Steve Glowrey's diary

This is the first year that I have been involved with the Prom Country Challenge, so I thought that it was vital to get an understanding of what the runners would be up against on the Sunday, 17 August. What else was there to do over the June long weekend? I had decided to run the course excluding the section on the flats below the main street, as it was the hills that were of more concern. As this was just a training run, and after all it was a long weekend, I decided to just take it easy and test the course.

The initial stages of the hill section of the run (about 28km of the 30km) takes runners up Creamery Valley Road. This is a sealed road that is undulating and provides runners the chance to get into a good rhythm. From Creamery Valley Road, the most scenic part of this incredible run begins. From the turn off at Woomera Creek Road until hitting Creamery Valley Road for the return trip to the finish line in Toora, the road surfaces are gravel. In many places the gravel is compacted down and provides a similar level of support to what you would find on many running tracks, such as the Tan in Melbourne. There are several sections of Woomera Creek Road that will see runners looking for the best line, as the road through the corners slopes away a little, but this is to be expected on most runs.

From my experience, the key to the Woomera Creek Road section of the run is to take some time to soak up the incredible views and the fresh air. While the gravel might provide a track like the Tan, the view is unmatched. As you start to climb towards Mt Best, the surrounding green hills and native Gippsland bush provide an excellent backdrop for an enjoyable run. On the occasional bend, while trying to sneak in a view of your competitors behind you, runners will need to make sure that they don’t get too side-tracked by the view across Corner Inlet of Wilson’s Promontory. Taking some time to appreciate the view is best done with quick glances (almost tripping over while looking over my shoulder was the inspiration for that little tip!). It is easy to see why the food from Gippsland tastes so good and is always served so fresh. Completing the Challenge is made all the more challenging by the availability of freshly caught seafood and locally sourced dairy and other produce.

As I was running along the Woomera Creek Road section, I was thinking about any other little pointers that might be worth passing on to potential runners in the Challenge. And then, as I headed to the side of the road for a little ‘pit stop’ – it hit me. For those that are not aware of what plain wire that is attached to fence posts with a plastic clip means, it means DO NOT TOUCH. While there is no issue for those runners staying on the course, should anyone venture off the road for a ‘pit stop’, be sure not to try and climb over, through or ‘pit’ near the plain wire…this will not help you enjoy your day!

After weaving your way up Woomera Creek Road (including one left hand turn that appears to be at an intersection – thanks for insisting that I take the map Mum!), runners make their way up Tin Mine Creek Road. This is the most challenging section of the run and all runners should be aware of pacing so as to enable them to get to the top of Mt Best. Finding a good steady rhythm on the earlier sections of the run will ensure that runners can climb Mt Best and enjoy the amazing views at the top (again, there is a little pinch as you come off the top, so as hard as this may be, when looking over the shoulder stick to glances not stares). It is a solid climb, but is easily achievable by taking small steps. For those runners familiar with the Anderson Street hill on the Tan, it is a little steeper and a little longer, but there is no need to go crazy with hill training to make sure you get through the run – but remember, the race is called the Prom Country Challenge for a reason! If runners are going to find out about their pacing through the first half of the course it is going to be once they have finished the climb. I certainly questioned my ‘taking it easy’ pace as I approached the top of the mountain. Most endurance events have their trademark challenge, and without a doubt, the climb to the top of Mt Best provides the Prom Country Challenge with a trademark.

Once conquering Mt Best, runners will gather speed as they head down the initial 200m from the summit. Although gravel, the road provides good traction and excellent support. I have never been great at running down hill, but I was comfortable enough with the surface to allow my body to gather a little speed and not put too much pressure on my knees. After the initial 200m, the road flattens a little and runners will make their way down the Mountain towards the intersection with Creamery Valley Road. There is a little bit of clay on the road as you make your way down, so it is worthwhile picking your line if there has been some rain. The course was a little wet over the June long weekend, and there was no problem picking a line to ensure that you kept good traction. Onto Creamery Valley Road and runners are given the chance to find a good rhythm and possibly even pick up the pace as you make your way into Toora. As with climbing the summit, the final 3km section on Creamery Valley will show all runners exactly who got their pacing right. 

Overall, the run was one of the most enjoyable courses that I have ever gone over. The scenery rivalled the Puffing Billy run and the countryside was as scenic and challenging as anywhere I have ever run. This course will without a doubt attract many runners, both competitive and recreational, to come to Toora and participate in the Prom Country Challenge. The run is well positioned around both the Melbourne and Traralgon marathons, and provides the triathlete community with an excellent way to keep fit over the winter months. Although I may be a little biased (or perhaps quite a lot!), the trip to Toora for the weekend of 16-17 August is well worth it…wherever you are coming from.

2007 30km results

Nenet Susa wins 30km event

In a tight finish Nenet Susa beat course record holder Joseph Mania Ndirangu. The female event was won by Nadine Kayler only 24yrs old and winning in a time of 2.08.10 a new female course record by 5 minutes. She won from June Petrie who was also backing up after Saturdays A.V. run. John Duck put in a great effort to win the 40-59 age groups with Lavinia Petrie winning the female 60+ age group beating our Rod Goodwin who won the male 60+ age group. Richard Comber put in a great performance running a huge P/B for this run. Russel Northe was another great performer finishing under 2:20. Race walker Brian Glover was also prominent with another stellar performance. 

2007 race description

Runs like Walhalla and the Prom Country Challenge are rare so after missing Walhalla early this year I was delighted to wake up Sunday morning feeling tired but able to run the 30km event. It starts with a loop around the town of Toora before crossing the Highway and looping your way up through a deep valley heading for the top of Mt. Best. Before you get there you must traverse some nice rural, forest and hilly country side for some 18km. Once on top there is a great reception from all the locals, glorious views of the Prom, the coastline and those magnificent Wind Turbines.

There is a nice descent of about 7km with your main focus on the Prom and the Wind Turbines the idea the closer you get to them the closer you are to the finish. The last 5km winds back along the bitumen to the finish in the heart of Toora with a great reception from the locals. The course is peaceful, challenging and scenic. It is well marshalled and drink stations are well organised. The presentations of trophies and prizes is also well organised.

Shane Pettingill cleans up in 12km event at Prom Country Challenge

Backing after Saturdays Cross-Country Shane ran 2 seconds slower than Bert Pelgrim winning time last year to win the 12km event. Also backing up after Saturday were Anna Cardillo and Paula Lucas in the 12km event. Anna was third open female. Bert Pelgrim was second to Shane while David Griffiths finished 4th. Robert Gray finished 1st in the master’s age group 60+.