Mount Bold 2025 race briefing

Sunday 12 October, 2025

Welcome runners!

On behalf of the TRSA committee, we welcome you to our trail championship and fifth and final event of the 2025 On The Trails series.

If you ran this event last year, all courses except the short course have changed slightly. Please ensure you download the correct maps from the event page. And yes, that nasty incline near the start hasn’t gone away!

You are one of around 475 adventurous souls who have registered for the start line. We wish you a successful event and hope to see you at Anvers Winery after the event for some post race recovery.

Critical safety information

Mandatory gear

Hydration vessel – we are a cup free event. You MUST carry your own drinking flask or cup.

Mobile phone – please carry a phone and save our emergency number to your phone: 0491 017 636 (also on the back of your race bib).

Emergency Plus app

All runners should download the Emergency Plus app onto their mobile phones. This app will dial 000 for you at the tap of a button and provide you with a GPS location and address to give the operator.

Emergency details on the back of your bib

If you’ve entered after the “name on bib” cut-off date and your name does not appear on your bib, please use the textas provided at the registration area to clearly write your name and your emergency contact person’s phone number on the back of your bib. This is for YOUR safety and could be very important in the event of a medical emergency.

Highly recommended gear

  • Basic first aid supplies eg thermal blanket, elastic bandage, band aids/blister pack.

  • Appropriate layers and/or a rain jacket (depending on weather forecast).

Caution

Dangerous track – all courses ascend and descend a steep and in some places slippery hill near the start/finish areas so please TAKE EXTRA CARE ON THIS SECTION for your own and other’s safety.

Snakes – be aware of snakes on course. At this time of day they will be trying to warm up – sometimes on the trails. Snakes will try to avoid you if they can – give them the space to do so. We recommend that all runners carry snake bite bandages.

Withdrawals on the day

If you make the tough decision to pull out during your run, you MUST inform us immediately by calling or texting the safety phone number on the back of your bib. It is critical that you do this – lost competitors will result in us enacting our search and rescue protocols.

Helping injured or ill runners in remote areas

WARNING: Mount Bold has areas of poor phone reception and areas that are difficult to access by vehicle. If you come across a person who needs help, please stop and assist them.

For urgent medical assistance:

  1. dial 000 (or use the Emergency Plus app).
  2. then call the safety number on the back of your bib.


For non-urgent medical assistance call the safety number on the back of your bib, approach the nearest drink station or inform a race marshal.

If you can’t get phone reception, you may need to send another runner to higher ground.

There are first aid kits at all drink stations.

** Insurance **

A reminder that your personal insurance is not covered by your entry fees. It is up to you to ensure that you have adequate insurance in place should you suffer a medical episode or emergency.

Event details and start times

Starting from WedgeTail Track on the western boundary of Mount Bold Reservoir Reserve, this race has it all with beautiful surroundings, breathtaking views of the dam, and an abundance of wildlife. Take a moment to take it in as you traverse the trails in the reserve, and if you are doing the longer distances into Kuitpo Forest and Jupiter Creek.

Please:

  • familiarise yourself with your course and download the updated maps from our website

  • know the location of our drink stations.

The start and finish of the event is located inside Mt Bold Reservoir Reserve, Mt Bold Road, Kangarilla.

  • Extra Long course: Start time 7:00am

  • Long course: Start time 8:00am

  • Medium course: Start time 8:30am

  • Short course: Start time 9:00am

  • Junior mountaineers (kids run): Approximately 10:30am but listen out for announcements

Parking will be on a clearing alongside Mount Bold Road, accessed by Gate 84, 200m north of the sharp left-hand turn on Mount Bold Road.

Where possible please CAR POOL to help make this a smooth event. In the unlikely event that the parking area fills up, you will be redirected, which may result in a slightly longer walk to the start line. Keep this in mind if arriving later in the morning.

We HIGHLY recommend you access Mount Bold Road either via Clarendon or Kangarilla, as traveling along Razorback Road is narrow and winding. It should be avoided if possible.

There will be TRSA flags on the corner of Kangarilla and Mount Bold Roads to help with directions.

When you arrive at the parking area, you will be directed by volunteer car parking marshals. Please follow their instructions and keep in mind that they have offered their time to help our event, so make them feel the love out there.

The strong message from our SA Water friends is to use the toilets NOT the nature reserve! Cooperating with requirements like this means that we can keep coming back.

Check the entry list to make sure you are entered in the correct event and start time. If it is wrong, please see the Registration Manager on the day at least 20 mins before start time. Do not email or message us on Facebook.

