GPT100 Stage Race
Gariwerd/Grampians National Park
Distance: 162km Over 4 Days
Elevation Gain: 7700m+-
Course: the entire Grampians Peaks Trail
Event village & STAY: HALLS GAP
Prize Money: TBA FOR 2025
The ultimate 100 mile journey over four days, traversing the entirety of the Grampians mountain range from Mt Zero in the north to Dunkeld in the south.
The challenge will entail climbing and descending 7700m through a combination of sandstone slabs, gradual smooth trail, stairs and technical rocky outcrops. It is an incredibly challenging trail that will test the mind and body.
The route follows the full spine of the range along 99% single hiking trail and so the views throughout the journey will outweigh the physical toll and inspire you well beyond the finish.
ThE Stages
The GPT50k race will run concurrently with Stage 1 but Stage Runners will not be included in the 50k results.
Stage 1
Start / finish: Mt Zero to Halls Gap
Day: Thursday
Stats: 49.5km, 2000m+, 2040m-
Start time: 7:00AM Stage 1 & GPT50k
Cut off: 8:00PM
Time Limit: 13 hours GPT50k, Stage 1
Stage 2
Start / finish: Halls Gap to Mt William Carpark
Day: Friday
Stats: 37.5km, 2350m+, 1625m-
Start time: 7:00AM
Cut off: 7:00PM
Time Limit: 12 hours
Stage 3
Start / finish: Mt William Carpark to Griffin Fireline
Day: Saturday
Stats: 42km, 1795m+, 2540m-
Start time: 7:00AM
Cut off: 7:00PM
Time Limit: 12 hours
Stage 4:
Start / finish: Griffin Fireline to Dunkeld
Day: Sunday
Stats: 33km, 1555m+, 1585m-
Start time: 7:00Am
Cut off: 5:00PM
Time Limit: 10 hours
course description
Along the way runners will pass 12 campsites each with stunning huts built in the most secluded areas along the route. There will be 2 aid station each day to assist the runners at road crossings, trails heads, and public campgrounds.
Much of the journey goes through remote wilderness areas, where the rocky trail is a welcomed source of safety. There is a real sense of connection to nature and place. The race will be broken up into four sections each with major aid stations at each completion.
Stage 1 - Starting with the iconic climb up the rock slab from Mount Zero Picnic Area the trail reveals the entirety of the world famous Taipan Wall. After running under the rock wall the trail finds its groove as it toggles between a thin rocky uneven surface and a smooth dirt ribbon. There are numerous waterfalls through here, with continual 360 views of the entire Grampians grandeur, which is a common theme throughout the whole run.
Stage 2 - Halls Gap to Duwul/Mt William has continual long climbs. This section is draining with foot placement and ankle stability being the key. Conserve energy when possible. Take time at Borough Huts to compose yourself and fuel and hydrate. The next 15km to are the hardest along the entire GPT. There is much technical trail, especially up to, and across the Seven Dials and Redmans Bluff. However, the trail improves from here and the views from the top are spectacular as the trail adheres to a clifftop along to Mt William Finish.
Stage 3 - This stage to Griffin Fireline is a net downhill. It starts with a very challenging 19k which crosses the Major Mitchell Plateau up to the high point of the race, Durd Durd at 1167m asl. There is one very steep climb onto the Plateau with big steps - be mentally ready for this. A very long and initially steep descent brings you to Jimmy Creek Rd Aid Station. Many short punchy climbs and flowy downs follow. There is a lot of newly built trail, and it is much appreciated. It will be hard to find rhythm through these shorter continual hills, with some rock hopping, choppy climbs mixed in with fast terrain. There is a very slow boulder field just before Yarram Campground, be careful here.
Stage 4 - Passing over some of the well-known peaks in the southern section of the range, this stage is pound for pound the most scenic section of the trail. The stage starts with a long, gentle climb and descent through some amazing trail and landscape to Cassidys Gap Rd. From here there are three separate steep climbs and descents with many stairs to some striking summits including Signal Peak, Mud-Dadjug/Mt Abrupt, and Wurgarri/Mt Sturgeon. Despite being a brutal end, people will have a sense of the journey’s end, which may bring joy but also sadness that the adventure must come to an end. Runners take an enjoyable river trail to the town centre, where the party celebration awaits!
MAPs
SingleTrack Events have partnered up with friends of trail CAPRA to equip you with the cleanest, easiest to follow maps you’ll ever come across.
It is a mandatory inclusion for all participants to have both the CAPRA app AND the relevant GPT100 maps on the mobile phone they will be using during their event.
Grab your mobile phone and scan the QR Code below to get started.
