Kangaroo Island Marathon – 2021
Kangaroo Island Marathon – May 1st 2021
https://www.kangarooislandmarathon.com
The marathon course is located in the south-west corner of Flinders Chase National Park. Runners will be inspired by deviating and undulating roads, an exposed coastal section with views of the powerful Southern Ocean, a loop that travels by historic landmarks such as Cape du Couedic Lighthouse, Admirals Arch, and a zig-zag boardwalk (boardwalk was destroyed in 2020 fires and are currently being rebuilt) leading to the iconic Remarkable Rocks. Our vision is to become one of the leading running destinations in the World. We’re proud to deliver a significant economic benefit to local tourism. Kangaroo Island Marathon was founded by Race Director Nate Godfrey, and is in partnership with SA Tourism Commission and Department of Environment and Water. Kangaroo Island has a 480km coastline. It is a bio-diverse hotspot; organic GMA free produce, rare flora and fauna, and picturesque beaches.
Why did I decide on Kangaroo Island Marathon?
Kangaroo Island, like a large portion of Australia, is often impacted by bushfires in summer. But the fires of the summer of 2019-20 were unprecedented and detrimental. Fires began on the north coast on December 20th from lightning strikes. On December 30th, there were more lightning strikes, just north of Flinders Chase National Park. By January 2nd, evacuations began. Fires continued to burn across the island for weeks, 2 people lost their lives, 96% of Flinders Chase National Park was destroyed, countless homes and businesses were damaged, and wildlife, livestock and habitat perished. Before the bushfires, about 50,000 koalas were estimated to live on the island. Now there’s 5,000-10,000. Other seriously affected wildlife were the dunnart (small, possum-like marsupial), Rosenberg’s goanna, short-beaked echidna, glossy black cockatoo, southern brown bandicoot and green carpenter bee. It wasn’t until January 21st that the fires were contained and February 6th before it was deemed safe to return. 211,000 hectares were burnt by the fires. KI Marathon was my way to support the locals and tourism of the island.
Pre-race –
My first full marathon since The Tan 50km in 2019 due to Covid-19 and lockdowns! There were minimal events in Melbourne throughout 2020.
I’ve explained my reasons behind the decision to run Kangaroo Island Marathon. It was in my calendar since January 2020 fires and in the months prior to race day, I increased my training in preparation. I’d run a couple of 30km+ runs but they were flat. I live in a relatively hilly area, therefore some shorter runs incorporated rolling hills but nothing major.
Getting to Kangaroo Island proved more complicated than I anticipated but after weighing up the options, I booked a flight with Qantas that flew Melbourne-Adelaide, then Adelaide-Kingscote. It was a short car ride to my accommodation. The best word to describe Kingscote is peaceful. A charming, little, beachside town with a small strip of shops and restaurants. I had brunch at a lively and wholesome cafe called Cactus, and I bought some supplies from the one and only supermarket.
Later in the day, I decided to drive the course and stopped at some of the famous landmarks on the way: The Remarkables, Admirals Arch and the lighthouse. The scenery was breathtaking and heartbreaking at the same time. Even though the fires went through the park 16 months ago, so many trees still looked burnt beyond repair (coated with an ashy colour… it almost looked like paint). Native plants like sedges and gahnias adapted to survive and began to regenerate only weeks after the devastating fires. Yaccas, hakeas and mallees grow quickly after fires, and this has helped turn the park green again. ‘The yacca flower can grow to a height of over 6 metres within 3-6 months. This makes them one of the most important nectar and pollen providers for creatures like lorikeets, pygmy possums and insects.’ When you look out over the endless fields of blackened branches, it can seem lifeless. However, if you look more closely you can see sugar gums, mallee trees and green shoots budding from the soil. This provides hope for plants, wildlife and human beings. (And hopefully marathon runners!)
As far as the marathon course was concerned… I was justifiably nervous (undulations my ass). The hills were real and persistent with approximately 850-metres elevation over the course. Also, the park ranger said to expect a strong headwind on the back end. Spoiler Alert: She wasn’t wrong!
I’ve never had a wake-up call quite like the sound of a mouse rustling around in my bag! Apparently, Kingscote-Kangaroo Island was experiencing a mouse plague (along with rural NSW). I turned on the light and saw a little, grey mouse perched up in my case, playing, “If I stay still, you can’t see me.” But I could see him! We stared at each other for at least a minute until he scurried out of my bag and under the bed. I immediately moved my bag and stood there wondering what to do next. After a few minutes, I decided to go back to sleep. I woke again at 5am and hit the road by 5:45am. It is 100km from Kingscote-Flinders Chase National Park.
