24th April 2021
The GUMBY is a race in the Last One Standing format. A format where every participant runs a 6.7km loop every hour until either you can no longer run, you time out on a lap or quit.
The Last One Standing format is also different from other races because if you are not the last one standing you technically DNF (Did Not Finish), meaning you could run 200km and still get a DNF.
This inaugural event was held at the Blue Range Hut, ACT, 45 minutes west of Canberra City Centre and was organised by the Ultra Mediocre Runners of Canberra (UMRoC), a recently established running club.
I came into this race with every intention of pushing my limits to see how far I can run and build a greater connection with the UMRoC community. Come race day I battled several challenges and ended succumbing to the swamps of sadness at 2:00am Sunday completing 18 hours/18 laps and 120km. I was initially upset with my effort, disappointed that I did not push harder. Then I was reminded, I need to be proud of my efforts and that every race will have its own complications and challenges.
Now I sit here reflecting on the race and find it difficult to separate each lap. I tend to use visual cues such as landmarks when I recall races, however in this race the landmarks are in every lap… but I digress
It is Friday night, Jaran and I pack the car strategically fitting all our supplies, camping gear and first aid equipment. Jaran is my best friend and has been curious about the ultra running world I live in for some time, surprisingly curiosity got the better of him and he offered his services as the first aid officer for the entire GUMBY event. As we load the last of our gear into the car we exchange a big grin, jump in and drive off to the Blue Range Hut.
Night is setting in as we pull up to the hut, we pull everything out of the car onto the ground and make quick work of our tent. Over at registration Malcom and Andy welcome runners, explain the rules and request each GUMBY runner to write their name on beer (Quitters Bitter).
These Quitters Bitters are placed onto the Wall of Warriors and once a runner is finished the runner removes their Quitters Bitter from the Wall of Warriors as their fight is now over. I personally love this theme as it brings me a sense of childish joy in this hardcore running scene.
There where also other runners registering for the GUMBaby, an 8 hour version of the GUMBY following the same rules until the last lap where the first runners to cross the finish line wins.
I spend the last of Friday night enjoying the warmth of a fire and company of like minded people.
Come race morning I wake wrapped in my sleeping bag, hearing the rustling of others around the campsite encourages me to move and ready myself for the day ahead. I eventually brave the cold morning and upon opening my tent I realise darkness is still set in and there is a sheet of ice covering the tent. This is most likely one of the reasons why I was freezing throughout the night.
Headtorches are scattered through the campsite and a flood light lights up the hut where runners line up for the final registration.
I shuffle my cold legs up past the hut and greet runners along the way, I reach the rows of marquees set up along the start/finish line and search for a place to call home for the GUMBY. I set up my chair and food in the within several Ultra Mediocre Runners of Canberra (UMROC), Matthew Griggs, Chris Wilder, Elliot Cooper, Joffrid Mackett and Chris Toyne.
Before long, the clock ticked over to 7:45am and the race director Aaron Broughton began the countdown to the start inaugural Great Ultra Mediocre Back Yarder. I swiftly changed out of my warm clothes and donned my running gear, the iconic UMROC running singlet with its bright pink, yellow and blue. I line up at the front of the start line with my UMORC comrades, the brisk cold washed over my skin and smiles were plastered on everyone’s faces.
62 runners lined up at the start line, 24 running the GUMBY and 38 running the GUMBaby.
Aaron called 2 minutes until race start, 1 minute, 30 seconds, everyone joins in the count down now 10, 9, 8,….3,2,1. I give a loud “WOOOOOOOOOO” and we all excitedly begin our journeys into this new format of racing.
I can attempt to recount every lap, but I do not believe I can, so I will highlight several notable points throughout the race.
As I saw the many smiles plastered on runners faces around lap one it warmed my heart and brought joy into my soul. It reminded me that it is wonderful to be alive, to be able to move my body freely and share an adventure with like minded people. During the first lap Chris Wilder and Matt Griggs made a toilet stop along one stick road in plain view of the other runners, Matt quoted several days later “mates that pee together run to the end together”, which turned into a somewhat comical comradery as Chris and Matt where the last two runners of the GUMBY.
Matt running 31 laps placing 2nd and Chris running 32 laps placing 1st.
Allie Corripio one of the GUMBY runners, she is a recently turned ultra runner. Her previous ultra marathons have been the Stromlo 50km November 2020 and the Snowies Ultra 50km 2021, which put her longest distance ever at 50km. Over many laps of the GUMBY we shared stories, chatted and spurred each other on. Allie’s most said quote of the race was “I just need to run one more lap than you Justin”. Allie called it quits after completing lap 17 which equates to around 114km, doubling her previous distance!!! To say I am impressed is an understatement, Allie is a strong and confident competitor.
Malcolm McCulloch one of the GUMBaby participants enjoys walking more than running and so he challenged himself to walk every 6.7km lap in under an hour. This is quite a challenge with the elevation gain on top of the distance. Malcolm completed 5 laps under an hour and timed out on his 6th lap. Phenomenal effort Malcolm.
It was empowering and wonderful to have several people come and support me.
Firstly to Ellen, my partner who camped out to watch me run and ensure my food and water intake was upkept. Kristy my personal trainer, who motivates me in way no one else can. Jaran my best friend, who stayed awake for 39 hours as the first aid officer of the GUMBY. Mitch, Aimee and Jackie for stopping by to cheer me on. My Dad (Dave) who was my anchor for the GUMBY.
Camping at the Blue Range Hut over the span of the Great Ultra Mediocre Back Yarder gave me a great sense of connection with the other runners, supporters and volunteers.
In summary this was a spectacular race with a unique challenge. I cannot wait for the GUMBY 2020!
Nutrition intake:
- Tailwind 3.4L
- Water 3.5L
- 4.5 rice bars (homemade)
- 4 Canaberry Spring Energy gels
- 5 Awesomesauce Spring Energy gels
- Half a packet of BBQ Pringles
- 2 wraps with peanut butter and honey
- 1 wrap with avocado and vegenaise
- Hand full of pickles
- Half a packet of plain potato chips
- 1 packet of 2 minute noodles
- 2 Revvie strips (caffeine strips)
- 1 banana
- 1 sweet potato
- 1 black coffee
Challenges
1. Fatigue hit me hard after midnight. The majority of my ultra marathons have been finished under 16 hours and have only gotten faster with experience. Spending 18 hours on my feet, this is the second longest ultra I have run to date.
It looks like I will need to run some more longer duration runs.
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