We have a self-service bib pick-up system:

  1. Check your bib number from either the link below (normally live Friday pm before the event) or on the boards near the registration area. HINT: take a photo if you aren’t great at remembering numbers or are collecting multiple bibs.

  2. Enter the correct bib line (short, medium, long and extra long).

  3. Get your bib from the baskets (self-service).

  4. If you can’t find your bib, then ask the rego team for help.

Allow at least 30 minutes prior to start time.

Your bib must be worn in front of you at around waist height. It should be visible at all times and unobstructed as you travel over the start, finish and timing points to ensure accurate timing. HINT: don’t cover your bib with your hands as you race to check your watch the moment you cross the finish line!

The courses will be well marked but you should download the GPX files from the website.

Markings to look out for:

  • Red arrows are used to indicate a turn or reinforce the course direction.

  • Red-and-white ribbons 200-400m apart confirm that you’re on the right track.

  • Wrong way signs where needed.

  • There are various locations where courses converge or diverge.

A reminder that we will be strictly enforcing cut-offs at this event. 

Long and extra long runners must pass Marshall 3 by 10:50am. This is as you return into SA Water land after you cross Razorback Road. Late runners will be asked to stop by a committee member and transported back to the start/finish area.
 
All runners must comply with the second cut off, adjacent to the Razorback Road carpark.
  • Short course competitors who fail to reach this point by 11:40 am will be asked to stop.
  • All other distances will have until 11:50 am to pass this point.
All stopped competitors will be transported back to the start/finish area by a committee member.

Pace:

  • Extra Long course runners: 8:28 mins/km

  • Long course runners: 9:39 mins/km

  • Medium course runners: 11.08 mins/km

  • Short course runners/walkers: 17:16 mins/km

Sweepers will start each event 5-minutes behind the official start time. They will aim to finish the course at the cut-off time or behind the last competitor (whichever is earlier).

Sweepers are an important safety measure to ensure that all runners/walkers are accounted for. They can also provide limited assistance* and advice to runners on the course.

*Sweepers are instructed to contact the safety phone if they encounter anyone in distress.

We have around 30 wonderful volunteers plus committee members helping us out over the weekend, many of whom are then going on to run as well. Without them, this race would be impossible. Say thanks and show your appreciation!

Trained first aid personnel will be stationed at the start/finish line. If you require medical assistance, approach the nearest aid station, call the safety number on the back of your bib or inform a race marshal. If you require urgent medical assistance use the Emergency Plus app or dial 000.

You may leave your personal bags at our bag drop area at your own risk. We do not supervise bags.

Your clean shoes are part of our social obligation to help stop the spread of weeds in bushland, so please make sure they are soil and debris-free before you arrive at the event.

After your race

Your results are available immediately after you complete your race. Check out the live scoring.

Presentations are normally held at 11am at the start/finish area. In the event of inclement weather, this may be brought forward.

Who doesn’t love winning prizes? Our supporters have generously donated some fantastic trail running gear and vouchers for the TRSA Members’ random prize draw which will follow the presentations.

You must be present at the random draw or still on course to claim your prize.

If you’ve forgotten to sign up for membership this year, make sure you get onto it next year.

After crossing the finishing line, hang around and enjoy the post-race refreshments. We’ll provide the usual assortment plus Nomad Runner Snack and John from The Coffee Run will provide drinks and snacks.

Our fantastic supporters will be on site at the event with trail running gear to buy and try, so be sure to head over for a shop and a chat after your event. They’ve also donated prizes for the random draw, so don’t forget to say thanks. See who supports trail runners.

Lunch special at Anvers Wines

Sponsor Anvers Wines has come up with a great deal for a post run lunch.

  • Margherita
    Sugo, Parmigiano, basil, fior de latte, evoo
  • The Aussie
    Sugo, Parmigiano, Leg ham, pineapple
  • Salami
    Sugo, mild salami, hot honey
  • Veggie delight
    Sugo, basil, zucchini, eggplant, capsicum, mushroom, olives, oregano


To ensure speedy service, please pre-select your pizzas and order them in the notes category of the bookings system, along with any dietary requirements. Make sure you click “TRSA Post Run Lunch”.

This is a casual out door area with scattered tables, picnic blankets and bean bags. Come as you are and enjoy a well deserved rest.

Good luck

Wishing you all the best for a memorable and successful race day. Lace up your shoes, set your sights on the finish line, and let the journey begin!

Best regards, TRSA Committee