Ultra-marathon finishes at Patonga

Umina resident Greg Brown joined more than 70 runners from across Australia to compete in the Great North Walk 100s trail ultra-marathon held on November 8 and 9.

The runners set out from Teralba on Lake Macquarie on November 8 to run either 100 miles to Patonga or 100 kilometres to Yarramalong in The Great North Walk 100s trail ultramarathon organised by Terrigal Trotters.

The route followed the Great North Walk trail and included precipitous climbs and descents, navigational challenges and difficult trails through the Central Coast hinterland.

Runners from as far as Hungary, Canada and New Zealand also participated in the ultra-marathon.

Race coordinator Mr Dave Byrnes said, since its beginning in 1995, the Great North Walk 100s has become known as Australia's "toughest" trail ultramarathon.

"Of the 76 starters, 28 made it all the way to Patonga within the 36-hour time limit and another 26 runners made it to the 100 kilometre finish at Yarramalong," Mr Byrnes said.

"Notably, all eight women who started in the 100 mile event (actually 175km) completed the event.

"The overall winner of the 100 mile event was Joel Mackay from Sydney in the time of 26 hours and 31 minutes.

"He was followed 25 minutes later by Sydney fireman Wayne Gregory.

"Having fallen early in the race, cracking several ribs and cutting his hand so badly that he was eventually hospitalised for six days, Wayne continued running for another 20 hours for his valiant second place.

"He is now the only runner to have completed the 100 mile event in all four years that it has been held.

"The first woman, Rachel Waugh of Brisbane, was in fourth place overall in 27 hours and 47 minutes, just one minute behind third place and one minute behind the women's record.

"Local runner Greg Brown of Umina Beach had an outstanding run in his first ultramarathon, completing the 100 kilometre event in 20 hours and 53 minutes.

"He was one of six members of the Terrigal Trotters running club to start in the event."

Clare Graham, 4 Dec 2008 Interviewee: Dave Byrnes, Terrigal Trotters