Details
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Wednesday November 20, 2024
2:00 PM - Opening Smoking Ceremony
2:30 PM - Event Village Opens At Centenary Hall in Halls Gap
2:30 PM - 5:00 PM - Mandatory Gear Check, Bib collection and tracker allocation for Stage Race & Team Relay and GPT50k.
2:30 PM - 8:00 PM - Shoe wash station open for all runner’s and crew’s shoes to be worn on the GPT trail
2:30 PM - 5:00 PM - Drop Bag service open at Event Village for Stage 1/50k
5:00 PM - Elite Panel
5:30 PM - Race Briefing for Stage Race & Team Relay
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM - Mandatory Gear Check, Bib collection and tracker allocation for Stage Race & Team Relay and GPT50k.
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM - Drop Bag service open at Event Village for Stage 1/50k
8:24 PM - Sunset
Thursday November 21, 2024
5:00 AM - 5:15 AM - Drop Bag service for Stage 1/GPT50k
5:15 AM - Rolling Shuttle Departure to Mt Zero
6:07 AM - Sunrise
7:00 AM - START Stage Race & Team Relay, GPT50k
11:00 AM - First Finisher arrives in Halls Gap (expected to be Team Relay)
8:00 PM - Cut-off for Stage Race Day 1 & GPT50k
8:24 PM - Sunset
Friday November 22, 2024
6:00 AM - 6:45 AM - Tracker collection & Drop Bag service open at Event Village for Stage 2
6:06 AM - Sunrise
7:00 AM - START Stage Race Day 2
10:30 AM - First Finisher arrives at Mt William for Stage 2 (expected to be Team Relay)
7:00 PM - Cut-off for Stage Race Day 2
8:25 PM - Sunset
Saturday November 23, 2024
6:00 AM - Shuttle departure for Stage Race Day 3
6:06 AM - Sunrise
6:30 AM - Tracker allocation and Bag Drop at Mt William Start line
7:00 AM - START Stage Race Day 3
10:40 AM - First Finisher arrives at Griffin Fireline for Stage 3 (expected to be Team Relay)
7:00 PM - Cut-off for GPT100 Stage Race Day 3
8:26 PM - Sunset
Sunday November 24, 2024
5:45 AM - Shuttle departure for Stage Race Day 4
6:05 AM - Sunrise
6:30 AM - Tracker allocation and Bag drop at Griffin Fireline Start line
7:00 AM - START Stage Race Day 4
9:50 AM - First Finisher arrives at Dunkeld for Stage 4 (expected to be Team Relay)
5:00 PM - Cut-off for GPT100 Miler, Stage Race and Team Relays
7:00 PM - Prize Presentations for GPT100 Miler, Stage Race and Team Relays at Halls Gap Event Village
8:00 PM - Large Finishers Photo under the arch at Halls Gap
8:00 PM - Event Village closes and GPT100 2024 Concludes!
8:27 PM - Sunset
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Evidence for Qualification
Official trail running race result of 42km or more within the 2-year period November 1, 2023 and October 31, 2025
At the end of each stage it will be up to our medical team to decide whether it is safe for you to continue the following day. However, it is important that you too make an assessment of your own abilities and recovery before starting each day. You may skip a day and continue the following day.
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All Runners Must bring their mandatory Gear to the bib collection at Centenary Hall to have it checked.
The mandatory gear list to be carried at all times throughout the race is as follows:
A quality pack suitable to carry all the below items
Waterproof Jacket with hood. Must be made with a waterproof and breathable membrane. The hood must be attached to the jacket by the original manufactured design and must be seam sealed. Must be suitable for protection in bad weather in the Mountains.
Thermal long sleeve top weighing at least 180g (for Men’s Medium) made of polypropylene or wool textile only.
Warm headwear (beanie, buff or balaclava)
Sun Hat or Visor (neck cover recommended if hot)
Warm full fingered Gloves
Fully charged Smart Phone that is switched on. It is highly recommended you carry a power bank or have a system to charge your phone at aid stations. Turn off Bluetooth, wifi, and close all apps. If you listen to music, do it through an ipod or you must carry a power bank to charge the phone.
Telstra SIM * (see mandatory gear page for more details)
3L Litres of liquid storage capacity (weather dependant, TBA prior to the race via Text and email)
Collapsible cup 150ml (recommended, this is a cup free event)
A working torch
Survival / Emergency Blanket
Snake Bite Bandage with indicators (not less than 10cm x 2m). We recommend SMART bandage (LINK HERE with valuable information on snake bites as well)
Thermal long pants (polypropylene or wool textile only) (weather dependant, TBA prior to the race via Text and email)
Waterproof Pants, with sealed seams (weather dependant, TBA prior to the race via Text and email)
Fleece/Second Warm Layer (recommended if cold forecast, not mandatory)
Ice Bandana / Neck Cooler (recommended if over 23C). There will be ice, at key points on course to cool runners heading into hot sections. The T8 neck coolers are very easy to use and cover the neck perfectly.
