SUNDAY 4 AUGUST 2024
SILVAN EVENT PROGRAM: we strongly encourage all event attendees to read the Event Program which explains the HANDICAP START PROCESS, event schedule, parking information and course details. READ IT HERE.
Escape to the mountains and the dense rainforests of The Dandenongs for some real fresh air and freedom.
The Silvan area of the Dandenongs is quite simply a magnificent part of the world – and this race is often the highlight of the series for many runners (despite being the hardest!).
You’ll run through mighty Mountain Ash forests that reach to the sky, you’ll run past lush tree ferns and gullies of verdant undergrowth all in the friendly company of the local birdlife, including crimson rosellas, kookaburras and the superb lyrebird.
Conducted in the HANDICAP FORMAT this will be a highlight race of the series.
WHERE: The Silvan Reservoir Park, Dandenong Ranges
DISTANCES:
- Long Course: 22km
- Medium Course: 15km
- Short Course: 7.5km
FORMAT: After the incredible success of last year’s race, the series finale at Silvan will again be conducted in a handicap format where all runners start at different times (according to your speed) so that we all FINISH AT THE SAME TIME for a real post-run celebration!
WHY?: Standard races mean we all start together but finish all spread apart and disparate – well we’re turning that on its head at Silvan because we want to finish The Series all together, with all runners descending on the finish line in unison as a true celebration of trail.
HOW: Basically slower runners start in earlier wave starts and faster runners start in later wave starts – then we all run as normal and enjoy the trails and we all slowly catch each other and (ideally) cross the line together!
EXPLANATION – click here for a clear explanation of how the handicap starts work. (It is easy and its fun).
I love being on the trails. The series is a great way to run safely and enjoy the beauty of new trails and places I have not seen before. – Nicky
Spectator info
The start / finish area at The Silvan Reservoir takes place in a beautiful parkland at the base of the reservoir dam wall. This large flat area of verdant green grass is flanked by a mixture of eucalypt and deciduous trees that provides a perfect event HQ for everyone.
NOTE: The Silvan Reservoir Park is currently closed to the public (as the toilets are out of order) but will be OPEN for the event (primarily because we are bringing toilets with us).
Things to see and do for spectators:
- There is a playground for kids, permanent toilets and large sealed car parking areas providing good facilities for families.
- There are a range of short and long walking tracks that start and finish from the reservoir park – such as the Stonyford Creek Nature Trail, Messmate Walking track and Grey Gun walking track
- Check out the Parks Victoria visitor guide for maps and further information
Otherwise, hang out at the Event Expo where the finish line is and give everyone a well-deserved cheer as they come through at the end.
About Silvan
The Silvan reservoir was built in 1932 as a water storage for Melbourne and today receives water from the Thomson, Upper Yarra and O’Shannassy Reservoirs, transferring water all over Melbourne. The wall is a large feature of the area and measures 43m high and 644m long and is a spectacle in itself.
Although much of the native vegetation was cleared during the construction of the reservoir, there is still a diversity of native fauna to be found in the park that includes a range of waterbirds, spoonbills, robins, cockatoos and rosellas.
The Dandenong Ranges are a treasure trove of picturesque townships, café’s, bakeries, forest trails and fresh air that make it all the more worth the travel to get to Race 3 for runners and spectators alike. I’m sure you’ll like it here!
Visit the Dandenong Ranges National Parks page on the Parks Vic website for more ideas on what to see and do in Silvan and surrounds.
