Lamington Classic

Event Overview

The Lamington Classic is a trail run established in 1970, making it the oldest trail race in Australia. The event takes place on the Border Track within the World Heritage-listed rainforest of Lamington National Park in the Gold Coast Hinterland, connecting O'Reilly's Guest House (Green Mountain) and the Binna Burra resort.

Course Details

The route is a Class 4 walking track as per Australian Standards. This signifies a distinct track with signposted junctions, a rough surface with exposed roots and rocks, variable width, and likely muddy sections and steep grades. Hazards such as fallen trees and vines may be present.

The primary measured one-way distance is 21.3 km, confirmed using a 'steel wheel'. The event also offers a 42.195 km double-crossing option.

Schedule and Format

The event is held over a weekend. On Saturday, participants can choose between a 21.3 km crossing from O'Reilly's to Binna Burra and a 42.195 km double crossing starting at Binna Burra. On Sunday, a 21.3 km crossing from Binna Burra back to O'Reilly's is offered. Participants can register for single days or the back-to-back crossing.

Participant Requirements

For the 42.195 km event, there are specific qualifications: runners must have completed five 42.195 km road marathons or at least one "hostile" trail race of 30 km or longer. A compulsory three-minute stop is required at the O'Reilly's turn-around point for hydration. Runners in this event must start carrying at least one litre of fluid.

For the 21.3 km event, runners must have completed one road half-marathon (21.1 km). They must start carrying at least 600ml of fluid.

Safety and Logistics

The track's remote nature means medical evacuation, if required, could take several hours and may involve a stretcher carry due to dense tree canopy. Runners are expected to be self-sufficient regarding hydration between the two ends of the course. The event provides a water stop only at Binna Burra and Green Mountain (O'Reilly's). Participants are responsible for their logistics, including car placement between start and finish points over the weekend. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.