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STAGE 1
GAR Trailhead
Crew Access: There is parking available for crew who wish to drive (34 min from Halls Gap)
Stocked with water, Pure Electrolyte Drink, Pure Fluid Energy Gels, coca-cola, ginger beer, fruit, lollies, chocolate, chips, boiled potatoes.
Mt Difficult Rd
NO CREW ACCESS: This aid station is located on the side of a narrow dirt road. There will be no parking for crew or supporters. NOTE: Team members of the Stage Race Team Relay can drive to this aid station (via Boroka Lookout, 30 mins from Halls Gap). They will be the ONLY cars that can park at this aid station.
Stocked with water, Pure Electrolyte Drink, Pure Fluid Energy Gels, coca-cola, ginger beer, fruit, lollies, chocolate, chips, noodles, hot soup, boiled potatoes.
Halls Gap
Crew Access: Full Access to crew and Supporters with ample Parking
Stocked with water, Pure Electrolyte Drink, coca-cola, ginger beer, fruit, lollies, chocolate, chips.
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STAGE 2
Rosea Carpark
Crew Access: Full Access to crew and Supporters with ample Parking (12 mins from Halls gap)
Stocked with water, Pure Electrolyte Drink, Pure Fluid Energy Gels, coca-cola, ginger beer, fruit, lollies, chocolate, chips, hot soup, noodles, boiled potatoes.
Borough Huts
Crew Access: Full Access to crew and Supporters (10 mins from Halls gap)
Stocked with water, Pure Electrolyte Drink, Pure Fluid Energy Gels, coca-cola, ginger beer, fruit, lollies, chocolate, chips, hot soup, noodles, boiled potatoes.
Mt William Carpark
Crew Access: Full Access to crew and Supporters (25 mins from Halls gap)
Stocked with water, Pure Electrolyte Drink, Pure Fluid Energy Gels, coca-cola, ginger beer, fruit, lollies, chocolate, chips, hot soup, noodles, boiled potatoes.
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STAGE 3
Jimmy Creek Rd
Crew Access: Full Access to crew and Supporters (22 mins from Halls gap)
Stocked with water, Pure Electrolyte Drink, Pure Fluid Energy Gels, coca-cola, ginger beer, fruit, lollies, chocolate, chips, hot soup, noodles, boiled potatoes.
Yarram Gap Rd
NO Crew Access: This aid station is located on the side of a narrow road. There will be no parking for crew or supporters. NOTE: Team members of the Stage Race Team Relay can drive to this aid station. They will be the ONLY cars that can park at this aid station.
Stocked with water, Pure Electrolyte Drink, Pure Fluid Energy Gels, coca-cola, ginger beer, fruit, lollies, chocolate, chips, hot soup, noodles, boiled potatoes.
Griffin Fireline
NO CREW ACCESS. Runners must catch the shuttle back to Halls Gap.
Stocked with water, Pure Electrolyte Drink, coca-cola, ginger beer, fruit, lollies, chocolate, chips, hot soup, noodles, boiled potatoes.
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STAGE 4
Cassidys Gap
Crew Access: Full Access to crew and Supporters (41 mins from Halls gap)
Stocked with water, Pure Electrolyte Drink, Pure Fluid Energy Gels, coca-cola, ginger beer, fruit, lollies, chocolate, chips, hot soup, noodles, boiled potatoes.
Bainggug Carpark
Crew Access: Full Access to crew and Supporters (43 mins from Halls gap)
Stocked with water, Pure Electrolyte Drink, Pure Fluid Energy Gels, coca-cola, ginger beer, fruit, lollies, chocolate, chips, hot soup, noodles, boiled potatoes.
FINISH - Dunkeld
Crew Access: Full Access to crew and Supporters (46 mins from Halls gap)
Stocked with water, Pure Electrolyte Drink, coca-cola, ginger beer, fruit, lollies, chocolate, chips, hot soup, noodles, boiled potatoes.
