KosciMiler and Kosci100 Course Updates
We wanted to give you an update on course and weather conditions expected for race day.
Kosci100 + KosciMiler Course Conditions & Changes
The Snowy Mountains is living up to its name, with later snowfall than typical this year, and sections of course at high altitude are still covered by large snow drifts. These sections include: Main Range Track from Rawsons Pass to the Mt Kosciuszko summit, then back to Charlotte Pass Lookout, and top sections of the Dead Horse Gap Walking Track, which will impact the KosciMiler and Kosci100.
In particular, the Main Range Track section between the Kosciuszko summit and Charlotte Pass Lookout has been deemed unsafe, due to steep and icy snow drifts that are unsafe to pass.
Therefore, we will be removing this section from the Kosci100 and KosciMiler, with runners returning via the Kosciuszko Summit Walk after reaching the Mt Kosciuszko Summit, back to Charlotte Pass Lookout CP – where they will resume their originally planned courses.
On the section to the Kosciuszko Summit, there is an approx. 180m long snow drift for runners to pass. A path will be cut into this section to make it easier and safer to pass, but please still take care on this section. As ever in an alpine environment, weather conditions can change quickly, and we’ll continue to monitor them and make changes as required to keep runners safe on course.
Updated courses are now live on our website.
- This change has a small impact on overall distance (a reduction of approx. 3km). No checkpoint or overall cutoff times will be altered.
- An additional section has been added on the Schlink Pass Loop for KosciMiler runners to keep your overall distance above 160km.
There are still other sections with snow cover, particularly leading up to the summit. A few tips for running in the snow:
- Take care – snow is still slippery and can become icy. Please slow down and watch your feet on these sections. We recommend carrying poles for the summit section (between Charlotte Pass and Charlotte Pass Lookout) to help with stability.
- Carry extra warm layers – moving at slower speeds for longer in these high altitudes will mean you’re more exposed to colder temperatures. Having an extra warm layer to put on can keep help you save energy and keep going for longer.
- Have a change of kit prepared – with a high likelihood of having wet feet, and potentially other wet layers, having a full kit change ready after the Main Range section will help you get dry and warm, save your feet, and allow you to keep going longer.
- Look out for others – if you see other runners struggling or hurt, please stop to offer assistance – the trail running community is built on mutual respect and care for our fellow runner!
Weather Forecast
The current weather forecast for race days is looking fine, with overcast conditions predicted and minimal rain. Despite the sunny weather in Jindabyne, low temperatures in high alpine parts of the course are close to 0 degrees Celsius, particularly in the mornings and overnight – meaning it’s likely to still be very cold. Making sure you have all your mandatory gear, plus extra warm layers and kit changes with your support crew or in drop bags will help you save energy and keep going for longer. As always, racing in alpine conditions, particularly those up in high altitude sections of course, weather can change, so be prepared and adaptable as a good ultra runner would!
We will make a final weather dependent gear ruling as planned on Wednesday before 9am, with some final weather updates. This will be available via email, social media and website.
Thanks for your understanding as we work through these changes with the priority of keeping runners safe.
We look forward to welcoming you to the Snowy Mountains this week! Keep an eye on your inbox, the event website and our social channels for any further updates.
