CBR 100 Challenge: gear up!

Posted on 21 February, 2015

We’re getting to the pointy end when it comes to the CBR 100 Challenge. With just one month to go, it’s time to get serious about your training and nutrition, and to turn your mind to gearing up.

We spoke to Long Distance Trail Runner, Tom Brazier, to find out what you need to be doing at this stage of your preparation – and what you’ll need to pack for the event, which will see runners and walkers exploring Canberra’s Centenary Trail.

Mandatory Gear

Mandatory gear must be carried on each team member at all times during the event. It has been developed as a list of minimum requirements to keep you safe out on course, but it’s by no means the full list of gear you may wish to carry.

Mandatory gear will be checked at the event registration and may also be checked by volunteers out on course. Participants that are missing mandatory gear will be issued with a time penalty, or in bad weather situations may not be able to complete the course.

100km Walk and Run

• 1 x waterproof and breathable jacket – recommend a waterproof rating of 20,000 (MUST BE CARRIED FROM 5PM ONWARDS)
• 1 x beanie, balaclava or buff (MUST BE CARRIED FROM 5PM ONWARDS)
• 1 x high visibility safety vest
• 1 x headlamp – please test your headlamp on bush tracks prior to the event (MUST BE CARRIED FROM 5PM ONWARDS)
• 1 x mobile phone (per team/soloist) on the Telstra network
• 1 x emergency space blanket or bivvy sack (per team/soloist)
• First aid kit (AT LEAST 1 PER TEAM) containing:
  • 1x crepe/stretching bandage (min 7.5cm x min 2.3m un stretched).
  • 1x triangular bandage
  • 2x sterile dressing
  • Roll of strapping tape
• Water bottles / bladder – recommend that you carry at least 2L of water on you
• 1 x zip lock bag for your rubbish

50km Walk and Run

• 1 x waterproof and breathable jacket – recommend a waterproof rating of 20,000 (MUST BE CARRIED FROM 5PM ONWARDS)
• 1 x beanie, balaclava or buff (MUST BE CARRIED FROM 5PM ONWARDS)
• 1 x high visibility safety vest
• 1 x headlamp – please test your headlamp on bush tracks prior to the event (MUST BE CARRIED FROM 5PM ONWARDS)
• 1 x mobile phone (per team/soloist) on the Telstra network
• 1 x emergency space blanket or bivvy sack per team/soloist
• First aid kit (AT LEAST 1 PER TEAM) containing:
  • 1x crepe/stretching bandage (min 7.5cm x min 2.3m un stretched).
  • 1x triangular bandage
  • 2x sterile dressing
  • Roll of strapping tape
• Water bottles / bladder – recommend that you carry at least 2L of water on you
• 1 x zip lock bag for your rubbish

25km Walk and Run

• 1 x mobile phone (per team) on the Telstra network.
• 1 x emergency space blanket or bivvy sack per team/soloist
• Water bottles / bladder – recommend that you carry at least 2L of water on you
• 1 x zip lock bag for your rubbish

Potential Mandatory Gear  (event officials will notify participants if these items are required 1 week prior to the event based on forecasts)

• 1 x long sleeve thermal (polypropylene, wool or similar) top
• 1 x long sleeve thermal (polypropylene, wool or similar) pant
• 1 x beanie, balaclava or buff
• 1 x waterproof and breathable jacket – recommend a waterproof rating of 20,000.

Additional Gear Suggestions

• Sunscreen
• Cap or sun hat
• Spare socks and shoes if the weather forecast is wet
• Spare headlight batteries
• Additional warmer clothing
• A back up head torch
• More substantial first aid kit (sterile dressings, roll of strapping tape, blister care such as blister block patches, Compeed or Fixamol, antiseptic wipes, painkillers, and any relevant personal medications).
• Lubricant to assist with chafing
• Dry bag to store your clothing and food in
• Wet weather pants
• Sun glasses
• Camera
• Walking poles.

Still have questions?

If you’ve been holding off registering for the CBR 100 Challenge – maybe you still need to get your team sorted, or you’re still deciding which distance to tackle, you may have some questions. We’ve rounded up some of the most common queries below, but you can visit the FAQs page on the website for more information.

How many people can we have in a team?

The CBR 100 Challenge is mainly focused on getting people out, having fun and being healthy. If you’re looking to push even harder, tackling the event solo is quite appealing. For this reason you must enter as a team of three or as a soloist.

Can I walk in the soloist category or do i have to run?

You can walk in any of the soloist categories if you are confident you can make it within the cut off times. If you wish to do this, register as an individual during the registration process.

How do I know where to go during the challenge?

The course will be fully marked with both the current Centenary Trail posts, but organisers will also use reflective, high visibility tape to keep you on course. Please pay attention to any event signage and attend the event briefing so you’re aware of any last minute changes.

What do I get for finishing?

All finishers will get a medal with their event distance and date.

Feature image of couple training on trail from shutterstock.com