Mount Misery

This is an area of abundant wildlife, including the famous Eddie the Emu.

Sunday 6 July, 2025

Race description

Get ready for some epic trail near Cudlee Creek, through beautiful bushland and over decent hills.

As you’re hauling your way up the “Gongshow” – so named by previous race director Claire Simms – be secure in knowing that you are on a character-building, proper climb!

Leave only your footprints on the traditional lands of the Kaurna and Peramangk peoples, and don’t forget to take in the amazing views at the top of Mt Misery.

The tracks are mainly fire trails, with some single tracks as well.

There is no certainty about your finish time – this event will truly test and delight you – but we can guarantee the adventure.

Mount Misery is situated in the Cudlee Creek Forest Reserve in the Mount Lofty Ranges around 45 minutes drive from Adelaide. It is accessed via the Fox Creek Bike Park on Croft Road near Anderson Hill Winery.

Note: The elevation on these courses is real. Competitors should choose their adventure carefully.

Race features

  • Breathtaking views
  • Creek crossings
  • Medals for all placegetters
  • Drink stations and nutrition
  • World-famous brownies
  • Member-only random draw

UTMB® Index and ITRA events

Index-20K

The long course 24 km event is a UTMB® Index race and ITRA National Challenge event.

The 24 km distance will attract 1 ITRA point. The shorter distances will collect 0 points.

Find out more.

Quick links

Distances and maps

Long – 24 km – 1,226 M elevation – Map
Medium – 15 km – 841 M elevation –  Map
Short – 8 km – 368 M elevation – Map
Kids’ 1.5 km

** Routes and maps for this event to be confirmed.

Members' super special

On sale from Noon 1 June until 11.59pm on 4 June.

Only open to members who have taken part in the TRSA Kuitpo Forest event.
  • 8km - $25
  • 15km - $30
  • 24km - $35

Early bird

All distances
Until 11.59pm on Sunday 15 June
  • MEMBERS
  • 8km - $30
  • 15km - $35
  • 24km - $40
  • NON-MEMBERS
  • 8km - $40
  • 15km - $45
  • 24km - $50

Standard

All distances
Until 5.00pm on Thursday 3 July
  • MEMBERS
  • 8km - $35
  • 15km - $40
  • 24km - $45
  • NON-MEMBERS
  • 8km - $45
  • 15km - $50
  • 24km - $55

Members’ super special 

Emails containing a discount code for members are normally sent out within 24-hours of the previous event. Please check your junk folder if you can’t see an email from us. We are unable to extend the discount period so get in touch with us quickly if you still can’t find your code.

Kids entry fees

Kids U15 are charged at 50% of standard entry fees.

Name on bib

Want your name on your bib? You must enter by 5.00 pm Thursday 19 June.

Your entry fees cover:

  • Winners’ trophies
  • Electronic timing
  • First aid attendants on course and at finish area
  • A variety of food and hydration at drink stations and finish area
  • Free photography and videography
  • All fees and costs associated with the event

Insurance

It is up to you to ensure that you have adequate insurance in place should you suffer a medical episode or emergency. Personal insurance is not covered by your entry fees. Read our insurance information.

Entry fees and closing dates

You must enter by the final closing time on Thursday 3 July at 5pm

We do not accept late entries for our events.

Start times

24 km run: 7.30 am

15 km run: 8.00 am

8 km run/walk: 8.45 am

Changing your distance

You can change your distance yourself anytime, up to 5.00 pm on the Thursday before the event. If you still want your name printed on your bib, you must change it by 20 June 2024

Cancelling your entry

If you need to cancel, please complete the form by registration final closing time.

Note: we cannot process transfers from one On-The-Trails event to another – please cancel and then book the preferred event.

Course closure

All runners/walkers must cross the finish line by 11:30 am or receive a DNF. The following paces apply:

  • 24 km runners: 10:09 mins/km
  • 15 km runners: 13:46 mins/km
  • 8 km runners/walkers: 21:06 mins/km

 

Cut-offs

MEDIUM & LONG course runners must reach the Mt Misery divergence by 10.40 am.

LONG course runners must reach the Long Loop divergence by 11.00 am.

Cutoff times will be strictly enforced.

View our policy and methodology for determining course closures and cutoffs.

Walkers

Welcome! You may take part in the 8 km event only. This is to ensure you are back safely and accounted for by our course closure time.

Race information

Recommended gear

Mandatory:

  • We are cup-free. You must bring your own hydration vessel
  • Mobile phone

Highly recommended:

  • Basic first aid supplies eg thermal blanket, elastic bandage, band aids/blister pack
  • Appropriate clothing for forecasted weather

Keep up to date

Bib pickup

Bib numbers are normally assigned 2-days prior to an event.

All bibs must be picked up from the rego area at Mount Misery on the morning of the event. Please allow enough time to collect your bib before your race.

Drink stations

Water and lollies will be at all stations.

DS 1/2 Stone Hut 

  • In – short, medium & long – 4.1 km
  • Out – medium 9.90 km, long 15.40 km.

DS 3 – short 6.40, medium 13.90 km, long 19.40 km.

Timing procedures

Course marking

Learn about our course marking and what to look out for.

Car parking

Car pooling is essential.

Our permit and parking arrangements have changed this year.

  • There is no TRSA parking in the Fox Creek Bike Park Upper Car Park on Croft Road.
  • Dry weather parking will be available on the roadway within the reserve (enter via gate on Fox Creek Mountain Bike Carpark on Croft Road).
  • Wet weather parking restrictions will apply. To restrict vehicle numbers, entrance into the reserve will only be available for full cars. If you have not carpooled you will be diverted to the Fox Creek Lower Bike Park on Fox Creek Road where you will need to pick up a full load of passengers before being given access to the reserve roadside parking area.
  • We are investigating shuttle buses from the lower car park, but it will involve an additional cost. 

 

More instructions (ie when we know the weather conditions) will be provided closer to the event.

The best option is to organise car pooling early. Please allow plenty of time to arrive for your event, especially given the possibility of diversion to the lower carpark. 

Race photos and video

Photos and our amazing videos are uploaded to our Facebook page shortly after each event.

At the race

Race briefing

All the important race day information.

Results

Preliminary results are available shortly after you’ve crossed the finish line.

Junior mountaineers run

Sign up your youngster for our short cross country run.

Time: approximately 10.30-11.00am
Cost: Free
How: Go to the registration tent on the day, sign-up and get a great kid’s bib.
Distance: 1-1.5 km
Where: Close to the finish line.

A TRSA committee member or delegate will lead the junior mountaineers along the run. We will also have a tail runner in place. However we prefer that all kids are accompanied by an adult.

Kids' event

A range of TRSA merchandise is available. Visit our shop.

Our supporter ioMerino has a range of 2024 On the Trails merchandise. Head to the ioMerino website.

Merchandise

Placegetters for each event will receive a medal. Medal presentations will be shortly after the arrival of the final 3rd placed male & female runner in each event.

The members-only random draw will take place at approximately 11.00 am You must be present or still on-course to receive your prize.

Prizes and random draw

We are a 100% volunteer-led club. Show your support – volunteer and be part of the fun!

Put up your hand and we’ll be in touch.

Volunteering

Join our Trail Running SA Lounge on Facebook and ask the trail community your question.

Contact one of our volunteers if you still can’t find the answer to your question.

Key contacts

  • Race Director: Belinda Richardson
  • Assistant Race Director: Carlos Isaza
  • Referee: Michael Tagell

The fine print

In order to enter a Trail Running SA event you must agree to the Trail Running SA Conditions of Entry.

Got a question?