The weather was crisp and sunny, with a gentle breeze. It seemed like perfect running conditions, but I knew better. Firstly, if I’m not cold at the beginning of an event, chances are I’m going to be hot and bothered after about 10km. Secondly, the ‘gentle breeze’ would turn into powerful gusts of wind as soon as we were exposed to the ocean. Thirdly, bare trees provided no shelter and no place to hide from the elements. It was going to be interesting!
The start line was heartfelt with the race director giving a short but meaningful speech about the human spirit of the people of Kangaroo Island. There was a moment of silence, and I felt the significance of participating in the event. I felt privileged to be there.
The first few kilometres were a tame introduction to the course, with a short out and back section along unmade roads. The pack started off strong and were back on the road within 15min. The undulations started soon after, but the views were stunning and offered a welcome distraction. As I looked at the rolling hills in front of me, I was reminded of Portland Marathon http://360running.blogspot.com/2018/11/portland-3-bays-marathon-2018.html
The rise and fall of the road was so similar, and much like Portland, I was enjoying the challenge and scenery. I held a steady pace, reaching 5km in 26min and 10km in under 53min. I was relatively happy considering the hills. My mind and body felt strong, I was comfortable. It was around the 10km mark when I looked up and saw my friend standing still with two other runners. I thought she was attending to them for some reason, but it was the other way around. My friend had fallen over, and hurt her arm. I caught up to them and ran/walked with my friend until we reached the aid station. I was hesitant to leave her, but I knew her husband wasn’t far behind and he would look after her… so I started to run again.
I told myself that I’d see them both on one of the out and back sections, and I should keep going. The first out and back section was around 15km, after having climbed a decent hill. My watch showed 1hr 25min (my pace had dropped from 5:20min/km to 5:40min/km). I started the race with a goal to run sub 4 hours, but pace was no longer a factor. I just wanted to enjoy the course, cross the finish, make sure my friend was OK and celebrate together.
The road to The Remarkables was… remarkable! Sorry but it’s true! The vast and bushfire-stricken terrain stretched as far as the eye could see, with the contrast of the ocean on the horizon. The water and sky were bright, shiny blue. The temperature was beginning to rise, and strong gusts of wind blew across the road. However, this was my favourite section of the course. I could see The Remarkables in the distance and I was aware of the scenic gift that awaited us (having been there the day before).When I finally reached the rocks, I took a minute to breathe in the salty, ocean air and savour the moment. (This event was nearly two months ago, but that moment remains as clear in my mind as the sky was that day).
On the way back to the road, I stopped at the aid station and took in a few cups of electrolytes. I was starting to dehydrate. And I’d already finished my bottles of 32Gi electrolyte mix. I’d only consumed one gel. I grabbed a second gel, ready to take in as I walked uphill. As I began running again, I saw my friend's husband. He reassured me that she was fine but had withdrawn from the race.
I reached 21km in about 1hr 58min, my body was tiring, and my head was spiraling. With a messy head and heavy legs, I pushed on. The second out and back section was relatively short and dusty (another unmade road). It was an easy segment and encouraging to see other runners. I reclaimed my pace, as the course took runners to the lighthouse, and down to the carpark area.
‘Cape du Couedic Lighthouse was constructed between 1906–1909, consists of a tower built from 2,000 pieces of local stone, together with 3 cottages to house the head keeper and assistants. In the early years the site wasn’t accessible by land. Materials and equipment brought by boat were hauled up by a flying fox winching system powered by horses. Today the lighthouse is automated, and visitors can stay in the cottages. It is listed as state heritage.’
The turnaround point was 28km (2hrs 43min). The steepest part of the course was the climb up from the lighthouse carpark. It wasn’t long, but it was a reasonable hill. Like many others, I walked! Once back on top, I started running… by this stage, it was more like shuffling. My mind was elsewhere and my body was fatigued. On the return trip, the headwind was challenging, and the air was hot and dry. According to my Garmin the windspeed was 27km/hr (moderate) but after 30km of hills and drama, I had no energy to push (mentally or physically). Instead, I ran downhill, and I took photos and videos, as I walked uphill. I reached 32km in 3hrs 15min (6min/km pace). I don’t remember much about the last 10km, except it took a really, really long time… 1hr 15min (7:30min/km pace).
I crossed the finish line in 4hrs 31min.
Post race –
Flinders Chase National Park is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been. I highly recommend visiting Kangaroo Island and running the event. The adversity and diversity of the land is reflected by the ‘undulations’ of the roads. The fires of 2020 were detrimental to countless wildlife and livestock. But homes and businesses (boardwalks and phone towers) can be rebuilt. And regrowth of native plants and their ability to adapt, survive and regenerate provides hope! Thank you to Nate (Race Director) and volunteers of KI Marathon. It was the perfect post-lockdown event and my first marathon in almost two years. It was a privilege to run.