2023 EVENT RECAP!

Congratulations to the winner, Sean Tee - the first LRC winner ever! 

Before we celebrate too much, let's rewind to the start.

The event team came together way back in January, and secured our permit to hold the third annual DNF Ultra at Hawkstowe Park. 

Over the last few months, we worked hard to make this year's event the best ever, and all for a great cause, the Northern Health Foundation. 

As we launched registrations, we had a quick flurry of entrants, and we excitedly watched and celebrated each new participant and volunteer registration. Slowly, we reached the same number of entries as the last two years. At that stage, we were extremely pleased with the number of entries. 

Weren't we blown away, when we crept over 50 entries, then 55, 60 and finally reaching a whopping 72 registrations! 50 of those LRC members. Making this the first ever sold out event and the most sought after entry!!! 

This year, two new categories were introduced, Junior (11 to 15 years) and Little Junior (4 to 10 years), with the aim to encourage juniors to participate.  

We welcomed an expanded field of entries with members from Crosbie Crew, Melbourne Spartans and Preston Athletics joining DCR, Northern Runners, Mitchell Runners and LRC. We hope that future years will see more clubs represented.

Fly forward to race day, our volunteers were prepped and ready, even braving the icy cold conditions and frozen fingers on a 3 degree morning, to set up all of the equipment, welcome runners, man registration and aid stations, marshalling car park, ride loops, dance and entertain you, being the smooth voice of the day, and capturing every moment. We thank each and everyone of you for all of the work you did. ❤️ 

Excitement levels raised as warm up was completed and last minute gear modifications were made before the start of the race. There were more beanies and buffs than I have seen in a while. 8am ticked over and off you went. Some zooming off, others trotting, and the rest taking in the crisp freshness of an April morning. 

We heard that our international competitor, Shaun from NZ, stopped to take some photos of the resident roos and had to push at the end of the lap to make the cut off. Yes, you heard that correctly, international competitor! Speaking of rushing to the finish line, we also saw Dan Rees and Sean Tee having to sprint to the finish to make time - that could have been a very different ending!

We witnessed graduates of our recent Walk 2 Run program, Rhonda, Claudia, Melissah, Liz and Ali  enter and go as far as they could, exceeding their expectations. We are proud of you and look forward to seeing what you can do next. 

Michelle kept everyone at home informed on socials across the day. Some expressing their FOMO, announcing to sign up early next year. 

As the laps progressed, and time reduced we heard more and more of the catch cry  'just one more' (maybe two) laps. So many new records!

At lap 21 Fi, our final LRC female DNF'd, leaving Kat from DCR to claim the women's title, DNF'ing on lap 23. 

Loop after loop, we saw sheer determination etched on faces, drinks come closer, and the crowd gathered with excitement to see who would become the final 5. Our amazing MC Stacey took great pleasure in announcing that despite running 30+km, as soon as people tapped out, they were officially classified as a DNF!

Two from DCR, Dan and Jack and three from LRC, Ben, Sean and Chris, remained - finally, LRC are in with a strong chance of winning. Anticipation builds as they set off on lap 28, we wait at the finish line to see who will round the last corner first. They make it back in time and continue on, but eventually Ben and Jack both tap out on lap 30, sending defending champion Dan Rees out with the lead LRC Chris Cashen and newcomer Sean Tee. Once again, the waiting eyes wander to the last bend - who will it be? 

Chris and Sean file through and finish lap 31 with about a minute to spare. Dan trailing behind and decided this would be his first DNF. The defending champion was out, leaving Chris and Sean battling it out. As lap 32 began, we saw them give each other a fist bump before setting off. There was much speculation that maybe they had made an agreement and would tap out together, leaving us with a judging decision. But no! It seems it was a ‘may the best person win’ fist bump, as they continued pushing each other lap after lap, with Shiraz and Dirk riding by their sides, encouraging and pushing right to the end.

After successfully completing lap 34, Chris gallantly decided that was his limit, and DNF'd, which meant Sean had one more lap to do to achieve the final finisher status. 

As Sean set off on his final lap, Chris was congratulated for his DNF efforts and the finishers tunnel was lined with everyone, ready to witness history in the making and cheer Sean home to victory. 

The anticipation was high. The energy was electric. The sound of cheering echoed across the park. It's the final stretch! Sean, rounding the last bend is on the home stretch, high fiving with a beaming smile (and a hamstring injury), he crossed the finish line, taking the win at 56.7km, and becoming an ultra marathoner! Word has it that Sean's furthest distance previously was 28 km. What an achievement! 

Congratulations to Sean, and to Chris for the assist. 

What a phenomenal event!!!

WINNERS

Male: Sean Tee (LRC)

Female: Katherine Gibbins (DCR)

Junior (10 to 16 yrs): Jalen Freame (LRC)

Little Junior (4yrs to 9 years): Georgia Gilloway (LRC)

FUN FACT: Lap 10 was the one with the most tap outs (8).

What a superb day, raising vital funds for Northern Health Foundation Cancer Services. Stay tuned as we announce the final figure of funds raised. The indicative amount is $3300, which is a HUGE increase on last year’s efforts. Thank you. 

One final note, please join us in thanking our incredibly talented volunteer team; Neville, Bill, Ciaran, Trevor, Anna, Tony, Fi, Steph, Sarah, Shiraz, Stacey, Jessica, Dickie, Ruchi, Helen, Elise, Jo, Vince, Ali, Jamie, Rose, Paula, Chel, Julie, Jules, Dirk, Sarah, Indy, Stacy and Skyla! 

See you in 2024!

Kirsty, Kylie, Wai and Michelle 

DNF Event team

Runners complete a 1.6km loop at Hawkstowe Park, South Morang. They have a set time to complete their lap, with all runners beginning each lap together. The time reduces, the number of runners reduces and the excitement builds as the event goes on!

Runners may choose to stop, or may get timed out, but the event keeps going until there is only one runner left!

The event will begin at 8am, with the first lap. The second lap begins at 8.15am, with participants required to be lining up in the start chute 30 seconds prior to the lap beginning (therefore giving 14.5 minutes to complete the first lap).

After 4 laps, the allocated time drops by one minute. This pattern continues until lap 29, which is an 8min limit. The time remains at 8mins until lap 40. If there are still 2 or more runners competing at this point, the time allocation reduces by one minute per lap.

The event ends when only one runner completes the lap in the allocated time.

The event is held at Hawkstowe Park in South Morang. Limited parking is available at Red Gum Picnic Area, which is a short walk to the event start line.

A unique event needs unique 'medals'. You will receive a special memento to commemorate your participation.

 The minimum age for entrants is 4 years old. For participants aged under 11 years, they must be accompanied by an adult within arm’s reach and distance is capped at 3 laps (4.8km). 

 For entrants aged between 11 years to 15 years, the distance is capped at 6 laps (9.6km). In some cases, special consideration may be granted. For more information and to apply, please email info@lalorrunningclub.com.au

The event is held as a fundraiser for the Northern Health Foundation Cancer Services Department, a cause close to the heart of the Lalor Running Club community. Click on the link here to donate:  

The event is fully volunteer run and supported by donations and sponsorship. Please contact Lalor Running Club at info@lalorrunningclub.com.au or by using the form in the link below: 

There is one aid station,  situated at the start/finish area. This is fully stocked with Tailwind Nutrition, fruit, lollies and water (plus some special treats if you're lucky!)

Get your official DNF Ultra Merchandise, either on the day or pre-order via the link below. Limited stock, so get them while you can!