12.05.2023 | Pilliga Ultra registrations are now open
May 12, 2023 1:01 am
We protect what we love
FRIDAY 12.05.2023.
Good morning running enthusiasts and nature lovers.
It has been absolutely epic weather here in Sydney. My cat and I have really enjoyed sitting out in the sun whilst working from home. There’s also a lot going on amongst the FWP crew - Julie and her partner Bruce are currently exploring the ‘heavenly’ trails of Europe, Paige is entering uni semester finals (and continuing to post epic food pics to her IG stories), I purchased my ticket to Melbourne to join the FWP crew at CAMP FWP in June and Hilary spent the weekend plogging along the trails of Grampians/Gariwerd National Park.
Julie and Bruce almost summiting Pico Mountain, but were forced to descent when the weather decided to radically change. 📷 Julie Steele.
We'd also like to shout out FWP volunteer, Lara Hamilton, who crossed the UTA22 finish line as first female. Huge congratulations - what a race. We hope you had the most incredible time out there, soaking up the atmosphere, sun and race energy.
This week’s newsletter is all about the Pilliga Ultra. We’re officially opening registrations, and are stoked to be offering an early-bird discount until 1 June. I’m also really proud to be part of an organisation that is seeking to make the event truly inclusive - the event will have male, female and non-binary categories (we’re in the process of consulting with people to determine the correct naming of the non-binary category), we’re offering special programming for people from underrepresented groups and continuing to offer free registration for First Nations People. We’re also making the event cis female friendly - yep, that includes sanitary products at aid stations (we got you ladies).
Below you’ll find info on what it’s really like to run to save a wild place, the significance of the Pilliga Forest, info on entry fees, what last year’s participants have to say about the event and how to volunteer.
PILLIGA ULTRA 2023
We are thrilled to officially open registrations for the Pilliga Ultra - an epic trail race through one of Australia's most stunning natural areas. This challenging event will take place on Gomeroi/Gamilaraay country on Saturday 9th September 2023 and will provide an unforgettable experience (we promise)!
The Pilliga Ultra is not only a unique opportunity to explore the beautiful wilderness of the Pilliga Forest, located in Central West NSW. It’s also an opportunity to support the local communities’ advocacy against Santos and its harmful practices. The funds raised will help protect the forest, its inhabitants, and the future of the surrounding communities. You’ll be part of a movement of people who care deeply about the environment and its future, dedicated to preserving it for generations to come.
With three distances available (6km, 20km and 50km), plus Kids race, the event is open to runners of all levels - from experienced ultra-runners to those looking for a new challenge. It’s also a family occasion - no need for babysitters or dog-sitters, we want you to bring them along. The more the merrier!
The significance of the Pilliga Forest
The Pilliga is the largest inland forest in eastern Australia. It’s a biodiversity hotspot—home to at least 300 native animal species and more than 900 plant species. It’s sacred to the Gomeroi/Gamilaraay people, and rich in cultural sites. Underneath its rare eucalypt forests lie recharge zones for the Great Artesian Basin—one of the largest groundwater sources in the world.
But fossil fuel giant Santos plans to drill 850 coal seam gas wells into the ancient landscape of the Pilliga Forest. Despite widespread community opposition. Despite the risks.
Entry fee info
Early bird entries are available until Thursday 1 June, and are as follows:
PU6: $70
PU20: $170
PU50: $240
Discounts are also available for FWP Members and AURA Members.
Got to love an "out of the boot" aid station.
What you can expect
Well, why not hear from some runners at last year’s event:
“Being family owned and run by a close-knit group of artists, Pilliga Pottery provided an ideal welcoming atmosphere for this inaugural event. Maria and her staff went out of their way to meet the needs of all the runners and their supporters. They provided us with hearty meals and spaces to stay dry despite the often-torrential rain. By offering a variety of accommodation types, homemade food at the café and places for runners to chat, Pilliga Pottery created a warm community feel, with fabulous opportunities for runners and their families to interact before, during and after the run. There were also plenty of activities for non-runners, including kids, such as feeding farm animals, pottery classes and bushwalking, making this a truly family experience”
- Julie Steele, on what the general atmosphere was like at Pilliga Pottery
“It was breathtaking. Sure, the running might have been contributing there but we reckon it was being amongst the undulating hills, narrow gorges, eucalypts, lichen, rock formations, grasslands, and birdsong. It reminded ourselves of the overwhelming importance of these forests, as a carbon sink, as key biodiversity habitat and as a place for future generations to get to know too. We were a bit patchy with the training for this one so whenever we felt the pain, hearing Majell's voice, we looked at the surrounding nature and were spurred to continue; left foot, right foot.”
