The Ulladulla RATS had an earlier than normal start on Sunday in preparation for a much anticipated run up Durras Mountain. Twelve runners and walkers met at 6am and car pooled from Ulladulla down to Merry Beach.
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As the sun continued to rise it was a slightly slower and very cautious drive south along Bawley Point and Murramarang Road as a consequence of the huge number of resident kangaroos either side of the road.
A small group of runners headed off into the Murramarang National Park leaving the walkers to follow in hot pursuit. Almost immediately we started to climb uphill and effectively for the next seven kilometres we were consistently challenged.
Very fortunately the scenery was stunning with an understorey of burrawang palms and forest dotted with spotted gums stretching down to the ocean. The track was soft and great to run on (despite the hill!) as a result of the welcome rain in the past few days and we were joined by numerous black cockatoos and wallabies.
We knew we were at the top of the hill by the presence of the rain water tank and the Durras geodetic station although Maree insisted on us running further as her watch had not clicked over the 7km mark! Some 200m from there was a great lookout which gave us fantastic views south over the headland and out to the ocean. And all this by 8am!
The return journey down the hill was almost as challenging as the uphill climb with the runners focusing on their footing and engaging their core strength in order to remain upright. Typically the back runners were less than focused on their directions (too much chatter!) and added more than a few extra hundred metres before realising they had gone off track.
Concerned that coffee was probably already happening they were soon back on task and with a noticeably quicker pace finished off the last couple of kilometres in no time. Total distance was just on 15km.
As usual the walkers had maintained a cracking pace completing a distance of 10km up and back along the main track that winds through the national park. They were almost on to their second coffee by the time the runners returned! Our thanks to the Merry Beach General Store for hosting us on such a beautiful morning.
Next Sunday's Run - Sunday, October 20, 5.5km Handicap (for all) Mollymook - reverse. Please be ready to run at 7am.
Tuesday: 6am, meet at Narrawallee Inlet carpark, for flat interval training. Suitable for beginners and serious athletes, distances from 1.7km.
Wednesday: 6am, meet at Macca's car park, up to 10km.
Friday: 6am, meet at Mollymook Surf Club car park, up to 10km.
Saturday: 8am, Batemans Bay or Huskisson parkrun, 5km, is always on option.
The Ulladulla RATS welcome guests, visitors and potential new members to join them, for any of their runs or rides. All standards catered for. If you choose to continue individual members contribute $15 per year or $20 per family. You are not obliged to run, walk, or ride the full distance and can turn back at any stage. For further information: ring or text Laurie on 0438445573
For more information: search Ulladulla RATS on Facebook, or visit the RATS web page at: http://ulladullarats.com On STRAVA search Ulladulla RATS (Runners).