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Aid Station: Cumulative Distance, Leg Distance, Ascent, Descent
STAGE 1
START Mt Zero Picnic Area
GAR Trailhead: 15.5km, 15.5km, 620m+-
Mt Difficult: 35.5km, 20km, 1100m+, 670m-
Halls Gap: 49.5km, 14km, 300m+ ,770m-
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STAGE 2
Rosea Carpark: 9.5km, 9.5km, 650m+, 270m-
Borough Huts Camp: 22.5km, 13km, 440m+, 745m-
Mt William Carpark: 37.5km, 15km, 1260m+, 610m-
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STAGE 3
Jimmy Creek: 19km, 19km, 775m+, 1400m-
Yarram Gap: 30km, 11km, 580m+, 560m-
Griffin Fireline: 42km, 12km, 440m+, 490m-
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STAGE 4
Cassidys Gap: 11.5km 11.5km, 450m+, 370m-
Bainggug Carpark: 22.5km, 11km, 650m+, 730m-
FINISH Dunkeld: 33km, 10.5km, 455m+, 485m-
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STAGE 1
- START Mt Zero Picnic Area: 7:00 AM
- GAR Trailhead: 11:00 AM
- Mt Difficult: 5:00 PM
- FINISH Halls Gap: 8:00 PM
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STAGE 2
START Halls Gap: 7:00 AM
Rosea Carpark: 10:00 AM
Borough Huts Camp: 1:30 PM
FINISH Mt William Carpark: 7:00 PM
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STAGE 3
START Mt William Carpark: 7:00 AM
Jimmy Creek: 1:00 PM
Yarram Gap: 4:00 PM
FINISH Griffin Fireline: 7:00 PM
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STAGE 4
START Griffin Fireline: 7:00 AM
Cassidys Gap: 10:00 AM
Bainggug Carpark: 1:30 PM
FINISH Dunkeld: 5:00 PM
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Shuttle Buses will be available to the start line for runners for Stage 1 and will be mandatory for Stage runners for Stages 3 & 4. Note there is no shuttle for Stage 2 since it starts at Halls Gap.
There is the option for crew to park or drop off their runner for Stage 1 starting at Mt Zero. So this is the only shuttle that stage runners MUST book if they require a seat. Head to the Race Roster Store to do this. It’s Free to book for Stage runners.
Spectators who want to book can do so for $30. Booking open until sold out!
Head to the Race Roster Store now to reserve your seat
Stage Race runners will have mandatory shuttle buses to the Stage 3 & 4 start lines at Mt William and Griffin Fireline due to very limited parking. These do not have to be booked.
Stage Race runners will also have shuttles provided to bring them back to Halls Gap from the finish lines at Mt William, Griffin Fireline and Dunkeld. These will be rolling shuttles leaving every half hour or so and no need to book.
More information on the shuttle times can be found in the Event Schedule
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A “Finish line Drop Bag service” will be available for warm clothing and recovery items/food, managed by a team of volunteers from the Event Village in Halls Gap.
The Finish lines where these Drop Bags will be made available will be via all Finish lines of Halls Gap, Mt William Carpark, Griffin Fireline, and Dunkeld.
Athletes are requested to provide all gear in their own labelled, insulated, zipped “Woolworths-type” bag where practical. Please clearly identify it with your bib number.
Your Finish Line Drop Bag will be able to be dropped in Halls Gap Event Village for Stages 1 and 2 and at the Mt William and Griffin Fireline Start Lines for Stages 3 and 4. This way runners can add their warm clothing for the morning into their drop bag that they can leave at the Start lines on Saturday and Sunday.
Times drop bags are open for drop off:
STAGE 1: Wednesday between 2:30 PM - 5:00 PM, 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM OR Thursday 5:00 AM - 5:15 AM
STAGE 2: Friday between 6:00 AM and 6:45 AM
STAGE 3: Saturday at the Start line at Mt William from 6:30 AM
STAGE 4: Sunday at the Start line at Griffin Fireline from 6:30 AM
Athletes now also are able to have a drop bag at Mt Difficult Rd on Stage 1. This can be dropped off in the same time windows as the Stage 1 finish line drop bags.
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Race Entry
GST and registration platform fees
Shuttle service to all start lines from Halls Gap each morning and back to Halls Gap from all the finish lines each day
Professional on-course sports photography available for purchase
Coveted Finishers Medallion
Fully marked course
Expert event medical support
On-course nutrition and refreshments
Drop Bag Service
Professional event timing
Live real-time results via on-course checkpoints
GPS Trackers for all runners, which will see greater safety for runners out on course and also greatly improve the crewing experience to estimate when runners will arrive.
The GPT100 Stage Race is a UTMB® World Series Qualifier Event.
All runners who complete the course gain qualifier points for their UTMB® Index.
Runners with a valid UTMB® Index will have privileged access to register for a UTMB® World Series Event or UTMB® World Series Major and will use their UTMB® Index to validate their entry into the UTMB® World Series Finals lottery.
The GPT100 Stage Race is registered with the International Trail Running Association (ITRA).
All runners who complete the course will gain qualifier points for their ITRA Performance Index.