Looking for an iconic challenging event? Look no farther than the Thunderbolt Trail Race, the brand new race for trail runners, sure to become a “must do” event. Checkout the website here and when you are ready we have the exclusive code for current Runlab customers. Enter “runlab” for your discount of 10%.

The first 8kms will see you run through patches of untouched forest in the Barrington Tops National Park. The course takes you winding past cascades, eucalyptus, across and through subtropical delights of the scenic Williams River Valley, while entering an enchanting patch of ancient rainforest.

The 33kms course heads up the Corker Trail, which is a high altitude, high-octane adventure in the rugged mountain country. This challenging track follows the ridgeline from Lagoon Pinch picnic area to Carey’s Peak on the Barrington Plateau. Winding through a variety of vegetation, from tall open woodlands to lush rainforest and cool temperate stands of Antarctic beech, with brilliant views near Corker Mountain.

Dont let the beauty of the course distract you from just how challenging this event will be. Here is a little snippet from fellow Maitland Runlabber Clint Philip who recently ran the course training for the upcoming UTA.

“I was very impressed by the Course/ Courses, for one it’s in our own backyard and two it is challenging for all levels of trail runners.

The course in the first and last 8k (The Thunderbolts course) is undulating, twisty and with a few bridges and creek crossings.

The mid 16k of the Corker Challenge is where the majority of the elevation gain and loss occurs. Although the course may seem like a long Accent to the top, it is a technical Decent due to some of the steep gradients, gravely areas and wet and slippery rocks to negotiate at speed. It had taken me around 2hrs 30mins to the top and 1hrs 30mins to get back down.

If you are looking to enter the event it is well worth the short trip out there to have a training run on the course, take your time and enjoy the views”. Thanks Clint – We think so too and we hope to see many runners there this year!