The North Face 100

The North Face 100 attracts more participants than ever with 577 entries to date

The highly-anticipated 100km endurance trail running test-piece, staged in the heart of the spectacular Blue Mountains National Park is set to return on May 15th & 16th, and has already attracted no less than 577 ultra-marathoners, trail-runners and passionate recreational runners since entries opened early in December 2009.

Rated by Dean Karnazes, the Ultra-Marathon Man, as the toughest 100km he has ever done, The North Face 100 is the pinnacle of trail running events in Australia. Runners follow a spectacular but merciless course, with 4,500m elevation gain, and have to pass a series of cut-off times in order to proceed to the next stage and complete the event.

With a 2009 race record of 10 hours, 22 minutes and 51 seconds held by Blue Mountains local Andrew Lee, talk of a sub-10hr race record in 2010 is spreading. Is 2010 the year? A number of such candidates are confirmed starters, and are currently training body and mind. These include 2009 winner Andrew Lee, number two Tim Cochrane, as well as Ben Artup, current race record holder of the Six Foot Track Marathon.

In the women’s field, 2009 winner Julie Quinn is confirmed to defend her title of fastest women. With rumors heard of a number of other elite female runners looking to challenge her position, could The North Face 100 see two women in the top 10 this year?

For those not quite ready for the total 100km experience, the Marathon Pairs option offers teams of 2 the possibility to relay the distance at mid-course, each completing 50km. But with only 23 spots left, hurry up to enter if you haven’t already!

Now is the time to lace-up and prepare to tackle The North Face 100. Are you tough enough? Endurance comes in all distances. Find yours in The North Face 100.

Register for the race on www.thenorthface.com.au
Entry fee: $215 for a solo runner, $150/person for teams of 2 (relay option)

About The North Face 100®:
The North Face 100 has become one of the most talked about endurance events in the Southern hemisphere. The North Face 100 Asia series is continuing to promote the true spirit of exploration in 2010. You are invited to take on the challenge in our races staged in China, Australia, Philippines, Japan and Singapore.