Key Dates for 2023
Earlybird Entries Open
24 March 2023
Standard Entries Open
14 July 2023
Late Entries Open
29 September 2023
All Entries Close
13 October 2023
Race Date
28 October 2023 (10K, 50M, 100K & 100M)
29 October 2023 (30K & 50K)
10K
Early Bird $40 Until 14 Jul
Standard $50 Until 29 Sep
Late Entry $60 Until 13 Oct
Total Ascent 329m
Total Descent 329m
Actual Distance 9.6km
Cut Off 4h
30K
Early Bird $80 Until 14 Jul
Standard $100 Until 29 Sep
Late Entry $120 Until 13 Oct
Total Ascent 770m
Total Descent 770m
Actual Distance 29.2km
Cut Off 8h
UTMB/ITRA = 1 Point
50K
Early Bird $125 Until 14 Jul
Standard $150 Until 29 Sep
Late Entry $175 Until 13 Oct
Total Ascent 1,485m
Total Descent 1,485m
Actual Distance 50.3km
Cut Off 11h
UTMB/ITRA = 2 Points
50M
Early Bird $170 Until 14 Jul
Standard $200 Until 29 Sep
Late Entry $230 Until 13 Oct
Total Ascent 2,436m
Total Descent 2,436m
Actual Distance 80.0km
Cut Off 18h
UTMB/ITRA = 3 Points
100K
Early Bird $210 Until 14 Jul
Standard $250 Until 29 Sep
Late Entry $290 Until 13 Oct
Total Ascent 3,056m
Total Descent 3,056m
Actual Distance 101.4km
Cut Off 23h
UTMB/ITRA = 4 Points
100M
Early Bird $300 Until 14 Jul
Standard $350 Until 29 Sep
Late Entry $400 Until 13 Oct
Total Ascent 4,838m
Total Descent 4,838m
Actual Distance 161.9km
Cut Off 36h
UTMB/ITRA = 6 Points
GNW Ultra Background
The Great North Walk Ultras (GNW Ultras) event was first organized by the Terrigal Trotters running club in 2005. Initially, it consisted of two ultra-distance races - a 100 Mile and a 100 Kilometre – which followed much of the spectacular Great North Walk hiking trail that runs between Sydney and Newcastle. In 2018, popular 50 Mile and 50 Kilometre races were added to the program, and in 2022, a 25 Kilometre was included. For 2023, the 25 Kilometre race has been increased in distance to 30 Kilometres, and a 10 Kilometre "sprint" has been added.
Increasing traffic management restrictions meant that in 2019 the course was changed to ensure the GNW Ultras can continue into the future. The new courses, which remain a challenging test for any runner, all start and finish at the major event hub in Patonga and include parts of the GNW along with other trails in scenic Brisbane Water National Park.
GNW Race Countdown
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GNW ULTRA MARATHON PARTICIPATION WARNING
Despite its proximity to the populated Central Coast of New South Wales, the course passes through rugged and spectacular terrain and is a demanding challenge for all runners. Entrants need to cope with precipitous ascents and descents, muddy trails and creek crossings, slippery rocks and roots, and hard-to-follow trail. There are a number of sections where running is impossible.
IT IS EASY TO GET LOST OR INJURED ON THIS COURSE IF YOU DO NOT EXERCISE SUFFICIENT CARE AND/OR ARE ILL-PREPARED.
For the longer races (100M, 100K, 50M) there will be no marshals on the course and all runners will need to be capable navigators and prepared to travel at night in remote areas on difficult trail. They will also be required to carry certain equipment and must carry sufficient water to last them between checkpoints which can be up to 30 km apart. IT IS COMMON FOR RUNNERS TO WITHDRAW SUFFERING FROM DEHYDRATION.