As regular visitor to the Victorian Alps each year, I had heard about the 4 peaks trail running event andhad been planning to do it for many years especially knowing it is an iconic with a great community feel trail running and hiking event in Australia, starting in 1979.
In the lead up to the event there was many reports about changed race courses due to logging and snow in the Vic Alps which unfortunately this was the case, but safety is of the highest priority.
The 4 peaks alpine climb event takes place over the Melbourne Cup long weekend, with a different peak to ascend/ descend each day with official distances ranging from 10km-15km each day.
Day 1 – Mystic Hill
Distance - 10km - 929m gain/descent
As informed in the lead up the Mystic Hill course was changed due logging of the local forest which almost double the original course elevation for the day. Mystic Hill is situated and overlooks the beautiful town of Bright.
The run was held in perfect sunny and mild conditions and followed mostly fire trails and unfortunately i tweaked my left calf on the first major descent when i lost footing underneath me. It was very tender for the rest of the run so decided to only run short section of the flats and hike the climbs.
As I found out the hard way some of the steep fire trails were very dangerous in perfect conditions like on the day we had and imagine it would be treacherous and possibly scary on a wet day!
The Mystic Hill course is the only day with start to finish in the same location of the 4 day trail running event.
Day 2 – Mt Feathertop
Distance - 10km - 1164m gain
The course for day 2’s ascent up to Mt Feathertop summit was shortened by 2km due to too much snow at the peak. The finish was revised to finish at Federation Hut. Mt Feathertop summit is the 2nd highest peak in the Victoria Alps at 1922 metres elevation.
The race started at Tavare Park in Harrietville and followed the Bungalow Spur walking track and is a continuous gradual climb to finish line at Federation hut. There was an eerie feeling as the fog and weather closed in around us as we hiked through the snow gums. It could have been a scene out of the film, Sleepy Hollow.
As we arrived at the finish line it started to rain and visibility was poor. I heard about 10 minutes later the sky cleared and you could see view of Mt Feathertop Summit under snow.
A good thing to note about this day is there is no transport access (at federation hut or usual finish at Mt Feathertop summit) to finish area so be prepared you need to descend back to the start, adding an extra 10km (or 12km) for the day!
Day 3 – Mt Hotham
Distance - 15km - 1288m elevation gain
The expected forecast for day was possible snow shower with a minimum -7 degrees celsius to maximum of 2 degrees.
The race started at Tavare Park in Harrietville and followed the Bon Accord Spur track with a river crossing at Washington creek challenging as the bridge had been washed away by flooding. However, the race organisers kindly arranged for rope to assist with crossing the river.
It was very tough and slow going climbing up the wall on the Bon Accord Spur especially in the last 2km with a 450m + elevation gain to reach the Razorback and finish at Dimmatina hut. The view and experience of running in the snow was breathtaking. It was unbelievable experience to see the snow especially at the end of October. The snow was very soft almost fluffy like in your hand.
The bus even experienced the tough conditions as it couldnt make it up to the finishing area to pick up the race participants, so after finishing we needed to descent 1km down the road to meet the bus but we were fortunately greeted by a heated tent with hot tea, fresh fruit and fruit cake which hit the spot!
It was minus 4 degrees when we finished.
Day 4 -Mt Buffalo
Distance - 10km - 1014m elevation gain
The forth and final day started at Eurobin Creek picnic ground at the base of Mt Buffalo. The trail goes straight up with a steep first 2kms along the track known as ‘The Big Walk’.
It then becomes a more gradual climb up to the start of the granite rocks which Mt buffalo is famous for, just after waving to my sister who I could see on the road below I had a nasty fall on the wet and slippery moss rock face and landed heavily on my hand, elbow and hip. It especially hurt my elbow which took most of the weight of my fall. I had to cradle my arm for the next few mins as I recovered, adrenaline was definitely pumping now.
I took it easy for the next section especially some more slippery rocks ahead. I felt much better as I cleared the rock section and started to reach the plateau and circumnavigate the top of Mt Buffalo around the famous chalet (which is unfortunately no longer open) and you climb the stairs and finish right in front of chalet. Sidenote - I remember enjoying hot chocolates in the chalet as a teenager after doing this hike many years ago in torrential rain.
The 4 Peaks was a well organised and fun trail running or hiking event, a great way to enjoy Melbourne Cup long weekend. I definitely plan on coming back to run this event again the future.
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