- Russel and Gareth, on what it was like running through the Pilliga
“The Pilliga forest is stunning and made for some challenging and technical running. There were so many great lookouts and running for that distance on those trails really allowed us to get a proper taste of what the Pilliga is like and how diverse it is as well as giving some context to just how big it is.”
- Damon, on what it was like running through the Pilliga
“The determination, dedication and efforts put forward by the locals and surrounding land Gomeroi Traditional Owners fighting to keep Santos off the Pilliga (Narrabri) is admirable. The immense connection to the land, combined with how the Women of Gomeroi Govern the water systems and it is their job to protect the sacred water and country makes you want to fight even harder. It's sometimes hard to comprehend the beauty of the place via photos, but when you arrive and begin to explore the vast landscape, then is when you truly understand the magnitude of space and its importance.”
- Alexandra (runner and volunteer), on key takeaways from the Pilliga Ultra event
If you're keen to experience the warmth and community of Pilliga Pottery, the breathtaking scenery, challenging and technical running and the determination and dedication of the efforts of locals, then we hope we see you there.
I’m not a runner, but I’d like to volunteer
Oh, incredible! We need people like you. We’d love you to volunteer. In fact, volunteers bring the event to life. If you’re interested in volunteering, reach out to Karin our Volunteer Coordinator at karin@forwildplaces.com for more details.
PILLIGA ULTRA ORGANISING CREW
Hilary McAllister
Event Manager
It's super exciting to be back for year 2 of Pilliga Ultra! Last year was the culmination of months and months of work alongside the wonderful team at The Wilderness Society. After multiple postponements, it was amazing to finally all come together in the Pilliga. This year, it is exciting for FWP to be pushing ahead with the event solo, as the campaign priorities of The Wilderness Society shift to focus on other wild places needing their advocacy and attention. I am thrilled to be going into 2023 alongside an experienced and excited group of women, to make this year's event bigger, better and more impactful than ever!
Karin Traeger
Volunteer Coordinator
Lauren Beels
Race Director
I have been involved in trail events now for a few years but Pilliga Ultra 2023 will be my first time stepping into the Race Director role. I am thrilled to be working with this awesome team of powerhouse women putting together something so special. Pilliga Ultra is like no other event with its focus on compassion, community and Country. I hope your fundraising goes well and I can’t wait to see you in the start line in September.
Elanor Finch
Assistant Race Director
I’m absolutely stoked to be part of the Pilliga Ultra for the second year in a row - this time in a different capacity. I’ve participated in a number of trail and cycling events, but nothing stands out quite as much as PU. To use running to address something bigger than my own self expression is phenomenal, and an opportunity that is very unique to FWP. I’m excited to work with a team of incredible women, to bring a truly inclusive event to you all.
NEXT WEEK
In next week's newsletter, we're linking you to some small businesses that are doing good for this planet. Stay tuned.
And as always, thank you for taking the time for wild places.
Elanor (she/her) & the For Wild Places team
UPCOMING EVENTS
13/05 TRACTION: Yarra River | RSVP
18/05 Trail Chat #13: Melissa Robertson | RSVP
01/06 Camp FWP: Mt Hotham | Register
03/06 TRACTION: Plenty River | RSVP
15/06 Trail Chat #14: Jake Fedorowski | RSVP
17/06 TRACTION: Darebin Creek | RSVP
We acknowledge the the First Nations people who have been custodians of land, waters and culture for tens of thousands of years. We pay respects to First Nations Elders past, present and emerging.
This email was compiled on Darug nation lands. To these people, we pay our respects.
Always was, always will be.
