The Lonely Mountain Ultra - Orange's first trail running festival
The stage is set for the Lonely Mountain Ultra – the newest addition to the Australian ultra-running scene for 2022 scheduled for the 15th and 16th of October.
Held on Orange’s iconic Mount Canobolas, this inspiring event will challenge runners of all levels in 11K, 22K and 30K trail runs, and ultra-marathons of 50K, 50M and 100K, as well as events just for kids. Runners will experience a dramatic course through the heart of the Canobolas State Forest, taking in fire trails, woodlands and open pasture, climbing to nearly 1,400 metres with breathtaking views over the NSW Central West.
Mount Canobolas
Lonely Mountain Ultra’s location is what sets it apart. Mount Canobolas sits at an elevation of 1,397m above sea level. With forest trails, mountain ascents and waterfalls, it’s a truly unique trail running location. Several of the races include ascents to the summit area of Mount Canobolas with dramatic downhill return runs back to the event village along Mitchells Way. The event village is set in the foothills of the mountain, adding to the local flavour. In addition to the start and finish area, the event village will offer camping for participants, two kids races and a full race festival experience.
The mountain itself is an extinct volcano providing rich volcanic soil for the region’s cool-climate wine and other produce. Mount Canobolas is significant to the Wiradjuri people, the indigenous people of the area, the summit provides a fantastic 360-degree view of Orange and surrounds. Now a state conservation area, the mountain is widely used for birdwatching, hiking, bush walks and cycling.
October in Orange
More than half of our Lonely Mountain runners will be visitors from elsewhere in NSW and beyond. Holding a race event near Orange makes for an ideal getaway weekend. Less than four hours from Sydney, Orange is a thriving country town as rich in heritage as it is in award-winning restaurants, boutique shops, magnificent gardens and bustling markets. Famed for its rich produce-yielding soils, cool climate wines and spectacular scenery, this gateway to Country NSW is a perfect setting for race weekend and will keep you coming back!
Orange is colloquially known as the colour city, and Spring is when these colours are on full display! The golden canola fields, the pink cherry blossoms, and the rich green grass creating a stunning patchwork of vibrant colour across our region. October is also officially Wine Month in the region, with the Orange Wine Festival taking place providing a range of events at local cellar doors and restaurants. The weather is generally moderate with a high of 18 degrees and a low of 7, with occasional rain.
After you’ve finished the Lonely Mountain Ultra race, why not visit one of our 30+ Cellar Doors, fuel up on regionally sourced seasonal produce at one of our Restaurants and Café’s, learn more about the area’s history on a self-guided Heritage Trail or indulge in some retail therapy at a local boutique.
To learn more about the race and register head to The Lonely Mountain Ultra Website, registrations close on October 13th or when the race capacity is reached.