsor to eventually wind down the hill to Wisemans Ferry along the Old Northern Rd. From here there are two ways to reach St Albans.
The best route is over the Webbs Creek ferry at the western end of town near the Police Station then via St Albans Rd providing an all weather bitumen road to St Albans village. An alternate route is over the Wisemans ferry at the northern end of town near the Convict Road Kiosk in Wisemans Ferry Park then left via Settlers Rd, however this contains 10 kms of gravel road with bitumen at either end. Both ferries are free and run 24/7 with friendly crews that can give further directions if required.
For those travelling from the Central Coast or up Newcastle way, leave the motorway at Peats Ridge and take Wisemans Ferry Rd through Central Mangrove to Wisemans Ferry. You can then ignore the ferries and continue along Settlers Rd to St Albans.
For those travelling from the north west (Hunter Valley, New England Hwy etc. through Cessnock and/or Wollombi) you can experience some of the pioneer convict's road building work along the Old Great North Rd/Wollombi Rd off George Downs Drive, but be aware that this route includes 35 kms of gravel road.
Parking/Camping Instructions
St Albans village has a number of paddocks close by (yes folks, we live in the country) that have been set aside for parking/camping. Continuing our fundraising theme, we will be charging $10 per vehicle to park, however camping will be free. We would encourage all visitors to consider an overnight stay with us to experience and enjoy our pioneering heritage. Click here for information on St Albans village.
Accommodation
If we cannot persuade you to try camping in our village, then click here for some Macdonald Valley accommodation suggestions.
Merchandise
To aid our fundraising efforts, t-shirts for humans and bandannas for dogs will be available for purchase to proudly display your connection to Australia's early pioneering spirit and to remember us until next year. These items can be purchased along with entry tickets, and shortly they will also be available for purchase here on our website. We will also have a mouth watering sausage sizzle going for most of the day to help satisfy your newly found country appetite.
There will be a number of information and vendor's stalls in the village. You will be able to pick up flyers and brochures on rural living and things to do and see in the Valley. You will also be able to buy real food direct from the ground, trees or bees. Artists and artisans will also be presenting their work or wares for your pleasure.
Fun Stuff
We want this day to be packed with fun for everyone. There is a play area and activities in the park for children (and maybe the 'big' kids too), a jumping castle next to the Fire Shed and a Doggie Dress-Up competition for pets (dogs only) regardless of whether they are running or just on a lead looking after their owner/family on the day.
We will be judging all dogs and awarding a special prize for the most interesting/funny outfit. If you are dressing up your pet, please take the time to read this article and make sure they will be happy and safe on the day.
... https://www.mnn.com/family/pets/blogs/common-sense-guide-dressing-your-pet
We are also hoping to host a number of disabled communities for the day giving them a chance to enjoy our outdoor environment and maybe participate in some specially organised activities.
